Abstract
Research that examines the effect of Latino ethnicity on misdemeanor sentencing decisions is virtually nonexistent. In this study, the authors analyze 1992 misdemeanor sentences in three nonurban Nebraska counties with relatively large Latino populations. Support for "gringo justice" emanates as Latinos overall had significantly higher proportions of individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses other than simple traffic violations (i.e., misdemeanor alcohol and drug offenses). They also were recipients of a higher mean number of charges. Subsequently, Latinos received significantly higher meanfines and mean days probation but not mean days jail in comparison to their White counterparts. Findings suggest that biased discretion in the enforcement, processing, and sentencing of misdemeanor offenses is but one part of the cumulative disadvantage that Latinos face in the overall criminal justice system.
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