Purpose of the Manual
The purpose of the State of Michigan Sentencing Guidelines Manual is to provide a uniform sentencing policy for individuals and organizations convicted of felonies and other crimes․ The manual is designed to ensure consistency and fairness in sentencing, using a set of guidelines to determine the appropriate sentence for each offense․ The manual is used by judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to determine the sentence for each case, taking into account the severity of the crime, the offender’s prior record, and other relevant factors․ The manual is an important tool in the criminal justice system, helping to ensure that sentences are fair and consistent, and that offenders are held accountable for their actions․ The manual is also used to help reduce disparities in sentencing, and to promote transparency and accountability in the sentencing process, with the goal of promoting justice and public safety․