The Sentencing Reform Act prescribes a standard (presumptive) sentencing range for all felony offenses. Exceptional sentences outside this range may be imposed, and a sentence within the range may be waived for first-time, nonviolent offenders or suspended for most sex offenders. Despite these available alternatives, 90 percent of all felony convictions involved sentences within the standard range over the first year. This sentencing consistency resulted in a marked drop in variability of both imprisonment rate and sentence length for persons with similar criminal histories who commit similar crimes. A reduction in county-to-county variability in imprisonment rates and sentence lengths was also observed. More violent offenders and fewer nonviolent offenders received State prison sentences than in 1982. The use of community service as an alternative to jail has doubled since 1982. Overall, the Sentencing Reform Act has met its legislative mandates. 23 tables, 10 figures. (Author summary modified)