What factors does the MN Sentencing Guidelines consider in determining a presumptive prison sentence for convicted felons?

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines consider both the criminal history score and the offense severity level in determining a presumptive prison sentence for convicted felons.

The criminal history score reflects the individual's past criminal behavior, providing insight into how often the person has previously committed offenses and the severity of those offenses. This score plays a critical role in assessing the risk that the offender represents and influences the severity of the sentence that is deemed appropriate.

On the other hand, the offense severity level categorizes the current offense based on its seriousness and the potential harm caused. This level is essential for determining the base penalty range for various crimes. By combining these two factors—criminal history and offense severity—the sentencing guidelines ensure a structured and fair approach to determining imprisonment, which aims to reflect the gravity of the crime while considering the offender's background.

Thus, acknowledging both elements leads to a clearer understanding of sentencing outcomes and emphasizes their importance in the judicial process within Minnesota's legal framework.