What are the federal sentencing guidelines?

The federal sentencing guidelines are draconian, horrible guidelines enacted by Congress that federal judges are mandated to consider. For many years, federal judges, judges appointed for life by the President of the United States and affirmed by the United States Senate, were bound by these guidelines, mathematical grids. Fortunately, the United States Supreme Court, after many horrible years said the guidelines now must be considered by federal district judges, the trial judges, but it’s only a factor to be considered in sentencing. Nevertheless, if you’re charged with a crime in federal court, it is absolutely essential that your criminal defense attorney discuss the guidelines with you because they are critically important in every federal case.

By Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A.