People accused of criminal conduct by local authorities in Rhode Island or at the federal level often face specific penalties. The law establishes a minimum sentence as well as a maximum possible penalty in most cases. Much is left to the discretion of the courts during and after criminal proceedings.
In some cases, defendants may actually receive lenient treatment instead of a harsh sentence. There are a handful of scenarios in which defendants can potentially secure more compassionate treatment from the criminal courts.
What circumstances could justify the courts minimizing the penalties imposed after a conviction?
Cooperation with the state
Sometimes, people plead guilty to criminal offenses in the hope of securing leniency. While the courts might limit the sentence imposed because an individual cooperates, working with an attorney to negotiate a plea bargain increases the chances of leniency in exchange for a guilty plea. Cooperating by testifying in another case or providing information about criminal activity could also inspire the courts to limit the penalties imposed after a conviction.
Mitigating circumstances
Sometimes, it is clear that a person broke the law. However, their circumstances may have left them with limited options. Circumstances including personal hardship, prior trauma and a host of other unusual circumstances might inspire a more lenient sentence. So could taking certain steps to assist or protect others in the aftermath of criminal conduct.
The potential for rehabilitation
Expressing remorse can often be beneficial for those accused of criminal conduct. Particularly in scenarios where they may have the intelligence, health or skill to become contributing members of society again in the future, the courts may send them leniency in the hopes of them undergoing rehabilitation and improving their circumstances.
A first offense
Sometimes, otherwise law-abiding people simply make mistakes. Court officials might acknowledge that people who have largely avoided criminal activity may have simply made an error in judgment that led to an unfortunate outcome. In scenarios where an individual does not appear to have true criminal intention and does not have a prior criminal record, leniency may seem reasonable during sentencing.
A lack of aggravating factors
There are numerous criminal offenses that come in a variety of different degrees of severity. In cases where the crime did not cause direct harm to others and where there are no other aggravating factors to consider, leniency during sentencing may be possible.
Those hoping to obtain the best possible outcome when facing criminal charges at the federal or state level often need help understanding what might happen next. Learning about the possible penalties and reviewing the state’s case with a skilled legal team can help defendants pursue a lenient sentence.