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<section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="6-216" title_number="6" title_name="Trial and Sentencing" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Sentencing">
  <level label="a">
    <level label="1">
      <text>A circuit court shall consider:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>the sentencing guidelines for ordinary sentences in deciding on the proper sentence; and</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>the sentencing guidelines for corrections options in deciding whether to sentence a defendant to a corrections options program or to impose an ordinary sentence.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>In deciding whether to sentence a defendant to a corrections options program, the court primarily shall consider the public safety.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>The sentencing guidelines may not:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>allow for a sentence exceeding the maximum sentence provided by law; or</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>be used in violation of any mandatory minimum sentence required by law.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <level label="1">
      <text>If a court prepares a Maryland sentencing guidelines worksheet, the clerk of court shall deliver a copy of the Maryland sentencing guidelines worksheet to the unit that has been ordered by the court to retain custody of the defendant.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The copy shall be delivered with the commitment order or as soon as practicable after issuance of the commitment order.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>The Parole Commission shall review a Maryland sentencing guidelines worksheet to ensure compliance with the requirements of Title 7 of the Correctional Services Article.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
