MULTIMEDIA PRACTICUM ASSIGNMENT FOR INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Instructions: For each of the following scenarios, YOU are the sentencing judge. Decide the case by reading the charges the defendant was convicted of, the background, the sentencing guidelines, and the presentence investigation. You can also see what the defendant looks like as they beg for mercy (by clicking the refresh or reload button in your browser). Render a thoughtful decision by filling out the YOUR SENTENCE section of this page. Some sentences are more appropriate than others. You must also do some writing in the REASONS FOR YOUR SENTENCE section. At a minimum, write about (1) what aspect of the case weighed more heavily in your decision; and (2) how satisfied you "feel" about the justice or fairness of the sentence you have rendered.

Defendant #1:

Tracy McKay, a 24 year old White male, was charged and convicted of one count of assault with the intent to rob, one count of armed robbery while masked, one count of breaking and entering, and one count of possession of a stolen auto.

Background: Around 7 p.m. on the night of August 27, police responded to a convenience store for a report of armed robbery. Officer James Michael spoke with Pravi Ahomed, proprietor of the store, who said that a masked man came into the store with a knife and demanded cash. When Ahomed insisted there was nothing in his register, the defendant grabbed a bag in the corner of the store which contained several hundred dollars and other items. Shortly thereafter, another officer responded to a call from another convenience store where Gilbert Mason, the proprietor there, reported an individual came into his store demanding money at the threat of being stabbed. 

Sentencing Guidelines: If the defendant is convicted of more than one charge, the sentences can run either consecutively or concurrently, as the judge deems appropriate. Thus, multiple charges can be served one after another or all at the same time. Community service, restitution, psychological counseling, and/or alternative sentences may be imposed as a special condition of probation, if the judge decides on probation. The range of permissible sentence for each count of Assault with Intent to Rob is 2-10 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000. The range of permissible sentence for each count of Armed Robbery while masked is 2-5 years, and a fine not to exceed $5,000. The range of permissible sentence for each count of Breaking and Entering is 1-2 years.

Presentence Investigation Report: Tracy McKay is single with no children and does not live with family, but in a rented apartment he has lived in for the last year. He dropped out of high school in 10th grade. He has no known health or mental health problems. There is no history of drug abuse or addiction, but there is a history of public drunkenness. He has no known employment history or verifiable source of income. He drives a 1987 Ford pickup truck. His rap sheet reads as follows:

YOUR SENTENCE:

_____ Number of years in state prison (if any)
_____ Number of years on probation (if any)

______________________________________ Any special conditions of probation (if any)

_____ Amount of restitution (if any)
_____ Amount of fine (if any)

Reasons for your sentence (in your own words):

Last Updated: 01/06/04                                                                GO TO NEXT CASE
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