Originally Posted by Ray

Six months

Originally Posted by Ray

Six months

Originally Posted by Folinskyinla

OT -- of course this raises a related US immigration question -- does the UK have "wobblers" -- e.g. an agreed guilty plea before the magistrate with sentence of which the maximum will six months? I also wonder what happens if it does go to crown court, jury finds guilty and the judge imposes sentence of say, four months. Is a "misdemeanor by sentence?" Do note that each of the 50 US states have different procedures and the issues can get complicated.

No need to answer, just idle curiosity.

Originally Posted by Trixie_b

I'm not the expert, however, I don't think you can negotiate with the magistrate. Magistrates are not paid, but are community members, so no deals are cut like I see on the US courtroom drama stuff...
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Originally Posted by Folinskyinla

OT -- of course this raises a related US immigration question -- does the UK have "wobblers" -- e.g. an agreed guilty plea before the magistrate with sentence of which the maximum will six months? I also wonder what happens if it does go to crown court, jury finds guilty and the judge imposes sentence of say, four months. Is a "misdemeanor by sentence?" Do note that each of the 50 US states have different procedures and the issues can get complicated.

No need to answer, just idle curiosity.

Originally Posted by cybersecretary

true, but not reported until the outcome.

Originally Posted by lapin_windstar

Interesting trials/prosecutions are often covered by the press before/during the trial.

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Not in the UK.

Originally Posted by Ray

Six months

Originally Posted by Thydney

Technically twelve is the maximum a Magistrate can give (2 x 6months)

Originally Posted by Folinskyinla

OT -- of course this raises a related US immigration question -- does the UK have "wobblers" -- e.g. an agreed guilty plea before the magistrate with sentence of which the maximum will six months? I also wonder what happens if it does go to crown court, jury finds guilty and the judge imposes sentence of say, four months. Is a "misdemeanor by sentence?" Do note that each of the 50 US states have different procedures and the issues can get complicated.

No need to answer, just idle curiosity.

Originally Posted by Trixie_b

I'm not the expert, however, I don't think you can negotiate with the magistrate. Magistrates are not paid, but are community members, so no deals are cut like I see on the US courtroom drama stuff...

Sentencing guidelines are only that, a judge can serve up longer or shorter sentences on their own whim. Obviously, they can be challenged if they go over the maximum guidelines, but not often challenged when a light sentence is delivered. (a particular bug-bear of mine, when working in Child Protection a judge gave a community sentence to someone with enough kiddy porn to require a minimum of a 2 year sentence)

Originally Posted by Koolcat

Hi Ash, the fact that a 5 day trial has been listed indicates that the accused has entered a not guilty plea to the charge(s) put to him/her. Since a plea has been entered, the Court will be now able to disclose the information. It will be a case of ringing the relevant Crown Court dealing with the case and asking for the 'results' department. You will have to give the accused full name and they may ask for a date of birth, although this is more for ease of finding the person on their system. They should then be able to pass on the exact date the trial is set for, and the exact charges that the Crown Prosecution Service have alleged against the person. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Trixie_b

"Bail" doesn't exist in the uk in the form we all talk about, ie, no money changes hands. you are remanded in custody and asked to return for court. If the police think you are a flight risk, will intimidate witnesses or interfere with their investigation of the crime, or are of risk of re-offending (I think) bail is denied, and you have to spend waiting for trial in prison.