Penalty Enhancement
/ˈpɛnəlti ɪnˈhænsmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) An increase in the severity or duration of a sentence imposed by a court due to specific aggravating factors present in the offense or offender's conduct.
The defendant received a penalty enhancement for using a firearm during the commission of the crime.
Forms
- penalty enhancement
- penalty enhancements
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Penalty enhancements often depend on statutory criteria and are subject to judicial discretion and appellate review.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.