NCJ Number
80736
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 15 Issue: 8 Dated: (1980) Pages: 1271-1277
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented from a Canadian study that examined alcohol use and prior alcohol-related convictions as predictors of presentence investigation outcomes, sentencing recommendations, and sentencing.
Abstract
A systematic sample of 1,405 presentence reports representing a range of criminal offenses committed in Edmonton, Alberta, from 1970 to 1975 was originally drawn. From this initial sample, 740 cases were selected for analysis. Regression techniques were used to evaluate a number of predictors of sentencing, including the effects of a number of prior alcohol-related convictions and whether the offender was intoxicated while committing the offense in the charge. The two most prominent variables affecting the sentence severity were the probation officer's assessment of the offender's probable success on probation and the legal seriousness of the offense. While failing to have any significant direct effects on sentencing, the measures of alcohol use had significant indirect effects. These were mediated by the probation officer's assessment of success on probation and legal seriousness of the offense. An extensive criminal record of prior alcohol-related convictions resulted in a poorer prognosis for success on probation. This then led to more severe sentences. Intoxication while committing an offense was related to the commission of minor crimes which subsequently yielded more lenient treatment for alcohol users compared to nonusers. Finally, native offenders were more likely than nonnatives to have many prior alcohol-related convictions and to have been intoxicated while committing an offense. Twelve references are listed. (Author abstract modified)