Sentencing - Overview

Types of Sentencing

Custodial

• Most severe punishment - 21 years + 
• Removal of offenders liberty
• Whole lives affected, may lose jobs, homes and families as a result of prison sentence
• Under Criminal Justice Act 2003 S. 152 - court can only pass custodial sentence if it thinks offence is so serious that neither fine nor community sentence can be justified,
• Also imposed to protect public from violent/sex offenders
• Powers of Criminal Courts Act 2000 - Lays down minimum sentences for some crimes
  • Person will receive sentence of 7yrs for 3rd Class A drug trafficking offence
  • Minimum of 3yrs for 3rd conviction of domestic burglary
• Early Release - Sentenced less than 4yrs will be released after serving half
  • Those serving longer will have to serve 2/3s of sentence prior to release
  • Remain on licence for remainder
  • Those sentenced to life…