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Abstract: 

A white teen from a privileged suburban family received a comparatively lenient interim sentence of two years’ probation after pleading guilty to reduced charges of third-degree rape, attempted sexual abuse, and misdemeanor assault on four victims. The defendant failed to meet the restrictions imposed by the original sentence and after the sentencing judge retired, her successor promised a harsher sentence at his final hearing—then handed down the most lenient sentence allowed under statute.

Keywords: Judicial Discretion and Sentencing Disparities

Affiliations:  1: Editor, Sex Offender Law Report.