What’s the Worst-Case Scenario for My Offence?

If you’re facing magistrates’ court, it’s completely normal to wonder: what’s the worst that could happen? The answer depends on the type of offence, your plea, any previous convictions, and how the magistrates interpret the circumstances.

Every offence has a sentencing range. For minor offences, the worst-case scenario might be points on your licence or a small fine. But for more serious matters — such as assaults, theft, or dangerous driving — the court can impose community orders, large fines, or even custody. If prison is a possibility, the magistrates can send your case to the Crown Court for sentencing.

The worst-case outcome is more likely if the offence is aggravated — for example, if it involved children, weapons, or deliberate harm — or if you’ve been in trouble before. A previous conviction magistrates court case will usually result in tougher sentencing, especially if the offences are similar or recent.

The good news is that early guilty pleas and solid mitigation can significantly reduce your sentence. Many defendants worry needlessly because they assume the court will impose the maximum — but in reality, most sentences fall somewhere in the middle of the scale.

If you want a realistic idea of what sentence you might get, a structured case review can help. We’ll assess your situation and give you a grounded view based on what magistrates actually do in practice — not just what the guidelines say.

You can also explore sentencing outcomes in magistrates court to see what types of sentences are most common for your offence.

Request a Case Review →