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Report on Sentencing Practices Determinate Sentencing Law July 1, 1988 Through June 30, 1989

NCJ Number
129428
Date Published
1991
Length
116 pages
Annotation
The Board of Prison Terms reviewed and analyzed the records of 23,434 men and women imprisoned in California facilities with determinate sentences during the July 1, 1988 through June 30, 1989 period.
Abstract
This report presents statistical data as to the length of their sentences including the application of enhancements. Of the 23,434 persons entering prison under determinate sentencing law, 6,895 (29.42 percent) received sentences of between 17-24 months. Collectively, 81.84 percent of the prison admissions had a sentence of 48 months in contrast to the prior year's level of 81.53 percent. The statewide mean sentence increased by 0.75 (1.80 percent) to 42.51 months compared to the previous year's mean sentence of 41.56 months. Possession of controlled substances, the largest offense group, showed a 13.13 percent growth from last year's level. Under an initiative statute relating to habitual criminals, 1,309 felons were charged with 1,770 enhancements. Of this number, 892 were proved with 1,104 enhancements, and 867 were imposed with an average sentence of 73.52 months. 11 charts and 12 tables