Types of sentences

SENTENCING, PRISON, PROBATION

Being sentenced by a court - an overview

If you’re found guilty of a crime, you will be given a sentence by a court. This could be a discharge, fine, community sentence or time in prison. Find out about different types of sentences, why some crimes don’t go to court and how to appeal against a sentence.

What a sentence is

A sentence is the punishment a court thinks is necessary based on the crime you have been found guilty of. A judge (or magistrate) decides the sentence.

How sentences are worked out

A judge (or magistrate) will look at several things when deciding a sentence, including:

· the type of crime and how serious it is

· if you have a criminal record

· your personal circumstances - for example, if you have a mental health condition

· if and when you admit your guilt

See ‘How sentences are worked out’ for more information about how a court reaches a decision.

Types of sentences

There are four main types of sentence. These are:

· discharges

· court fines

· community sentences

· prison sentences

You may be ordered to do other things as part of, or in place of these sentences.