Types of prison sentence
Life sentences
If you鈥檙e found guilty of murder, a court must give you a life sentence. A court may decide to give a life sentence for other serious offences like rape or armed robbery.
If you鈥檙e given a life sentence it will last for the rest of your life.
If you鈥檙e ever released from prison you will spend the rest of your life 鈥榦n licence鈥� in the community.
If you break licence conditions or commit another crime you can be sent back to prison.
Whole life orders
A whole life order means you will never be released from prison, except in exceptional compassionate circumstances.