At your sentencing

After hearing the submissions on sentence and mitigation plea, the judge will consider the appropriate sentence. Some factors the judge will take into consideration include:

• The nature and severity of your offence.
• The circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence.
• The degree of planning in committing the offence.
• The extent and nature of harm caused.
• The points raised in your mitigation plea.
• Your criminal record.

Once the court is ready, it will pronounce your sentence. This may take place immediately after your mitigation plea is heard, or at a later date.

After your sentence is pronounced

The court can impose different types of sentences, depending on the offences with which you are charged.

Postponing or deferring your sentence

If a sentence of imprisonment is imposed, you will have to serve your sentence immediately after the judge pronounces it. However, you may request that the court postpone or defer the start of your sentence of imprisonment if you have valid reasons. This request should be made immediately upon the pronouncement of your sentence.

The prosecution may then apply for bail to be imposed, or for your existing bail to be increased.

Appealing against your sentence

If you are not satisfied with your sentence, you may file a criminal appeal within 14 days ⁽¹⁾ after it is pronounced.

Footnotes

⁽¹⁾ Section 377 of the Criminal Procedure Code