NCJ Number
110377
Date Published
1983
Length
103 pages
Annotation
This analysis of sentences imposed by Alaskan judges and magistrates in misdemeanor cases during 1981 focuses on whether sentences varied by court or defendant characteristics.
Abstract
Defendants' physical characteristics such as age, race, and sex did not affect sentences, but defendants' prior criminal history and past failure to complete alcoholism treatment significantly affected sentencing. Less wealthy offenders received slightly longer sentences for vehicular and disorderly conduct offenses. Regarding the relationship between sentence length and community characteristics, the study found that sentences for certain types of offenses committed by similarly situated defendants varied somewhat from urban to rural areas. This factor was not as significant in sentencing, however, as the defendant's criminal history and response to alcoholism treatment. The study recommends that the judiciary, corrections department, and other criminal justice agencies cooperate to ensure uniform and quick access to alcohol treatment for offenders, given that the study found a direct relationship between alcohol abuse and continuing criminal conduct. Also recommended are the monitoring of the effectiveness of punitive sanctions for alcohol-related crime and the development of guidelines for sentences that include incentives for completing alcoholism treatment. 13 graphs, 38 tables. (Author summary modified)