Criminal procedure and sentencing Flashcards
Define bail
Where the defendant will be released from custody and granted their freedom whilst awaiting trial
What does s4 of the Bail Act 1976 say?
That there is a presumption in favour of bail
All suspects can apply to who for bail?
The magistrates court
What are the 4 reasons why D might be refused bail?
Abscond (run away), Re-offend whilst on bail, Interfere with witnesses or if the offence is very serious
When making a decision whether to grant bail or not, what factors will the court take into consideration (as set out in the bail act 1976)
The nature of the offence, likelihood of conviction, strength of evidence and D’s character, previous convictions and community ties
Give 5 examples of conditions that can be imposed on a defendant who has been granted bail
Surrendering a passport, reporting to the police station, residence (home address or bail hostel), Curfew or paying a surety
What is a surety?
Money promised to the court by a family member if D fail to attend their trial
What is the term for refused bail and D being held in custody?
Held on remand
What are summary offences and give an example of one
The least serious offences e.g. Assault
Where are summary offences heard and by whom?
Magistrates court by 3 magistrates
What is the first hearing that D will attend? (summary offence procedure)
A preliminary hearing
What 3 things happen at a preliminary hearing?
Charge is outline, D will confirm his name and address, D will plead guilty or not guilty
If D pleads guilty at the preliminary hearing what happens next?
D will be sentenced by Magistrates for up to 6 months imprisonment and/or unlimited fine
If D pleads not guilty what will they do?
Apply for legal aid/representation and bail
Why might D be refused bail? (Procedure of summary offences)
Risk of absconding, re-offending, interfere with witnesses or if offence is very serious
If D is granted bail, what conditions might he have to adhere to? (Procedure of summary offences)
Surrendering passport, reporting to police station, residence, curfew or surety
If D is not granted bail what will happen? (Procedure of summary offences)
He will be held on remand
What happens after bail is granted or refused? (Procedure of summary offences)
Case adjourned and a date is set for trial at the magistrates court
What will happen in the trial? (Procedure of summary offences)
Magistrates will hear the evidence, decide a verdict and sentence D
Give an example of a triable either way offence and where are they heard?
ABH, the magistrates or crown court
What type of hearing occurs first? (Procedure of TEB offences)
A preliminary hearing
Where will the preliminary hearing be heard? (Procedure of TEB offences)
Magistrates court
What 3 things happen at the preliminary hearing? (Procedure of TEB offences)
Charge is outlined, D will confirm his name and address, D will plead guilty or not guilty
If D pleads guilty at his preliminary hearing, what will happen next? (Procedure of TEB offences)
D will be sentenced by magistrates to either 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine
What will happen if D requires a longer sentence? (Procedure of TEB offences)
The case can be transferred to the crown court for sentencing
If D pleads not guilty what will happen?
The same procedure will be followed in terms of legal aid and bail as summary offences
What is the second hearing which D must attend? (Procedure of TEB offences)
Mode of trial hearing