Skip to content
Menu
About us
Close
About us
Aims and accountability
Who we are
Meetings
Committees
Recruitment
FAQ
Sentencing information
Close
Sentencing information
Introduction to sentencing
How do courts decide a sentence?
Community sentences
Custodial sentences
Maximum and minimum sentences
Disposals and appeals
Information for victims
Sentencing guidelines
Close
Sentencing guidelines
Approved guidelines
Guidelines in development
How are sentencing guidelines developed?
About sentencing guidelines
Publications
Close
Publications
Guideline judgments
Sentencing Statements
Research and engagement
Close
Research and engagement
Consultations
Research
Engagement
Education resources
Close
Education resources
Jargon buster
Myth buster
'If you were the judge' case studies
Lectures and lesson plans
News and media
Close
News and media
News
Scottish Sentencing Conversations Podcast
Spotlight on Sentencing Blog
Spotlight on Sentencing Circular
Videos
Contact us
?
A-Z
Home
Education resources
Jargon buster
First offender
First offender
This is a person who is convicted of an offence of any kind for the first time.
Originally published on 8 March 2016. Updated on 6 April 2026.
