The Ellis/Doran discount principle applies not only where an offender discloses a previously unknown offence but also where voluntary admissions materially elevate the gravity of a known offence, such as converting a simple trafficking charge into a Giretti charge spanning a longer period. The discount in such cases should be demonstrable but of a lower order than for disclosure of an entirely unknown offence. The circumstances prompting the confession (such as being confronted with search warrant evidence) do not affect entitlement to the discount, though they may bear on remorse and rehabilitation.
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