I punched my neighbour over a fencing dispute. I have been charged with assault. I have pleaded guilty and have also written to my neighbour apologising for my behaviour. Will the court take this into account at my sentence hearing?
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Answer by Pearl Beaumont, Bronte 2024 NSW
- Yes this can be taken into account at your sentence hearing.
- The court takes into account a whole range of factors when deciding what is the most appropriate sentence.
- Pleading guilty and writing the letter shows that you are remorseful and that you have taken meaningful steps to take responsibility for your behaviour.
- You will need to tell your lawyer what you have done so that they can raise it in your plea of mitigation at your sentence hearing.
- It is your lawyer’s job to raise these matters in the plea hearing and to provide the court with supporting documentation such as a copy of the apology letter.