Sec. 14.22.01.05. Sentences Outside the Guidelines  


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  • A. The judge shall document on the guidelines worksheet the reason or reasons for imposing a sentence outside of the recommended guidelines range.

    B. Common reasons for departure under the guidelines range include, but are not limited to, the following:

    (1) The parties reached a plea agreement that called for a reduced sentence;

    (2) The offender had a minor role in the offense;

    (3) The offender was influenced by coercion or duress;

    (4) The offender had diminished capability for judgment;

    (5) The offender made restorative efforts after the offense;

    (6) The victim's participation in the offense lessens the offender's culpability;

    (7) The offender's commitment to substance abuse treatment or other therapeutic program; or

    (8) Recommendation of the State's attorney or Division of Parole and Probation.

    C. Common reasons for departure over the guidelines range include, but are not limited to, the following:

    (1) The offender had a major role in the offense;

    (2) The level of harm was excessive;

    (3) Special circumstances of the victim;

    (4) The offender exploited a position of trust;

    (5) The offender committed a "white collar" offense;

    (6) The offender had significant participation in a major controlled substance offense;

    (7) The vicious or heinous nature of the conduct; or

    (8) Recommendation of the State's attorney or Division of Parole and Probation.