Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Understanding and Appealing Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Sentencing guidelines are a set of guiding principles for judges to take into consideration while passing sentence upon a person convicted of a crime. Initially these guidelines were created to try to minimize the effect of racism in prison sentences for felony crimes. The length of sentence for a particular crime should be the same regardless of the race of the person who was convicted.

States have sentencing guidelines covering jail or prison time as well. State and federal guidelines often differ. Federal sentencing guidelines are generally harsher, but some states have harsher penalties for some crimes. Prosecutors will often look at the two sets of guidelines when choosing the court in which they will bring their case. They want to bring it in the court with harsher penalties.

Federal sentencing guidelines are no longer mandatory. This means that federal judges now have more discretion over the sentence they impose and the extenuating circumstances they can consider.

What this means for you, if you have been charged with a crime that could be heard in state OR federal court, is that it's very important to have competent legal representation at every stage. Even in very serious federal crimes, your choice of lawyer can make a difference.

At The Henry Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have substantial experience defending people in both state and federal criminal cases. We understand the sentencing guidelines and the possible consequences you face if you have been charged with a state or federal drug crime, a state or federal sex crime, or a state or federal gun crime.

A comprehensive understanding of the federal sentencing guidelines allows us to prepare your case in a direction of fewer and less harsh penalties. Contact our Philadelphia law office if you are facing criminal prosecution.

Sentencing Appeals

Whether a judge used the sentencing guidelines does not necessarily affect a person's right to appeal, but once a sentence has been given, we make do a post-conviction appeal in some cases.

Learn More About Sentencing Guidelines

• Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines
• Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your communication with your lawyer is always confidential.

From our offices in Philadelphia and Media, our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania and New Jersey state courts in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Allentown, Scranton, Drexel Hill, Camden, Trenton, Vineland, Millville, Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, as well as Delaware County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Bucks County, Monroe County, Lehigh County, Berks County, and Dauphin County, and in federal courts across the United States.