California POST Training Practice Test 2026 - Free Law Enforcement Practice Questions and Study Guide

Sentencing in a criminal trial refers to the court's final decision against a defendant after a trial concludes. This is the stage where the judge determines the appropriate punishment or consequence for the defendant based on the nature of the crime, the evidence presented during the trial, the defendant's background, and other relevant factors. The purpose of sentencing is to provide a legal consequence that reflects the severity of the offense, aims to deter future crimes, and serves to rehabilitate the offender when possible.

In this context, it's important to distinguish sentencing from other legal processes, such as the negotiation process between the prosecutor and defense, which typically occurs before or during a trial, known as plea bargaining. Sentence guidelines for police officers and the presentation of evidence by legal counsel are also separate aspects of the judicial process that do not pertain to the final determination of punishment after a criminal trial. Thus, the definition of sentencing aligns specifically with the conclusive ruling made by the court concerning the consequences to be imposed on the defendant.