How much notice do judges take of probation reports?

Question

Pleaded guilty to GBH and am having the reports done. I've got a OK job and a girlfrriend and haven't been in any other trouble in 2 years but have a record from before that for ABH. How much difference will a good report make when I am getting sentenced?

Answer 1

It can make a big difference, as can genuine remorse, guilty plea etc. I am sure that your solicitor and barrister have advised you on the likelihood of custody. It is much easier to obtain a suspended sentence than it was: it is called a suspended sentence order and can have conditions attached to it.

Much does depend on the circumstances of the current offence, not just your previous. It does also help that you have been out of trouble for 2 years.

You can find a link to the Sentencing Guidelines Council guidelines at www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk

Hope that helps. Good luck

Answer 2

the judge more than often goes along with what they say but be careful because probation smile at you agree with what you say and then stitch you up,i have found most probation to be dishonest in fact liars and im hoping to bump into a few of them and if they dont believe what you say why bother asking you,i was in prison and all the prison officers supported me going to an open prison,from out of the blue probation decided i had a drink problem and put a stop to my move in case i got hold of alcohol, when i managed to prove them wrong they then refused my move because they thought i would escape, the prison officers gave me my move and agreed probation were bull sitters,thats just one little story i could tell you about probation theres plenty more.i can go along with risk management,ill admit when im wrong,but why the lies,underhandedness and bullsit,and they know it,sorry mumark,do you get the gist of it all.

Answer 3

it definatly makes a big differnace...i also recomend saying something at sentencing about how you've learned your lesson and turned your life around..if you've taken any court programs tell the Judge how they've helped...also yes, Judge, No, Judge answers...Thank the Judge for his consideration...respect goes a long way tooo

Answer 4

A Pre-sentence report consists of offence analysis, offender analysis, assessment of risks (to self, children, staff, public and known adults) consideration of suitable sentences and a clear proposal.

It is not a report for you, it is a report for the court that must contain enough information for them to make an informed decision with regards to sentencing. This is why the likes of Rebel feel that report authors lie, because they wouldn't be doing their job if they believed every word you told them, so you can expect a healthy amount of cynicism.

The report is important, but not as important as you making the changes that will ensure that you don't make the same mistakes again.

Rebel: It's called risk management and it doesn't happen without good cause.

Answer 5

i think the probation reports are pretty strong.    get a letter from your employer stating what kind of an employee you are (only if you know it will be good), along with any type of community service or volunteer work documents you have.  any classes you took, anything you did to better yourself will be important.