What does sentencing refer to?

Sentencing refers to the court's imposition of punishment following a conviction for a crime. It is the formal decision made by a judicial authority regarding the penalties that a defendant must serve as a result of a guilty verdict. This can include various forms of punishment, such as incarceration, probation, fines, community service, or rehabilitation programs, depending on the severity of the offense and the specifics of the case.

In contrast, other options address different aspects of the criminal justice process. Payment to the victim for losses relates to restitution, which is separate from sentencing but may be considered as part of the overall penalties. Conditional release from prison refers to parole, indicating that an individual is permitted to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under specific conditions. Administrative processing after arrest is part of the initial stages of the criminal justice system, focusing on the procedures that take place following an individual's arrest rather than the outcome of their trial.