Structured Deferred Sentence
What is a structured deferred sentence?
A structured deferred sentence is a sentence which the court may order so offenders have time to deal with the problems which have led to them having to go to court.
There are two types of structured deferred sentence
- Low tariff - this is normally given when the court is of the opinion that an offender needs a lot of support to deal with the problems which led to their offending.
- High tariff - offenders will be given this type of sentence if they are at risk of receiving a prison sentence because they have previously not attended other community-based sentences such as probation or community service.
For the High tariff structured deferred sentences, the court will also impose a bail condition, instructing the offender to co-operate. If the offender does not co-operate or misses appointments, the court may arrange a warrant to arrest them before they next go to court.
Taking part in a structured deferred sentence
Individuals will be offered support to deal with any problems or issues which may have led to them having to go to court. These include:
- the impact of their actions on others, including victims
- drugs issues
- alcohol issues
- mental health
- education/training
- benefits and welfare rights
- anger management
- housing
- employment
- using their time in a better way
Structured deferred sentences are normally three months long. This may be extended if the court feels it is necessary.
What happens at the end of the structured deferred sentence?
When individuals have completed their structured deferred sentence, the court will receive a report written by staff from the Angus Council Social Work Criminal Justice Service, about how well they co-operated and what progress has been made. The court will use the information in this report to decide how to deal with the case. How well the individual co-operated is likely to affect the decision the court makes.
Structured deferred sentences are only available in some areas in Scotland.