So the judge or magistrate has passed sentence, and it’s a prison term. What happens next? If it was a suspended sentence or a community order instead, that’s covered elsewhere on this site.
The information on this page is based on the law in England & Wales. If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland, click here for the guide for your jurisdiction.
The moment the judge passes sentence, you’re taken into custody – probably in handcuffs. There’s no time for a final hug with loved ones; you’ll be taken straight into a different part of the court building and won’t be able to speak to them.
You’ll be given a rudimentary search, and any personal possessions – phone, wallet, purse, handbag, money, that sort of thing – will be taken off you, with a receipt for anything removed, including jewellery. You’ll then be put into a small holding cell: basic, spartan, probably windowless but usually with a toilet. The handcuffs come off once you’re in the cell. Your solicitor or barrister will usually be allowed to visit, though don’t expect a long conversation about appeals and next steps at this point – your head will be spinning, and any lawyer worth their salt knows it.
Once the formalities with the lawyers are done – they’ll usually pass on a simple message to family or friends, such as which prison you’re being taken to – you’ll be left alone with your thoughts for a while.