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The range of prison sentences a court can give - including suspended, fixed-term, indeterminate and life sentences.
If you’re sent to prison for 2 or more crimes, you’ll usually get a…
A suspended prison sentence is served in the community instead of in…
A determinate prison sentence is for a fixed length of time. It includes a…
An indeterminate prison sentence does not have a fixed length of time.…
If you’re found guilty of murder, a court must give you a life sentence. A…
If you’re under 18 you’ll be treated differently to adults by a court. You…
If you are found guilty of a crime, your sentence will depend on a number of factors, including the type, seriousness and circumstances of the crime.
The Sentencing Council (SC) for England and Wales promotes greater consistency in sentencing while maintaining the independence of the judiciary. The Council produces guidelines on sentencing for the judiciary and aims to increase public understanding of sentencing. SC is an...
What happens if you're given a community sentence or community service. Find out about Community Payback and the rules of your community sentence.
Former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, the Rt Hon David Gauke, and an expert panel are carrying out an independent review of sentencing.
How to complain to the Attorney General's Office if you think someone's sentence is too low - and what happens if the Court of Appeal get involved
Guidance on broadcasting sentencing hearings by the media and the Crown court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020.
How a prisoner is released - including Parole Board hearings, resettlement schemes and temporary release on licence
Detailed statistics on offenders released under Standard Determinate Sentence 40 (SDS40).
A table of rehabilitation periods for the most common sentences and disposals, and example scenarios.
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