Prepared 10/6/05
BASIC EXPLANATION OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES
The “Sentencing Guidelines” are a grid which uses the seriousness of the crime
(offense gravity score) crime and the prior record of the person convicted of the crime
(prior record score) to set a potential sentence. The sentencing guidelines list a range of
the minimum number of months in prison a person should normally receive if convicted.
The “minimum” sentence is the time a defendant must serve before becoming eligible for
parole. The guidelines do not set the maximum part of a sentence; that is done the
sentencing judge in accordance with state law.
The “Offense Gravity Score” (OGS) ranges from low of 1 to a high of 14 for the
most serious offenses. The guideline chart lists some examples of crimes for each OGS.
Once you know the OGS of the crime in question, you can find the guideline
sentence in the proper column for your “Prior Record Score” (PRS). It is impossible to
determine your PRS without having a detailed record of all your prior offenses, including
juvenile offenses. Generally a defendant gets one point for every two misdemeanors, and
either 1,2,3, or 4 points for each felony, depending on seriousness.
The prior record score can be from “0” to “5” or “RFEL” or “REVOC”. RFEL
(repeat felon) is for defendants with a prior record score of a least 6 and certain multiple
felonies. REVOC is for defendants with a score of at least 9 if part of that score is from
two or more 4 point felonies.
The guideline column at the extreme right, headed “AGG/MIT”, lists the number
of months the judge may add or subtract from the standard range sentence if there are
aggravating (worse) or mitigating (better) factors about this crime or your life. If the
aggravating or mitigating factors are serious enough, the judge may even sentence
outside the AGG/MIT ranges, either below or above.
“BC” in a box means that the judge could recommend you for boot camp in the
state prison sentence if he gives the guideline sentence.
“RS” means restorative sanctions, which basically means probation plus paying
for any damages.