Understanding sentencing

We have created an online pathway to help you understand more about sentencing in Queensland.

How this pathway works

This pathway helps you understand what typically happens in sentencing once an adult has been found guilty of a violent crime against you.

• the sentencing process
• what happens at a sentencing hearing
• information about making a Victim Impact Statement
• legal words you might hear
• what different sentences mean
• what happens after someone is sentenced
• what support is available for you.

We aim to explain things clearly and compassionately, recognising that you may be dealing with shock, grief, anger, or distress.

• You are welcome to move through the pathway at your own pace and take breaks whenever you need to.
• You can use the pathway on a mobile, tablet or desktop screen.
• You can save or print your pathway when you have finished.

Before you begin

• The pathway will not be about the specific crime that happened to you. For example, some of the steps in this pathway may not apply if you are the victim of a property crime.
• Different laws apply to sentencing certain types of offences in Queensland, including some offences against children, drug offences and serious violent offences.
• The judge must follow these laws when sentencing these offences, which may not be reflected in this pathway. You can read more in the Queensland Sentencing Guide.