Sentencing

Sentencing usually involves a separate hearing. The judge reviews a presentence report (prepared by probation officers), hears argument from the prosecution and defense, often listens to victim impact statements, and considers any statement from the defendant.

Sentencing is structured by guidelines in many systems: the federal Sentencing Guidelines, state sentencing grids, mandatory minimums for certain offenses. The judge has discretion within those structures but isn't free to ignore them.

Defendants can typically appeal a sentence, especially if it's outside the proper guidelines range or based on legal errors.