DUI Sentencing

What is a DUI sentencing hearing?

In arriving at an appropriate sentence, a sentencing hearing may be held at which evidence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances is considered. The sentence hearing is also known as the "sentencing phase," "penalty phase" and "punishment phase." In assessing the circumstances surrounding a convicted person’s criminal behavior, state courts often rely on pre-sentence investigations by probation agencies or other designated authorities. Courts may also consider victim impact statements, particularly in sentencing defendants convicted of serious or particularly violent crimes.