Understanding your sentence
Last updated on April 28, 2026This page explains what a sentence is, how it may affect you, and where to find more information.
On this page
- What a sentence is
- How a sentence is decided
- Additional requirements in a sentence
- Serving your sentence
- Types of sentences
- Appeals
- More information
What a sentence is
A sentence is the court order setting out the consequences for being convicted of a crime. The judge can order many different types of sentences, including fines, community supervision, with or without conditions, and time in custody.
How a sentence is decided
The judge applies the law in statutes and other cases to decide on a fair sentence that fits the crime. For more information, see Sentencing (Adult accused).
Additional requirements in a sentence
When the judge decides your sentence, they can add additional requirements, like:
- Requiring you to register with the sex offender registry
- Providing DNA
- Prohibiting you from using firearms or driving
These are just some examples of additional requirements or conditions the judge can include in a sentence. For more information, see Additional conditions (Adult offenders).
Serving your sentence
You may be required to serve your sentence in the community (usually under the supervision of a probation officer), in custody or a combination of both. You will serve time in custody in either a provincial correctional centre or federal correctional centre, depending on the length of the term in custody. To learn more, see Serving your sentence.
Types of sentences
To learn more about the many types of sentences, explore the following pages:
Appeals
If you have been convicted of an offence, you can ask a higher court to review the decision. This is called an appeal. You can appeal your conviction, sentence or both. To learn more, see Appeals.
More information
For information about youth sentences, see Youth sentences (Youth justice).