In the CJi Interactive activities I learned about the Criminal Justice system's mandatory sentencing guidelines. An indeterminate sentence is a sentence imposed for a crime that isn't given a definite duration. The prison term does not state a specific period of time or release date, but just a range of time, such as "five-to-ten years." It also means that you are given a minimum sentence, but not a max. Determinate sentencing is a fixed term or incarceration is imposed.It means that you are sentenced for a given time, 25 years, and come hell or high water, you will be free after 25 years.
The Sentencing for a criminal conviction can take many forms, and a conviction doesnt always mean a trip to prison. Alternative sentences can include different combinations of the following: a suspended sentence, probation, fines, restitution, community service and deferred adjudication/pretrial diversion. Judges typically determine whether to impose alternative sentences based on the type and severity of the crime, the age of the defendant, the defendants criminal history, the effect of the crime on the victims, and the defendants remorse.
In 1994, California voters enacted the “Three Strikes and You're Out” which imposes a life sentence for almost any crime, no matter how minor, if the defendant had two pror convictions for crimes defined as serious or violent by the California Penal Code.
According to official ballot materials promoting the original Three Strikes law, the sentencing scheme was intended to “keep murders, rapists, and child molesters behind bars, where they belong.” However, today, more than half of inmates sentenced under the law are serving sentences for nonviolent crimes. Many have tried to reform this law over the years as it has caused more chaos than