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The Sentencing Code 2020

Published: 10 December 2020

The Sentencing Act 2020 or ‘the Sentencing Code’, as it is often referred to, came into force on 1 December 2020 and applies to all those convicted on or after this date.

The Act aims to simplify, clarify and structure the complex sentencing process by helpfully consolidating the existing sentencing legislation.

The Act adopts both the Criminal Procedure Rules and the Sentencing Guidelines, as published by Sentencing Council.

The Act does not, however, make substantive changes to the law, nor does it alter maximum sentences.

Navigating between the ‘old law’ and the new ‘Sentencing Code’ can be daunting.

If you are due to appear before the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court in England or Wales for sentence you are best advised to seek independent quality legal advice.

The Public Defender Service provides a high quality, 24/7 service to its legally aided clients.

If you are due to be sentenced or have a query about the sentencing process in England or Wales, then please contact us via telephone: 020 3334 4253 / 020 3334 6163 or via email: pdsclerks@justice.gov.uk .