Home / United Kingdom (England & Wales) / Scotland
Scotland State law
Scotland — own common law + own statutes (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995)
Offences by family
Against the person
Assault (aggravated) Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
Aggravations (severe injury, danger of life, intent to ravish, use of a weapon, etc.) are libelled as aggravations of common-law assault, not separate offences with separate maxima. In practice aggravated assault is prosecuted on indictment, so no summary tier is given.
Assault (simple) Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
No statutory 'simple assault' tier exists. Low-level assaults are commonly prosecuted summarily; more serious assaults on indictment. The Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 ss.38–39 (threatening or abusive behaviour; stalking) are separate statutory offences, not assault tiers.
Culpable and reckless conduct Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause; life available where the offence warrants it.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
Domestic violence Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Fine (or both)
The s.1 offence is a course of behaviour (physical, sexual, psychological, financial abuse; coercive control) towards a partner or ex-partner. Single-incident violence is charged as the underlying offence (e.g. assault), with the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016 s.1 domestic-abuse aggravation where applicable — the aggravation increases seriousness but does not change the statutory maximum.
Hate crime Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Aggravation by prejudice (ss.1-2) — enhancement, not an offence
- Imprisonment
- No separate term — within the underlying offence's maximum
- Fine
- No separate fine — within the underlying offence's range
Applies to any offence. Characteristics (s.1(2)): age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, variations in sex characteristics. Court must state and record the aggravation, take it into account in sentence, and explain any difference (s.2). Adds no range of its own.
Racially aggravated harassment (s.3) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure (sheriff). Course of conduct (at least two occasions) amounting to harassment, or conduct causing / intended to cause alarm or distress, racially aggravated.
Racially aggravated harassment (s.3) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
Stirring up racial hatred (s.4(1)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour or material; intent to stir up racial hatred OR a reasonable person would consider hatred likely to result.
Stirring up racial hatred (s.4(1)) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
Stirring up hatred — other characteristics (s.4(2)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Threatening or abusive (not insulting) behaviour or material; INTENT to stir up hatred required. Characteristics (s.4(3)): age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, variations in sex characteristics. s.9 freedom-of-expression protection applies to s.4(2) only. Reasonableness defence (s.4(4)).
Stirring up hatred — other characteristics (s.4(2)) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
Statutory maxima as written in the legislation. The s.1/s.2 aggravation creates no separate range. The s.12 power to add sex as a characteristic by regulations is not treated here as a listed characteristic. Scottish Sentencing Council guidelines are guidelines only and are not stated here. Last verified 2026-10-19 against legislation.gov.uk.
Homicide — manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
Culpable homicide is prosecuted on indictment in practice; no summary tier is given. It covers voluntary culpable homicide (e.g. killing with provocation or diminished responsibility) and involuntary culpable homicide (unlawful-act and reckless killing); Scots law draws no voluntary/involuntary statutory split.
Homicide — murder Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Life sentence
- Imprisonment
- Life (fixed sentence)
- Fine
- No fine — life sentence
Court must set a punishment part by order under the 1993 Act s.2(2): the part of the sentence the court considers needed to satisfy retribution and deterrence. No statutory minimum term — set per case. After the punishment part is served, release is for the Parole Board (public-protection test).
Murder is High Court only (Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 s.3(6)). Age variants apply for offenders under 18 and aged 18–20 (s.205(2)–(3) as amended); the adult sentence is life. Do NOT present a range: the sentence is fixed at life.
Human trafficking and modern slavery Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — s.1 trafficking; s.4 slavery/servitude/forced labour
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — s.1 trafficking; s.4 slavery/servitude/forced labour
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from the Act (legislation.gov.uk). Both offences carry life on indictment.
Stalking Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalty read from the Act's Explanatory Notes to s.39 (legislation.gov.uk): indictment 5 years, summary 12 months / statutory maximum. The section text itself was not re-read in this pass.
