Pennsylvania § 2154.7 - Adoption of risk assessment instrument.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2154.7 — Adoption of risk assessment instrument., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2154.7. Adoption of risk assessment instrument.
(a) General rule.--The commission shall adopt a sentence risk assessment instrument for the sentencing court to use to help determine the appropriate sentence within the limits established by law for defendants who plead guilty or nolo contendere to or who were found guilty of felonies and misdemeanors. The risk assessment instrument may be used as an aide in evaluating the relative risk that an offender will reoffend and be a threat to public safety.
(b) Sentencing guidelines.--The risk assessment instrument may be incorporated into the sentencing guidelines under section 2154 (relating to adoption of guidelines for sentencing).
(c) Presentence investigation report.--Subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, the sentencing court may use the risk assessment instrument to determine whether a more thorough assessment is necessary and to order a presentence investigation report.
(d) Alternative sentencing.--Subject to the eligibility requirements of each program, the risk assessment instrument may be an aide to help determine:
(1) for persons under supervision, intensity of intervention, use of restrictive conditions and duration of supervision; and
(2) appropriate candidates for alternative sentencing, including the recidivism risk reduction incentive, State drug treatment programs and State motivational boot camps.
(e) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "risk assessment instrument" means an empirically based worksheet which uses factors that are relevant in predicting recidivism.
(Oct. 27, 2010, P.L.931, No.95, eff. imd.; Dec. 18, 2019, P.L.776, No.115, eff. 60 days)
2019 Amendment. Act 115 amended subsec. (d).
2010 Amendment. Act 95 added section 2154.7.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 2154.7
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2154.7 cover?
Section 2154.7 ("Adoption of risk assessment instrument.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 2154.7?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 2154.7" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 2154.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.