We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
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…
What happens if you're given a community sentence or community service. Find out about Community Payback and the rules of your community sentence.
You may get a community sentence if you’re convicted of a crime by a court…
Community Payback is unpaid work like: removing graffiti clearing…
The treatment or programmes you get are intended to help with problems…
What you can and cannot do while on a community sentence is decided by: a…
Community sentences for young people are different from those given to…
How a prisoner is released - including Parole Board hearings, resettlement schemes and temporary release on licence
When a prisoner is released depends on: the length of their sentence their…
A prisoner may be allowed to leave prison for short periods towards the…
All prisoners get help preparing for life when they leave prison. In the…
A person leaving prison may get the following financial support: Universal…
What happens if you're charged with a crime. Find out about the hearing, when you can be released on bail and being put in custody (on remand).
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.
Probation is when you serve a court sentence in the community, and can include unpaid work or being supervised after coming out of prison
Who can get parole for determinate and indeterminate sentences, represent yourself at a hearing and challenge a Parole Board decision
How to appeal a decision by a Crown Court. Find out which forms you'll need and what the appeal process involves.
This guide provides information about being arrested in St Kitts and Nevis and what conditions are like in prison there.
This guide provides information about being arrested in Russia and what conditions are like in prison there.
Do not include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).