Sentencing for Natives seems longer than for non-Natives?

[cheyenneblue]

It seems that Natives in South Dakota receive longer sentences than non-Natives, convicted of the exact same crimes. Can anyone help to explain this, as I am struggling to understand. There appears to be some serious discrimmination going on here.

[Torch]

I've heard others claim the same thing. It's real hard to say if it is true or not. I do know that in South Dakota that they look deeply into your past. Especially when you were a juvenile. They are not suppose to do this. But they always do it for any pre-sentence investigation. Judges can do as they please.
My pre sentence recommendation was probation. But instead I got a 10 year sentence with a consecutive 7 year sentence. In other words I had to do my entire 10 year sentence and about two years of my 7 before I was granted parole.

I am white by the way.