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Mitigating circumstances
Page 37
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Mitigating circumstances do not constitute a justification or excuse for an offence, but may be considered as reasons for reducing the degree of blame.
Mitigation does not remove the sentence, but is used by the defence to reduce its severity, usually because of the co-operation of the offender, the improper conduct of others, or any external influences that may have induced the offender to commit the crime. An early guilty plea is in itself a form of general mitigation, and can knock a third off a sentence.
However, the law restricts what the court can take into account, No account can be taken of any circumstance which has already been taken into account by a court within the previous three years, and no account can be taken of any circumstance which it is suggested lessens the seriousness of an offence. Hardship will not be a mitigating circumstance unless it is exceptional.
Aaron &, Partners will discuss the circumstances of any particular case on its 24-hour helpline: 01244 405577. The first 30 minutes of advice is free.