NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What is the implication of a conditional discharge?

1. Permanent release from all charges

2. A sentence entered into a criminal record only

3. A future offence will result in sentencing for this offence

4. A reprieve that absolves any crime

The correct answer is: A future offence will result in sentencing for this offence

A conditional discharge allows an individual to avoid serving a prison sentence if they comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as not committing any further offences during the discharge period. If the individual commits a future offence during this period, the court can impose a sentence for both the new offence and the original one, essentially allowing the prior offence to resurface for sentencing purposes. This serves as a warning that the individual must adhere to the court's conditions to avoid re-sentencing for the initial offence. Thus, the implication of receiving a conditional discharge highlights the importance of adhering to conditions and the potential consequences of future actions.