Processing - Diagram

Sentencing & Negotiation Policy

To encourage legal representation and structured negotiations, the following rules apply:

1. Guilty Pleas – Sentences Under 60 Months

   • Officers may negotiate a reduction of up to 50% of both custodial time and fine.

   • This applies only where the suspect formally pleads guilty.

   • Negotiations must remain proportionate and justified based on cooperation and admission of guilt.

2. Guilty Pleas – Sentences Over 60 Months

   • A lawyer must be present for any negotiation on custodial time or fine.

   • Reductions may be negotiated up to a maximum of 50%, but only where legal representation is present.

3. Not Guilty Pleas Without Legal Representation

   • If a suspect pleads not guilty without a lawyer present, officers must apply the full custodial time and full fine.

   • No reductions or negotiations are permitted in this circumstance.

4. Consistency in Multi-Suspect Incidents

   • Where reasonably possible, suspects involved in the same incident should receive equal or proportionate reductions.

   • Officers must ensure fairness and avoid unjustified disparities in negotiated outcomes.

5. General Principles

   • The 50% cap is an absolute maximum, not a standard reduction.

   • Officers are not obligated to offer reductions.

   • All negotiations should be clearly documented.