What happens after you’ve been sentenced

If you’ve come out of the courtroom and you aren’t sure what the next step is, ask your lawyer or one of the court staff – they’re there to help. Court staff will be wearing name badges.

In many courts, you may find court staff:

  • at the back of the courtroom
  • outside in the public area
  • or at the public counter.

Sentencing

If you’ve pleaded guilty or been found guilty, you’ll be sentenced. Sentencing is when the court decides what will happen to you, for example:

  • you may need to pay a fine
  • you may receive a community-based sentence such as community work or supervision
  • or you may be sentenced to prison.

With a jury trial, or when the judge requires additional information to assist with their decision such as information from Corrections or Probation, sentencing will usually happen on another day, after the trial is over.

Your lawyer will give you advice about the possible sentence for the crime (offence) you have been charged with.

Offender levy

If you’re convicted and sentenced in the District Court or High Court, you’ll have to pay an offender levy of $50.

Find out more about the offender levy

Appeal

If you feel you have been wrongly convicted or where you feel the sentence is too severe or inappropriate, you can appeal to a senior court for that court to reconsider the decision.

To find out more you should talk with your lawyer or contact your local Community Law Centre.

What being sentenced means for your criminal record

When you have been convicted and sentenced this result will show up on your criminal record.

Find out more about criminal record checks

Sometimes crimes don’t show up if they fall under the Clean Slate scheme

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