Assignment:
1. When an offender enters a guilty plea for possession of heroin, what sentence might a Michigan judge impose? Further case details:
-There was 17.2 grams of heroin seized.
-A guilty plea was entered
-The offender was cooperative.
-The offender has 1 prior misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana. He was sentenced to probation for 6 months with successful completion. This was 12 years prior to the current offense.
-He has failed several stints in treatment rehabilitation facilities for drug use.
2. The judge has asked the probation department to develop a presentence investigation report in addition to using the sentencing guidelines.
What is the purpose and functions of presentence reports? What is included in reports? Do you think they are valuable to the sentencing system?