NCJ Number
146183
Date Published
1991
Length
51 pages
Annotation
A working group was tasked to examine the acceptance of responsibility sentencing guideline (Section 3E1.1) to determine whether changes may be necessary in the guideline's structure, language, and application.
Abstract
Section 3E1.1 provides for a two-level reduction in the defendant's combined adjusted offense level if the defendant clearly recognizes and accepts responsibility for his or her criminal conduct. To evaluate the guideline, monitoring data from fiscal year 1990 were used in conjunction with data covering the 1984-1990 period. Consideration was given to mode of conviction, acceptance of responsibility, effect of denying acceptance of responsibility credit on sentencing, and departures related to acceptance of responsibility. The working group consulted several sources in evaluating the acceptance of responsibility sentencing guideline and made recommendations to the Judicial Conference on certain amendments to the guideline. Sentencing options are discussed, and relevant case law is cited. 5 tables and 1 figure