Information » Law & Rights » Punishment and Sentences » Prison
- Anyone aged 10 or over can be given a custodial sentence and they are most likely to be given for the very serious offences such as murder, rape and armed robbery.
- If you are under 18 then you can only be detained for long periods if you are convicted of the following:
- Indecent assault
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Causing death while under the influence of drugs or drink
- An offence which carries at least a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment for an adult e.g. armed robbery
- Murder, when you can be detained until the Home Secretary decides it is safe to release you, which could be never
- If you are 12-14 and have committed 3 or more offences of the sort an adult could go to prison for, you can be sentenced to a secure training order which means 6 months - 2 years punishment, half at a secure training centre and half in the community
- If you are aged 15-17 then as well as long term detention for very serious offences you can be sentenced to detention for other offences - like an adult except that you will go to a young offenders institution for a maximum of 2 years
- Prison life is difficult you are controlled by rules and regulations at all times.
- You are allowed to keep in touch with people outside prison by telephone and letters, but these are restricted.
- You will also be allowed visits from people outside. Keeping up this contact is important in helping you to settle into normal society once the sentence is finished.
- If you have family in prison it may help to talk to people who can offer you support.
- The following number offers a helpline for advice, information and support for families and friends of prisoners 0800 0853021
