They generally suggest a reasonable sentence which the court is not obligated to follow; the court may decide on a tougher or softer sentence.

A few soft sentences exchanged and Max would walk back to Hradsky's side.

Ivayer took off his magic bracelet and set it on the ground near Toren, then inhaled deeply, waved his hands over the talisman, and began uttering soft, rhythmic sentences.

He warned that such "soft sentences" spur legislators to establish mandatory sentences.

The only reason you got such a soft sentence was because the person who co-opted you was your boss, and he was the one who actually lit the match.

The Bikura nearest to me on the left stepped closer, grasped my forearm with a touch of cool, strong fingers, and spoke a soft sentence that my comlog translated as, 'Come.

Defense lawyers, however, say that a soft sentence for Mr. Gravano could encourage tainted testimony from defendants seeking to escape harsh prison terms.

Seeking a softer sentence, he offered to help expose a bid-rigging scheme in the school construction and repair programs.

Regardless, Bonds faces up to 10 years in prison on the one count but is likely to receive a far softer sentence, even as cushy as a few months of home confinement.

Four or five very hard criminals may be given soft sentences to convict one.