Sentencing Dynamics Study II: A Sourcebook of Felony Sentencing Practices in Hidalgo, Jefferson, Midland, Smith, and Williamson Counties -- 1991

• NCJ Number: 155220
• Author(s): N Arrigona; S Beggs; B Bryan; S Carruth; M Gidseg; M Hurtado; P Martinez; T Reed; L Riechers; J Hirst
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 89 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; Texas Criminal Justice Policy Council
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study was designed to explore the breadth and diversity of sentencing practices in Texas; the sampled counties each had unique geographic, demographic, and social characteristics.

Abstract

Midland County, with the smallest population among the five counties, had the highest conviction rate per 10,000 adults. Jefferson and Midland Counties had the highest conviction to prison rate, 34 and 33 offenders sentenced to prison, respectively. In contrast, Hidalgo County, the county with the largest population, had the second smallest conviction and conviction to prison rates, 42 felony convictions and 16 convictions to prison per 10,000 adults. Williamsom County had the lowest conviction and conviction to prison rates, 36 and 12 per 10,000 adults, respectively. Overall, blacks comprised a much larger proportion of the convicted population than their representation in the general adult population. The majority of offenders in every county except Jefferson had no prior felony convictions. Property offenders comprised the largest percentage of offenders in every county except Jefferson. Midland and Williamson Counties had the largest percentages of offenders convicted for driving while intoxicated. Sentencing patterns among counties varied most in terms of the use of deferred adjudication. An appendix contains data on index crimes, convictions, offenders sentenced to prison, and offenses committed within each county. Tables and figures