An examination of felony charge reductions and dismissals in a Midwest state

• In Event: Charging, Plea, and Downgrade Decisions: Patterns and Predictors

Abstract

Over the last decade, sentencing scholars have noted the lack of empirical research into the role charge bargaining plays in the sentencing process. Using multiyear, statewide court data, the current study examines charge dismissals and reductions in Kansas. Specifically, a series of regression analyses are employed to examine the predictors of charging outcomes for felony defendants. Results and policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• John Grube, Kansas Sentencing Commission

• Mario Cano, University of Texas at El Paso

• Payton Fenwick, Kansas Sentencing Commission