What are considerations that can increase a legal sentence referred to as?

The correct answer is aggravating circumstances. In the context of legal sentencing, aggravating circumstances are factors that may increase the severity or length of a sentence imposed on an offender. These circumstances are taken into account during the sentencing phase of a trial and can include a range of elements such as the presence of prior convictions, the cruel or heinous nature of the crime, or the impact of the crime on the victims or community. Such factors highlight the seriousness of the offense and often lead judges to impose harsher penalties.

In contrast, mitigating circumstances are factors that may reduce the severity of the sentence, such as a defendant’s lack of prior criminal history or evidence of remorse. An affidavit and "answer" are legal terms but do not relate to the factors influencing sentencing severity.