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Commission staff present 2024 felony sentencing data showing prison-rate gap and racial disparities
Summary
Staff presented 2024 felony sentencing data showing 14,229 cases sentenced; guidelines recommended prison in 38% of cases while the actual prison rate was 25% (a 13.7 percentage-point gap). Presenters highlighted rising departure rates and significant racial disparities in sentencing and prison populations.
Commission staff presented the Sentencing Guidelines Commission with 2024 felony sentencing data on Dec. 18, 2025, highlighting trends, departure rates and demographic disparities across judicial districts.
Leah, a staff presenter, told commissioners that “in 2024, there were 14,229 felony cases sentenced.” Staff reported that the sentencing guidelines recommended prison in 38% of cases, while the actual prison rate was 25% — a gap of 13.7 percentage points that has grown over time and reached similar highs in 2021 and 2023.
Katie, another staff presenter, summarized departures:…
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