Community Service Overview
Community Service is a program run by the Jersey Probation and After-Care Service (JPACS) . It offers an alternative to prison or youth detention for people sentenced by the Courts.
Instead of going to prison, a Jersey court can give you a Community Service Order. The judge will tell you how much time you would have spent in prison or youth detention, but instead, you will work in the community.
Why are Community Service sentences given?
If you are found guilty of a crime, you may get a Community Service sentence. This allows you to:
- make up for your crime by helping the community you affected
- benefit the local community; for example, by doing conservation work or a community project
- help prevent you from committing future crimes
When might you be sentenced to Community Service?
If you are 15 or older, any court in Jersey may consider giving you a Community Service sentence (unless the law requires a specific punishment). The court will look at:
- the seriousness of your crime
- whether it's your first offence
- whether you are willing and able to do the work
- if Community Service would help you
How long is a Community Service sentence?
The length depends on how serious your crime was. During your court hearing, the Judge or Magistrate will decide:
- up to 180 hours if sentenced by the Magistrate's Court or Youth Court
- up to 480 hours if sentenced by the Royal Court