Pennsylvania law § 9711.1 establishes a sentencing enhancement for individuals convicted of murdering victims under 13 years old. The court determines applicability at sentencing and imposes the enhanced sentence consecutively to other sentences. This law aims to impose stricter penalties for crimes involving young victims.
It provides for a sentencing enhancement for murders of victims under 13, requiring the court to impose a consecutive sentence if applicable.
The court considers evidence presented at trial and decides by a preponderance of the evidence whether the law applies during sentencing.
Yes, the sentence imposed under this law must be served consecutively to any other sentences the person is serving or receiving.
This law was enacted on October 25, 2012, as part of Act 204, adding section 9711.1 to Pennsylvania law.