Criminal Law

Sentence

The punishment a court imposes on a convicted person, which may be imprisonment, a fine, or both, depending on the offence.

Once a person is convicted, the court separately considers what sentence to impose — taking into account the nature and gravity of the offence, any aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and the punishment prescribed by law for that offence.

Sentences range from a fine or short imprisonment for minor offences up to life imprisonment or, in the rarest cases, the death penalty for the most serious crimes.

Need a Criminal lawyer? Browse Criminal Lawyers