Clare`s Law - Domestic Violence.
The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could..link
The UK government has introduced reforms to sentencing and parole rules for serious crimes. But how long do offenders actually serve—and who decides?
Sentences are determined by judges using official guidelines from the Sentencing Council. For example, burglary carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, but actual terms vary depending on the circumstances. Judges consider factors such as violence, remorse, prior convictions, and whether the offender is a first-time or repeat offender.
Only around one in ten convictions for custodial offences result in immediate imprisonment. Many offenders receive fines, community orders, or suspended sentences. Suspended sentences include conditions—if breached, the offender may be required to serve a prison term.
What happens when a prison sentence is issued?
Most offenders sentenced to custody are eligible for release after serving 50% of their term. The remainder is served on licence, under supervision and with conditions. Judges may impose specific licence terms to support rehabilitation and public safety.
For serious crimes, automatic halfway release has been replaced with a two-thirds threshold for release. Release is subject to parole board approval, and conditions may be stricter.
Life Sentencing.
Life sentences are mandatory for murder, but “life” rarely means whole-life custody. The average time served is around 17 years. After release, offenders remain on licence for life and must comply with conditions. Judges may impose whole-life orders for the most serious crimes—parole is not permitted in these cases.
Government Reforms
Recent changes include:
- Scrapping the automatic halfway release for serious violent and sexual offences.
- Increasing use of whole-life orders, especially for child murder cases.
- Committing to 10,000 new prison places and enhanced rehabilitation and probation services.
Disclaimer: Solicitors.com is not a firm of solicitors. Content on this site is not legal advice and should not replace consultation with a regulated solicitor. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, no content is guaranteed to be completely accurate. Using this site does not establish a client relationship.
Feedback: Is there anything incorrect or missing on this page? Amendments may be accredited—please email us.
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkDouble Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..link
law on legal highs to be reviewed
The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...link
What is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkNeighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours
Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..link
Children and the Law Consensual Sex
Children and the Law Consensual Sex
To consent is to agree to something, so when you are talking about the age of consent it is the age at which that law state..link
Dogs and the Law.
Dogs and the Law.
Does your dog need a license, should it be chipped are you buying it from a reputable breeder and is it covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act?..link
Stop and Search Laws to be changed?
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkDomestic Violence Guide
Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..link
Injunctions.
How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link