What typically happens at a sentencing hearing?

At a sentencing hearing, both parties — the prosecution and the defense — have the opportunity to present their recommendations regarding the appropriate sentence for the convicted individual. This process allows the judge to hear arguments related to the severity of the crime, the circumstances surrounding it, and any mitigating or aggravating factors that may influence the length or type of punishment.

During this stage, the prosecution may advocate for a harsher penalty based on the nature of the offense and the impact on victims, while the defense may argue for a more lenient sentence, citing factors such as the defendant's background, remorse, or potential for rehabilitation. The judge takes these presentations into consideration before ultimately determining the sentence, making this hearing a critical moment for both legal parties to articulate their points of view regarding the appropriate consequences for the defendant's actions.