Anthony @ Equity Investigations, Dear Anthony, Message Board

To: tonto who wrote (93918)	3/5/2006 10:14:22 AM
From: tool dude	of 116402

"The guidelines are what actually matter" Tonto: After US v. Booker, decided last year, guidelines are only advisory. Judges must now impose a sentence that is “sufficient but not greater than necessary” by considering seven factors listed in 18 USC 3553(a), including: 1. The nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant; 2. The purpose of the sentence imposed (i.e., Retribution, Specific Deterrence, General Deterrence, or Rehabilitation); 3. The kinds of sentences available (i.e., alternatives to prison); 4-5. The Sentencing Guidelines and their Policy Statement, which are advisory; 6. The need to avoid unwarranted sentence disparities; and 7. The need to provide restitution to any victims of the offense. The only thing MANDATORY anymore is that the sentence be sufficient but not greater than necessary.