sds-plus.md

SDS Plus

Introduction to SDS Plus Release Point: Sentencing Bill 2020

The Sentencing Bill 2020 introduces a notable change in the release provisions for serious offenders through a framework known as SDS+ (SDS+ (Standard Determinate Sentence Plus). Central to SDS+ is the establishment of a two-thirds release point, signaling a departure from automatic halfway release practices for specific serious offences.

More details on Sentence Calculation Policy Framework - Page 33

Key Features of SDS+

1. Two-Thirds Release Point for 'Max-Life' Sexual Offences

A key aspect of SDS+ is the introduction of a two-thirds release point for individuals convicted of 'max-life' sexual offences. This release point is triggered when a Standard Determinate Sentence (SDS) of 4 years or more is imposed.

2. Targeted Release Point Change for Violent Offenders

After 2022, SDS+ introduced a targeted release point change for violent offenders, particularly those receiving an SDS of 4 to 7 years for 4 Specified violent offences (Manslaughter, Soliciting Murder, Attempt or Conspiracy to Murder).

Outcome Lists:

1. List A:

   • Schedule 15 (from Criminal Justice Act 2003) Sexual and Violent offences that attracted life between 1 April 2020 and 27 June 2022 inclusive.
   • https://manage-offences.hmpps.service.justice.gov.uk/schedules/pcsc-lists#list-a

2. List B:

   • Schedule 15 (from Criminal Justice Act 2003) Sexual and 4 specific violent offences identified in the PCSC bill that attracted life on or after 28 June 2022.
   • https://manage-offences.hmpps.service.justice.gov.uk/schedules/pcsc-lists#list-b

3. List C:

   • Schedule 15 (from Criminal Justice Act 2003) Sexual and 4 specific violent offences identified in the PCSC bill that attracted life on or after 28 June 2022.
   • https://manage-offences.hmpps.service.justice.gov.uk/schedules/pcsc-lists#list-c

4. List D:

   • Schedule 15 (from Criminal Justice Act 2003) Sexual and Violent offences that attracted life on or after 28 June 2022.
   • https://manage-offences.hmpps.service.justice.gov.uk/schedules/pcsc-lists#list-d

SDS+ Identification Conditions:

For Standard Determinate (SDS incl ADIMP or ADIMP_ORA) and YOI (including YOI_ORA) Sentence Types Sentence Types:

• List A:

  • Apply if the sentence type is Standard Determinate (SDS incl ADIMP or ADIMP_ORA).
  • Identify as SDS+ if the sentence date is before 28/6/22, the sentence length is 7 years or more, and meets the conditions of List A.

• List B:

  • Apply if the sentence type is Standard Determinate (SDS incl ADIMP or ADIMP_ORA).
  • Identify as SDS+ if the sentence date is on or after 28/6/22, the sentence length is 4 years or more and less than 7 years, and meets the conditions of List B.

• List D:

  • Apply if the sentence type is Standard Determinate (SDS incl ADIMP or ADIMP_ORA).
  • Identify as SDS+ if the sentence date is on or after 28/6/22, the sentence length is 7 years or more, and meets the conditions of List D.

For Section 250 Sentence Types:

• List A:

  • Apply if the sentence type is SEC250 & SEC250_ORA.
  • Identify as SDS+ if the sentence date is before 28/6/22, the sentence length is 7 years or more, and meets the conditions of List A.

• List C:

  • Apply if the sentence type is SEC250 or SEC250_ORA.
  • Identify as SDS+ if the sentence date is on or after 28/6/22, the sentence length is 7 years or more, and meets the conditions of List C.