WHAT IS SENTENCING SERVICES?
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___Since 1983, the Sentencing Services of One Step Further has provided the Court with plans that recommend specific forms of punishment and treatment for defendants. Today, Sentencing Services is one of many Sentencing Services Programs that operates across the State of North Carolina.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

To be eligible a defendant must:

1. Be charged with felonies or misdemeanors such as:
  • Breaking or Entering
  • Embezzlement
  • Possession of Stolen Goods
  • Larceny
  • Fraud

 
  • Possession/Sale of Drugs
  • Common Law Robbery

 

2. Have the possibility of being sentenced by the Court to an intermediate punishment or
to an active prison term.


WHAT IS A PLAN?

___A Sentencing Services plan is a written document that details a defendant's current charges, social history, and results of assessments. It also gives the Court options of community resources that can address the client's and the community's need for punishment, rehabilitation, restitution, and deterrence. A plan may include elements such as:

  • Probation
  • Psychological Counseling
  • Victim Restitution
  • Employment
  • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Residence

WHAT HAPPENS AT SENTENCING SERVICES?

___Sentencing Services receives referrals from defense attorneys, judges, district attorneys, defendants, and community residents. A Sentencing Specialist is assigned to:

  • Interview the defendant and verify information
  • Assess risk to re-offend on community supervision and assess degree of alcohol/drug use
  • If needed, arrange other evaluations
  • Link defendant to resources that can address causes of criminal behavior
  • Write a plan for use by the sentencing judge

 

WHO BENEFITS?

  • The judge makes a more informed decision based on the defendant's plan.
  • The victim can be repaid
  • The defendants remain in the community to work, support their families, pay taxes, and repay
    the community for their criminal behavior.
  • The taxpayer saves tax dollars when fewer nonviolent defendants are incarcerated.

HOW MUCH DOES A SENTENCING SERVCES PLAN COST?

___The cost is based on a fee schedule developed in accordance with a defendant's ability to pay and a combination of public and private funding resources.


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