Information for offenders

What happens before I am sentenced?

All offenders who have committed an offence which can be punished with imprisonment are assessed for a Community Service Order by the Probation Service.

The Probation Service will assess the following before making a recommendation to the Court:

• Your circumstances;
• Your suitability and willingness to undertake Community Service;
• The availability of Community Service work.

Your suitability for Community Service is not normally affected by your physical or mental health. Women offenders who are pregnant can also receive a Community Service Order.

You can also be sentenced to Community even if you don’t speak English.

It is the Court’s decision whether to impose a Community Service Order and you may not receive a Community Service Order even if you are considered suitable.

What happens if I receive a Community Service Order?

You will be given an appointment to meet with a Community Service Officer who will explain the rules of the scheme and decide on your work placement.

You will not be expected to undertake your Community Service at the times you normally work or attend school and the Community Service Officer will take other important commitments into consideration, such as child care, when making their decision.

You will be expected to report on the days and times decided by the Community Service Officer and to put in good work at your work placement.

What happens if I don’t comply?

All Orders are rigorously enforced and if the terms and conditions are breached (broken) then your case will be referred back to the Court.

If this happens and the Court is satisfied that you have failed to comply then:
• the Order may be allowed to continue, with or without a fine or extra hours, or;
• the Order may be revoked (cancelled) and another sentence imposed (which could be custody)

What happens if I can’t continue with the Community Service Order?

If your circumstances change and you can no longer continue with your Community Service Order then your case can be referred back to Court which will consider the change in your circumstances and decide whether the Order should continue and if so, on what terms.

What happens when I have completed the Community Service Order?

The Probation Service closes the Order and notifies the Island Police and Greffe, who will then update their records.

What if I have a complaint?

The Probation Service is committed to treating all offenders fairly and will respect your work or school commitments, child or carer responsibilities, religious beliefs and unavoidable commitments. Complaints are rare but there is a clear and simple complaints procedure, if you feel you have been treated unfairly.

Want to know more?

The Probation Service has published a series of information leaflets to give more detailed information. These are listed opposite and can be downloaded