Plain English Guides

Sentencing Calculator Guide

Understand the Sentencing Act 2026 and how it may affect release dates — written for prisoners and families, not lawyers.

Important Notice
This guide provides general information only. It is not legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

New Legislation
NEW

The Sentencing Act 2026 Explained

Plain-English summary of new release rules, suspended sentences, HDC changes, and community requirements

Youth Justice

Youth Sentencing Explained

Section 250, Detention Training Orders, and how young offenders are sentenced differently

Calculate Release Date

Estimate when you may be released

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Check Your Offence

Does it trigger SDS+ provisions?

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Release Fractions Quick Reference

How release points change under the Sentencing Act 2026

Sentence Type Current SA 2026
Standard SDS 40% (two-fifths) 33% (one-third)
Section 250 (youth detention) 50% (one-half) 50% (one-half)
SDS+ s.244ZA(4)/(5) 67% (two-thirds) 50% (one-half)
SDS+ s.244ZA(6) (youth) 67% (two-thirds) 67% (two-thirds)

Getting Started

How This Tool Works

Understand what this calculator can and cannot do

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What Information You Need

Documents and details to gather before using the calculator

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Understanding the Law

What "One-Third" Means

Understanding the new release point and what it does not mean

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Added Days & Adjudications

How prison discipline can affect your release date

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Release Conditions

Tags, supervision, licence conditions, and recall

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Using the Tools

Finding Your Offence

How to check if your offence is on section 244ZA(7) or Schedule 15

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Comparing Different Scenarios

Using the comparison feature to understand different outcomes

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Preparing for Your Solicitor

Questions to ask and how to prepare for legal advice

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Glossary of Terms

Key terms explained in plain English

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