Judge considers sentence
After a guilty plea or verdict, the judge must decide what sentence to give to the individual. The judge makes this decision based on the evidence and any background information. Where the accused pled guilty the Prosecutor will give a summary of the facts and the defence will advise the court if there are any mitigating factors. Reports may be requested from Criminal Justice Social Work, medical professionals etc. to collate this background information.
More information is available here.
Following conviction, in cases where the High Court considers that a person may meet the set ‘risk criteria’ a judge can make a Risk Assessment Order. This means that a detailed Risk Assessment Report (RAR) will be prepared for the consideration of the judge during sentencing. The RAR provides an assessment of the risk that the convicted person presents to the safety of the public, if at liberty. Depending on the conclusion of the RAR and the index offence for which the person is being sentenced, they may receive a short-term custodial sentence, a long-term custodial sentence or an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).
You can find more information here.
Community Interventions and Support
At this stage in the justice system, there may be an opportunity to support an individual to tackle the underlying causes of crime and improve future outcomes.
There are organisations across Scotland that deliver a wide range of support relating to community justice.
Search below for an intervention or support via local authority.
Please note: not all options are available in every local authority.
Select a local authority