Q: Timeline for sentencing after plea bargain for class E felony?
I'm seeking information about the timeline for sentencing after a plea bargain agreement for a class E felony. The defendant faces 7 felonies related to the violation of an unclothed minor, with a final hearing before sentencing scheduled in 2 weeks. The plea bargain has not yet been accepted by the judge, and incarceration followed by deportation is a likely outcome. When can we expect the sentencing process to begin?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
The timeline for sentencing after a plea bargain varies by jurisdiction and specific case circumstances, but I'll help you understand what typically happens.
Once the judge accepts the plea agreement at the final hearing, they usually schedule the sentencing hearing within 30-90 days. This period allows time for the preparation of pre-sentence reports, victim impact statements, and any additional documentation required by the court. Given the serious nature of the charges involving a minor, the court may take additional time to review all relevant factors.
In cases involving potential deportation, the process might require coordination between criminal court and immigration authorities, which could extend the timeline. You should prepare for the possibility that the sentencing phase could take 2-4 months from the date of the plea acceptance. However, since the charges are particularly serious, the judge might expedite the process, especially if the defendant is already in custody. I'd recommend staying in close contact with your legal representative who can give you more specific guidance based on local court procedures and the particular details of your case.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
