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Sentencing query

  • 20-11-2020 3:27pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭


    Hi, I'm a bit confused about what the duration of custodial sentences actually mean.

    I was reading that if the sentence is less than four years, then the time expected to be served is only about half of the sentence imposed?

    If I were to get a three year sentence for a non-violent crime.

    How much time would I actually expect to service, assuming that I kept my nose clean while in prison?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,548 ✭✭✭Claw Hammer


    ezra_ wrote: »
    Hi, I'm a bit confused about what the duration of custodial sentences actually mean.

    I was reading that if the sentence is less than four years, then the time expected to be served is only about half of the sentence imposed?

    If I were to get a three year sentence for a non-violent crime.

    How much time would I actually expect to service, assuming that I kept my nose clean while in prison?

    All sentences carry a discount for good behaviour of 25%. If the prison is over crowded the governor may release prisoners early. Usually the ones released are those who are unlikely to commit a violent crime on release. Top of the list for early release are those on very short sentences i.e. less than 3 months. It is not predictable at the time of sentencing how long will in fact be served.
    If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭ezra_


    Thanks.

    Was an academic query - I'm not heading inside. I was always just wondering what the sentence really was, when compared to the headline tariff.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,548 ✭✭✭Claw Hammer


    ezra_ wrote: »
    Thanks.

    Was an academic query - I'm not heading inside. I was always just wondering what the sentence really was, when compared to the headline tariff.

    The prisons are full of people who thought they wouldn't get caught.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,363 ✭✭✭ezra_


    The prisons are full of people who thought they wouldn't get caught.

    Are you touting for them?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40,642 ✭✭✭✭ohnonotgmail


    All sentences carry a discount for good behaviour of 25%. If the prison is over crowded the governor may release prisoners early. Usually the ones released are those who are unlikely to commit a violent crime on release. Top of the list for early release are those on very short sentences i.e. less than 3 months. It is not predictable at the time of sentencing how long will in fact be served.
    If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.

    A prisoner can apply for enhanced remission of up to 1/3rd of their sentence.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,998 ✭✭✭✭Peregrinus


    ezra_ wrote: »
    Thanks.

    Was an academic query - I'm not heading inside. I was always just wondering what the sentence really was, when compared to the headline tariff.
    25% remission is standard, with good behaviour. More is possible, depending on factors which are not all within the control of the individual prisoner. Your chances of getting more than 25% remission are greater if you have been convicted of a non-violent crime, and if you have a short sentence to begin with.

    50% remission for short-sentence non-violent offenders might be a rough average overall, but it would conceal a lot of variation in individual cases.


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