If you are found guilty of committing a crime, there are a number of different sentences available for the court to impose on you.
These are:
- A custodial sentence (after sentencing you are taken to the nearest prison to begin your sentence. If you have spent time in custody before the trial, your sentence is often counted as having started from the date you were first remanded in custody).
-
A community sentence
-
A fine
-
A compensation order (where the court orders you to pay the victim compensation).
-
A conditional discharge (this means you will not be punished at this time, but if you re-offend within a certain time period, you may be re-sentenced for the previous offence as well as the new one).
-
An absolute discharge (although you are guilty of the offence, the court took the view that no punishment was necessary. This could be due to the minor nature of the offence, the circumstances of the offence, your previous good character, or if you are very young, or very old).
Less serious offences are heard in a magistrates’ court, where a magistrate will decide your sentence. More serious offences are heard in Crown Court, where the judge will decide.
When deciding an appropriate sentence, the magistrate or judge will consider the best way to punish the offender, rehabilitate the offender, reduce crime, protect the public, and see the offender compensates for the crime.
The magistrate or judge will also consider the type of crime, the seriousness of the crime, the circumstances of the incident, and the maximum penalty available by law.
Your age, criminal background, and plea will also be taken into account.