| 释义 |
credit for guilty plea
The reduction in sentence that an offender is entitled to on account of having pleaded guilty to the offence. In determining the appropriate sentence, the sentencing court must take into account (i) the stage in proceedings at which the offender indicated his intention to plead guilty, and (ii) the circumstances in which the indication was given (Criminal Justice Act 2003 s 144). The credit given can range from a one-third reduction of the appropriate sentence where an offender pleads guilty at the very first reasonable opportunity, to a maximum of one-tenth reduction where an offender changes his plea on the first day of trial. The reduction may be decreased further, even to zero, if the guilty plea is entered during the course of the trial. Different considerations apply when sentencing offenders for murder. |