What is the case law on abuse of discretion when sentencing a convicted sex offender to probation rather than prison term?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Reel, 2d Crim. No. B263237 (Cal. App. 2016):

Reel contends that the trial court erred by not sentencing him, a first time offender, to probation. He argues that a prison term "would have a devastating effect on [him]," he was remorseful, he scored a zero on the Static-99R test of risk for sex offender recidivism, and any public safety concern would be addressed by his required participation in a sex offender treatment program. We review the court's sentencing decision for abuse of discretion. (People v. Sandoval (2007) 41 Cal.4th 825, 847.)

"The trial court's sentencing discretion must be exercised in a manner that is not arbitrary and capricious, that is consistent with the letter and spirit of the law, and that is based upon an 'individualized consideration of the offense, the offender, and the public interest.' [Citation.]" (People v. Sandoval, supra, 41 Cal.4th at p. 847.) A trial court will abuse its discretion "if it relies upon circumstances that are not relevant to the decision or that otherwise constitute an improper basis for decision. [Citations.] A failure to exercise discretion also may constitute an abuse of discretion. [Citations.]" (Id., at pp. 847-848.)

Other Questions


Does the court abuse its discretion in denying probation and sentencing defendant to a middle term sentence? (California, United States of America)
Is a probation term that requires a defendant to give up his right to exercise his constitutional right under probation terms an abuse of discretion? (California, United States of America)
What is the legal test for abuse of discretion when determining whether to reinstate probation or prison terms? (California, United States of America)
Can a convicted and sentenced defendant appeal their sentence on the grounds of abuse of discretion? (California, United States of America)
Can a sentencing judge who did not preside over the trial and has "minimal familiarity with the case" exercise his discretion in imposing harsher individual sentencing terms than the prior sentencing judge? (California, United States of America)
Does a judge have discretionary authority to reinstate probation on the same or modified terms as to revoke probation and sentence a defendant to prison? (California, United States of America)
How have courts exercised discretion to impose the upper term sentence for abuse of discretion? (California, United States of America)
What are the consequences of a court's decision to reinstate probation or sentence a defendant to prison for abuse of discretion? (California, United States of America)
Can a convicted sex offender be sentenced to life imprisonment under section 667.67.51, subdivision (c) of the California Penal Code for a conviction of lewd or lascivious acts and finding of two prior convictions within the meaning of Section 67.51? (California, United States of America)
Does a convicted felon who has completed his sentence for a conviction for a felonies conviction under Proposition 47 of the California Criminal Code, who would have been convicted of a misdemeanor under this act if this act had not been in effect? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.