Sentencing in Florida

Sentencing in criminal law refers to the process by which a judge imposes a punishment on a defendant who has been convicted of a crime. The purpose of sentencing is to hold the defendant accountable for their actions, to protect society from further harm, to deter future criminal behavior, and to rehabilitate the offender when possible.

Judges have some discretion in sentencing, but they must adhere to state laws and guidelines. Some nuances about Florida’s sentencing process are highlighted below.

Sentencing Guidelines
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Scoresheets
Pre-Sentence Investigation
Downward Departure
Sentencing Hearing

Sentencing Guidelines

Sentencing guidelines are a set of rules and principles used by judges to determine appropriate sentences for criminal offenses

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Mandatory minimum sentences are mandated by law and limit the discretion of judges in sentencing.

Scoresheets

In Florida criminal cases, scoresheets calculate the minimum sentence that a defendant may receive for certain felony offenses.

Pre-Sentence Investigation

The purpose of a PSI is to gather information about the defendant's background, circumstances, and the nature of the offense committed.

Downward Departure

In Florida, a downward departure refers to a departure from the standard sentencing guidelines established by the state's Criminal Punishment Code (CPC).

Sentencing Hearing

During a sentencing hearing, a judge determines the appropriate punishment and sentence for a convicted individual.