What is Sentencing?
Simple information about court and sentences.
This is an Easy Read version. View the full Sentencing Guide →
What happens in court?
When someone breaks the law, they may go to court.
A judge decides what happens next.
If the person is found guilty, the judge gives them a sentence.
What is a sentence?
A sentence is the punishment for breaking the law.
There are different types of sentences:
- Prison - staying in prison for a set time
- Community order - doing work in the community
- Suspended sentence - you only go to prison if you break the rules
- Fine - paying money as punishment
How long do people stay in prison?
Most people do not stay for the whole sentence.
Many people are released halfway through their sentence.
Some people are released after one-third of their sentence.
Example:
A 6-year sentence might mean 3 years in prison.
After release, there are rules to follow called licence conditions.
A new law is changing this
A new law called the Sentencing Act 2026 means some people will leave prison sooner.
This starts on 1 October 2026.
People already in prison will not all change on the same day. People with shorter sentences change first.
This does not happen for everyone.
People in prison for rape or for serious sexual crimes against children will not leave sooner. For them, nothing changes.
This does not make their sentence longer. It stays the same.
Important
Every case is different.
This is simple information only.
Talk to a solicitor for advice about your case.