Under what condition may judges impose an aggravated departure in sentencing?

Judges may impose an aggravated departure in sentencing particularly when the offender qualifies as a dangerous offender. This designation often applies to individuals whose actions suggest a pattern of violent or particularly harmful behavior, or who are deemed to pose a significant risk to public safety. The legal framework recognizes that such offenders require a stronger response from the judicial system to protect society and deter future criminal activity. The severity of their offense, combined with their history or characteristics that indicate a propensity for violence, can justify a harsher sentence beyond the standard range.

Other conditions mentioned, such as age or prior felony status, do not inherently trigger the criteria for an aggravated departure. While factors like prior convictions may influence sentencing, they do not directly correlate with the designation of a dangerous offender, which emphasizes the nature of the offense and the risk the offender presents. Similarly, a guilty plea, while it can have implications for sentencing, does not automatically justify an aggravated departure unless tied to the offender's risk level. This highlights the focus on public safety and the seriousness of the offense in determining the appropriateness of an aggravated sentence.