Sentencing Penalties

Common Sentences for many offences

  • an absolute discharge - this is usually where little or no blame is attached to the offender
  • a conditional discharge - where you are given a chance to prove yourself by staying out of trouble - this is rarely given twice!
  • a fine,
  • a compensation order,
  • a community penalty which will include a period of supervision - i.e. regular reporting to your supervising probation officer,
  • a community order may include unpaid work in the community (up to 240 hours for adults),
  • a curfew order can also be included,
  • in suitable cases a community order may include a drink or drug rehabilitation requirement,
  • a drug treatment and testing order in appropriate cases,
  • a deferred sentence - this is usually used as a last chance for someone facing prison to prove themselves

Custody options for adults:

  • youth custody (18 - 21s only),
  • a prison sentence of up to six months in the magistrates' court 
  • the Crown Court can impose longer prison sentences up to the maximum allowed by law
  • a suspended prison sentence with conditions attached.

Youths (under 18)

  • a referral order – first offence only,
  • a reparation order,
  • an attendance centre order,
  • a supervision order,
  • an action plan order,
  • a detention and training order of between 4 and 24 months

Other Orders

  • a parenting order (youth cases)
  • a football banning order
  • an exclusion order (this bars you from certain licensed premises)
  • an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO)

Costs

  • You are likely to be ordered to pay a contribution twards prosecution costs,
  • Also in some cases in the Crown Court, if you are on legal aid, the judge may order you to pay towards the cost of your defence.

Credit for pleading guilty

Credit is always given for a guilty plea: the earlier the plea, the greater the credit given.