Sexual offences
Sexual assault / rape Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Rape (s.1) — on indictment only
- Imprisonment
- Life
- Fine
- Fine (fine alone NOT permitted for an individual — s.48(2))
High Court only: Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 s.3(6) excludes rape from sheriff indictment.
Sexual assault by penetration (s.2) — on indictment only
- Imprisonment
- Life
- Fine
- Fine (fine alone NOT permitted for an individual — s.48(2))
Sexual assault (s.3) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Sexual assault (s.3) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- Life
- Fine
- Fine (or both)
Sch 2 contains further offences (ss.5–9 and child-victim offences); only the three core offences are tiered here.
Property
Burglary Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
Entering a home without permission is not itself a crime in Scotland; housebreaking requires overcoming the security of premises plus intent to steal. Opening lockfast places is an aggravation of theft, not a standalone crime (Scottish Crime Recording Standard).
Extortion Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
Reset (receiving stolen goods) Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
Robbery Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
Robbery is theft accompanied by violence or threats. Weapon use, injury, and other aggravating features affect sentence within the court's powers; there is no separate statutory aggravated-robbery tier.
Theft Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
Theft is a common-law crime; no statute states a penalty. Figures are the sentencing powers of each court (Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 ss.3, 5). Aggravated forms (e.g. theft by housebreaking) do not change the court-power maxima.
Vandalism / criminal damage Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
District court (now JP court) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–60 days
- Fine
- £0–£1,000 (level 3 on the standard scale)
Sheriff court — summary, first offence
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Sheriff court — summary, subsequent offence
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Summary-only offence. Wilful fire-raising cannot be charged as vandalism (s.52(2)). More serious damage is charged as common-law malicious mischief, which has no statutory maximum.
Wilful fire-raising Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause; life available where the offence warrants it.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
Fraud & financial
Counterfeiting Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction (all Part II offences)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — ss.14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
With intent that the counterfeit be passed or tendered as genuine.
Conviction on indictment — ss.14(2), 15(2), 16(2), 17(2)–(3)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Without intent to pass as genuine.
Penalties read from s.22. The lesser tier (ss.14(2), 15(2), 16(2), 17(2)–(3)) covers counterfeiting without intent to pass as genuine.
False statements and declarations Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.44(1) — false statement on oath
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.44(2) — false statement in statutory declaration / required document or oral declaration
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.44(3) — false statement to procure registration
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Unlimited
Statutory penalties read from Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 s.44. No summary/solemn split stated in the section.
Forgery and uttering Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction (all Part I offences)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — ss.1, 2, 3, 4, 5(1), 5(3)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Making, copying, using a false instrument; custody of specified false instruments; implements.
Conviction on indictment — ss.5(2), 5(4)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Custody of other false instruments / implements.
Penalties read from s.6. Summary fine is the statutory maximum; indictment fines are unlimited for the s.6(2) offences.
Fraud Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Solemn (sheriff) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No statutory cap stated
High Court Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
- Fine
- Unlimited (no statutory cap)
Related common-law offences: uttering and embezzlement. Statutory frauds exist for specific contexts (e.g. tax, benefits, companies) and are not tiered here.
Insider dealing and market abuse Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction — insider dealing (CJA 1993) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — insider dealing (CJA 1993) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
10 years applies to offences on or after 1 Nov 2021; 7 years before.
Summary conviction — market abuse (FSA 2012 ss.89–91) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Penalty not re-read in primary text.
Conviction on indictment — market abuse (FSA 2012 ss.89–91) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalty not re-read in primary text; 10 years per Financial Services Act 2021 increase, 7 years before.
Insider-dealing penalties read from CJA 1993 s.61 (10 years on indictment, as raised by the Financial Services Act 2021). The FSA 2012 s.92 penalty (10 years on indictment per the same 2021 increase) was NOT re-read in primary text in this pass.
Insolvency offences Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction — ss.206–211 Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Schedule 10 figure — not re-read in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — ss.206–211 Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Schedule 10 figure — not re-read in this pass.
