#WITNESS TO A CRIME CODE#
#WITNESS TO A CRIME TRIAL#

You might be asked to go to court to give evidence about what happened to you or what you saw. The Charter sets out what help and support you can expect at every stage of the process from each of the service providers involved in the criminal justice system: the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, the Witness Service and defence lawyers. Whether you are going to court as a witness for the prosecution or for the defence, you are covered by the government’s Witness Charter. If you have been the victim of a crime, the personal statement is your opportunity to tell the court about the effect the crime has had on you.

#WITNESS TO A CRIME CODE#

There is information in the Code about your rights as a victim and about victim personal statements. The Government has published a Code of practice for victims of crime that aims to put victims first in the criminal justice system and make the system easier to navigate. Visit GOV.UK and Victim Support for information on your rights and what help is available from Victim Support, the police, probation services, court and prison staff. This short video explains how the impact of crime on victims is taken into account in sentencing.

#WITNESS TO A CRIME TRIAL#

There are also pages explaining what happens at a sentencing hearing, what can happen at a trial and how decisions are made as to whether a case should be heard in a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

You will find information about a wide variety of topics such as how sentencing works and what types of sentence there are, as well as some common sentencing myths.

There are short videos about sentencing and how sentences are worked out.

On this website you will find extensive information about many aspects of sentencing. If you’ve been a victim of any crime or you have been affected by a crime committed against someone you know, there are a variety of sources of help and advice.

Additional note: Availability of ancillary orders.

Automatic orders on conviction for sexual offences Forfeiture or suspension of liquor licence Forfeiture and destruction of weapons orders Forfeiture and destruction of goods bearing unauthorised trade mark Disqualification from ownership of animals Disqualification from driving – general power Destruction orders and contingent destruction orders for dogs

Types of sentences for children and young people.

Other orders made on sentencing Toggle Dropdown.Disposals for offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders or neurological impairments.Offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders or neurological impairments.

Miscellaneous amendments to sentencing guidelines.

Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines.

Imposition of community and custodial sentences.

Health and safety offences, corporate manslaughter and food safety and hygiene offences.

General guideline and expanded explanations in sentencing guidelines.

Fraud, bribery and money laundering offences.

Allocation and offences taken into consideration.

About published guidelines Toggle Dropdown.

About sentencing guidelines Toggle Dropdown.

Criminal justice – where does the Council fit?.

Strategic objectives 2021-2026 Toggle Dropdown.

Our criteria for developing or revising guidelines.About the Sentencing Council Toggle Dropdown.

Witness to a crime