The Federal Sentencing Guidelines

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are a set of rules used by judges to determine appropriate sentences for individuals convicted of federal crimes. Established to create consistency and fairness in sentencing, these guidelines consider factors such as the severity of the crime and the defendant's prior criminal history. Each crime falls into a specific category, and the guidelines provide a recommended range of sentences. While judges have discretion, they typically follow these recommendations to ensure that similar offenses receive similar punishments, promoting justice and accountability in the federal legal system.