The verdict and sentence
What happens?
At the end of the trial, the accused person will be found guilty or not guilty. In some cases, for example where a jury does not reach a decision, there may be another trial. Just because a person is found not guilty does not mean you were not believed. Cases are a matter of law and evidence.
If the person accused of the crime pleads guilty or is found guilty they will be sentenced at a later date. The police, prosecutor or court victim advisor will tell you when the sentencing is. Understanding sentences is not always easy. The police officer in charge of your case, your court victim advisor or your support worker can explain what the sentence means.
In setting the sentence, the judge will take many factors into account, including your victim impact statement, reports about the person who was convicted and sentences for similar crimes.
You can attend the sentencing hearing, but you do not have to. If the judge agrees, you or someone you choose can also read out all or part of your statement in court at the sentencing hearing. Ask your court victim advisor or police officer in charge to make the request to the judge for you.
Appeals
Both the prosecutor and the offender have the right to appeal the verdict and the sentence.
This means a higher court will look at the case again. The prosecutor will talk to you if this happens.
What support can you get?
Understanding sentences
Your police officer in charge, court victim advisor or support worker can explain what the sentence means.
Victim impact statement
Your police officer in charge, or court victim advisor can make the request to the judge for you or someone you choose to read from your victim impact statement in court.
