Guide to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission
Overview of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission
The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission is responsible for developing and maintaining fair and consistent sentencing guidelines for the state court system. It helps to ensure that sentencing decisions are based on the severity of the criminal conduct and the offender’s criminal history.
Contact Information
Address: 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN 55108
Phone Number: (651) 296-0144
Website: mn.gov/sentencing-guidelines
Email: msgc.msgc@state.mn.us
Role and Functions
The commission’s functions include refining sentencing guidelines, considering the impact of sentencing decisions on crime and ensuring that resources are used efficiently within the criminal justice system.
Commission Meetings and Public Participation
The commission holds regular meetings that are open to the public where policies and amendments are discussed. Details on upcoming meetings and how to participate are available on their website.
Legal Framework and Guidelines
The guidelines set by the commission are legally binding on district court judges across Minnesota unless there are substantial and compelling reasons to depart from them.
Resources for Understanding Sentencing Guidelines
The website provides resources, including full guidelines manuals, recent amendments, and annual reports which are useful for understanding how sentences are typically determined in Minnesota.
