Proposed sentencing guideline changes headed to Minnesota lawmakers

The state’s sentencing guidelines commission is expected this month to recommend a series of policy changes that could lead to shorter prison terms in some cases while toughening penalties for repeat violent offenders.

Under a set of reforms passed unanimously by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission on Dec. 20, judges could waive “custody status points” in certain crimes committed while on probation, parole or other forms of release for a past conviction. Those points factor into an inmate’s suggested sentence.

http://www.startribune.com/proposed-sentencing-guideline-changes-headed-to-minnesota-lawmakers/503771082/