The sections themselves say only 'imprisonment or a fine, or both'; the terms come from Schedule 10 to the 1986 Act, which was NOT re-read in this pass. Tiers below are the Schedule 10 figures as reported (summary 12 months/stat max; indictment 7 years) — re-check against Schedule 10 before relying on them.
Intellectual property offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — copyright (s.107)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — copyright (s.107)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — trade marks (s.92)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — trade marks (s.92)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Copyright penalties read from the Copyright, etc. and Trade Marks (Offences and Enforcement) Act 2002 Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk): indictment 10 years (raised from 2). Trade mark s.92 penalty (summary 6 months/stat max; indictment 10 years) is long-standing.
Money laundering Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — ss.327, 328, 329
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — ss.327, 328, 329
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — ss.330, 331, 332 (failure to disclose)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — ss.330, 331, 332 (failure to disclose)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from s.334. In Scotland the statutory maximum is £10,000.
Drugs
Drug possession Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary — Class A Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Summary — Class B Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500
Summary — Class C Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£1,000
On indictment — Class A Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
On indictment — Class B Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
On indictment — Class C Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Tiers are by drug class (A/B/C), not quantity. Summary figures are the Scotland figures in Sch 4 (see verification note).
Drug trafficking / sale Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary — Class A Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Summary — Class B Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum)
Summary — Class C Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500
On indictment — Class A Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
On indictment — Class B Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
On indictment — Class C Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Tiers are by drug class (A/B/C), not quantity. Production, supply / offering to supply, and possession with intent to supply share these maxima. Importation (Customs and Excise Management Act 1979) is not included.
Weapons
Explosives offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.2 — causing explosion likely to endanger life or property
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- —
Indictment only.
s.3 — attempt / making or keeping explosive with intent to endanger life or property
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- —
Indictment only; explosive forfeited.
s.4 — making or possessing explosive under suspicious circumstances
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- —
Indictment only; explosive forfeited.
Penalties read from the Act as amended (legislation.gov.uk). Sections 2 and 3 are indictable only.
Weapons offences Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Firearms Act s.5(1) — possessing prohibited weapons / ammunition Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Fine
On indictment only.
Firearms Act s.5(2A) — manufacturing / distributing / possessing for distribution prohibited weapons Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Fine
On indictment only.
Firearms Act s.16 — possession of firearm with intent to endanger life / injure property Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Fine
On indictment only.
Firearms Act s.16A — possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Fine
On indictment only.
Firearms Act s.17(1) / (2) — use to resist arrest; possessing firearm while committing a Sch 2 offence Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Fine
On indictment only.
Firearms Act s.18(1) — carrying firearm / imitation firearm with intent to commit a Sch 2 offence or resist arrest Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Fine
On indictment only.
Firearms Act s.19 — carrying loaded firearm in public place Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (summary); 0–7 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £400 as printed in Sch 6 (summary); fine (indictment)
Indictment figure varies across point-in-time views — see verification note.
1995 Act s.47 — carrying an offensive weapon in a public place Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (summary); 0–4 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum) (summary); fine (indictment)
1995 Act s.49 — having a blade / sharply pointed article in a public place Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months (summary); 0–5 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum) (summary); fine (indictment)
Folding pocketknife with cutting edge ≤ 7.62 cm excluded (s.49(3)).
School-premises (1995 Act s.49A) and prison (s.49C) variants are not separately tiered here. 'Offensive weapon' (s.47) means an article made or adapted for causing injury to the person, or intended by the holder for that use.
Public order
Alcohol licensing offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — s.1 unlicensed sale of alcohol
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Up to £20,000
Summary conviction — s.102 sale of alcohol to a child/young person
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Summary conviction — s.103 knowingly allowing sale to a child/young person
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Penalties read from ss.1 and 102 (legislation.gov.uk). All summary-only.
Breach of the peace Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (s.5 sheriff summary; solemn 5 years; High Court unlimited).
