Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Sentence-Factor Manipulation: This is when someone is tricked or persuaded by the government to commit a more serious crime than they were originally planning to commit. This is done so that the person can be given a harsher punishment. It is not fair or right for the government to do this, and it is called "sentencing entrapment" or "derivative entrapment".
Definition: Sentence-factor manipulation is a type of entrapment where a defendant is induced to commit a more serious offense that carries a harsher sentence, even though they were predisposed to commit a lesser offense.
Example: Let's say a person is caught selling a small amount of marijuana. They are willing to plead guilty to possession, which carries a lesser sentence. However, the prosecutor offers them a deal to sell a larger amount of marijuana to an undercover officer, which carries a much harsher sentence. The person agrees to the deal, not because they wanted to sell a larger amount, but because they were coerced by the prosecutor. This is an example of sentence-factor manipulation.
This type of entrapment is illegal because it violates a defendant's rights and can result in an unfair and disproportionate sentence. It is important for law enforcement and prosecutors to follow ethical and legal guidelines when conducting investigations and offering plea deals.