August 17, 2010

Smart Sentencing: Sentencing Information Now Includes Costs of Recommended Sentences and Risks of Re-incarceration

This new on-line application for Missouri judges provides a listing of the risk of recidivism and costs associated with incarceration and community-based supervision programs for various offenses. The application—Automated Recommended Sentencing information and Application—was developed by the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission to provide recommended sentencing information for all felonies and an offender risk-assessment rating and the amount of prison time likely to be served for particular offenses. The application was developed using Missouri offender statistics. The goal is help judges, attorneys, and probation officers identify sentences most likely to cost-effectively reduce recidivism, with a long-term goal of reducing the number of offenders sentenced to jail or prison.