Deferred sentence

This is when the final decision about a sentence is postponed to another date for the offender to be of good behaviour during that time. The sentence is usually postponed for between 3 to 12 months. Other conditions can sometimes be added, such as attending counselling or repaying money. The sentence will depend on how the offender has behaved. If the offender has stayed out of trouble, then the sentence will normally be lower than if they get into trouble.