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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.

• How court sentences are worked out

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.

Discharges

If a court decides you are guilty, but decides not to punish you further, you are given a ‘discharge’. Discharges may be given for minor crimes - for example, being drunk and disorderly in public.

A court may give a discharge if it decides the experience of going to court is enough of a punishment.

There are two types of discharge:

• an absolute discharge - no more action is taken by the court
• a conditional discharge - no more action is taken unless you commit another crime within a set period of time

Court fines

Many people convicted of a crime are fined. You could be fined for:

• a driving or road traffic offence - for example, speeding
• minor offences of theft or criminal damage
• not having a TV licence

See ‘Court fines’ to find out more about levels of fines.

• Court fines

Community sentences

Instead of being fined or sent to prison you could get a community sentence. Community sentences place ‘requirements’ on you - things you must do, or not do in the community. Requirements can include:

• doing unpaid work
• getting treatment for an addiction (for example drugs)
• stopping you from going to a specific place or area

See ‘Community sentences - an overview’ to find out more about this type of sentence.

• Community sentences - an overview

Prison sentences

You could get a prison sentence if your crime is so serious that a prison sentence is the only suitable type of punishment.

See ‘Types of prison sentence’ to find out more about this type of sentence.

• Types of prison sentence

• Prison finder - use the A-Z list or search by region Opens new window

Court orders

A judge (or magistrate) can add a further court order to your sentence - for example, a compensation order. A compensation order could include, for example, you have to pay your victim for the damage you did to their property.

When crimes don't go to court

Not all crimes go to court. Some less serious offences may be dealt with by the police or local council.

You may get a formal warning or a ‘fixed penalty’ notice (when you pay a set amount of money).

Crimes that can be dealt with without going to court include:

• parking offences
• travelling on public transport without a ticket

If you get into further trouble or don't pay the fixed penalty notice you could go to court.

Young people and sentencing

Some sentences are different for young people aged ten to seventeen years old. To find out more, see the ‘Types of sentences young people can get’ section.

• Types of sentences young people can get (young people section)

Appealing against a sentence

If you disagree with a sentence, you can appeal against it. It’s a good idea to get advice from a legal adviser before starting the process.

• Appealing - if you disagree with a magistrates' court verdict

• Appealing - if you disagree with a Crown Court verdict

• Legal aid for an appeal against conviction

More useful links

• 'You be the judge' Opens new window