Sentence Enhancement
/ˈsɛn.təns ɪnˈhænsmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicially authorized increase in the severity or length of a defendant's sentence as a result of factors such as prior criminal history, aggravating circumstances, or statutory guidelines.
The defendant received a sentence enhancement due to the use of a deadly weapon during the crime.
Forms
- sentence enhancements
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Sentence enhancements are often guided by statutes or sentencing commissions and may vary by jurisdiction; drafters should specify the statutory basis for clarity.
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.