What is a sentence of suspended imposition?


Quick Answer

A suspended imposition of sentence, or SIS, is an option in some trial courts that allows defendants to serve a probationary period after which no sentence occurs if probation is served successfully, according to USLegal. For example, punishment for a DWI infraction may be waived if the offender remains sober and does not get arrested for two years of probation.

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Full Answer

A judge reviews the case at the end of the probationary period. At that time, a judge may discharge the penalty, according to The Free Dictionary. Otherwise, if a defendant is brought before the court again, before probation is served, a judge may impose the full penalty for the suspended sentence.

A suspended imposition of sentence is sometimes referred to as postponement of sentencing. The Free Dictionary explains a judge may wait to impose a penalty until after an offender is given a chance to improve behavior. This type of sentence most commonly happens for first-time offenders of lesser crimes when jails are overcrowded.

USLegal makes the distinction between suspended imposition of sentence and suspended execution of sentence. The former may occur with or without probation, whereas the latter is considered a final judgment of the court. The Free Dictionary states a suspended sentence may be conditional or unconditional. An unconditional suspended sentence means the court has made a final judgment on the matter. A conditional suspended sentence occurs when a defendant's case is reviewed for later discharge.

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