Fireworks offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — s.21 providing fireworks to under-18s
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Summary conviction — s.22 supply on restricted days
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Summary conviction — s.24 use in a public place on restricted days
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Penalties read from ss.21–22 (legislation.gov.uk): summary, 6 months and/or level 5 fine. Section 24 carries the same penalty.
Mobbing and rioting Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
Threatening or abusive behaviour Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Statutory penalties read from s.38(4). In Scotland the statutory maximum is £10,000.
Tobacco and vaping sales offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — s.4 sale of tobacco to under-18
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 4 on the standard scale (£2,500)
Summary conviction — s.4A sale of nicotine vapour product to under-18
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 4 on the standard scale (£2,500)
Penalties read from the 2016 Act Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk): summary fine level 4 for both offences. No imprisonment.
Against the state
Electoral offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — corrupt practice
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — personation (s.60) and ss.62A/62B
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Conviction on indictment — other corrupt practices
- Imprisonment
- 0–1 year
- Fine
- Unlimited
Illegal practice (s.169)
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Fine only.
Penalties read from s.168 (as amended). Summary maximum is 6 months / statutory maximum.
Espionage and official secrets Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Conviction on indictment — NSA 2023 s.1 (obtaining/disclosing protected information) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited
Indictment only.
Conviction on indictment — NSA 2023 s.2 (obtaining/disclosing trade secrets) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-read in primary text in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — NSA 2023 s.3 (assisting a foreign intelligence service) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Up to life (not verified in this pass)
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not verified in this pass.
Summary conviction — OSA 1989 (except s.8(1), (4), (5)) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — OSA 1989 (except s.8(1), (4), (5)) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — OSA 1989 s.8(1), (4), (5) (safeguarding failures) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Only the s.1 life maximum was read in primary text (legislation.gov.uk). The s.2 14-year figure rests on secondary reporting; the s.3 figure was not verified in this pass. OSA 1989 s.10 penalties were read in primary text.
International crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes) Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Offence involving murder, or ancillary to an offence involving murder
- Imprisonment
- Life (mandatory, as for domestic murder)
- Fine
- —
Solemn proceedings only.
Other genocide / crimes against humanity / war crimes
- Imprisonment
- 0–30 years
- Fine
- —
Solemn proceedings only.
Penalties read from the Act's Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk): murder-involving offences take the domestic murder penalty (mandatory life); all other offences up to 30 years. For acts before 17 Dec 2001 also amounting to Genocide Act 1969 / Geneva Conventions Act 1957 offences, s.9B substitutes 14 years for 30.
Organized crime Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Involvement in serious organised crime (s.28) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Agreeing with at least one other person to become involved in serious organised crime, including agreeing to do something knowing/suspecting (or that one ought reasonably to have known/suspected) it will enable or further such crime. The thing agreed need not itself be an offence.
Involvement in serious organised crime (s.28) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure. 'Serious organised crime' = crime involving 2+ persons acting together for the principal purpose of committing/conspiring to commit a serious offence (s.28(3)).
Offence aggravated by connection with serious organised crime (s.29) — enhancement, not an offence
- Imprisonment
- No separate term — within the underlying offence's maximum
- Fine
- No separate fine — within the underlying offence's range
Applies where the offender was motivated (wholly/partly) by the objective of committing/conspiring to commit serious organised crime. Court must state and record the aggravation, take it into account in sentence, and explain any difference (s.29(5)). Adds no range of its own.
Directing serious organised crime (s.30) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Directing (including inciting) another to commit a serious offence or a s.29-aggravated offence, or directing one person to direct another. Applies whether or not the directed offence is committed (s.30(4)).
Directing serious organised crime (s.30) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
Failure to report serious organised crime (s.31) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Duty applies to knowledge/suspicion from trade, profession, business or employment, or from a close personal relationship where a material benefit was obtained. Reasonable-excuse defence (s.31(4)); legal professional privilege excluded (s.31(5)).
Failure to report serious organised crime (s.31) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
POCA 2002 ss.327-329 — money laundering — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Penalty in s.334(1)(a), as written (6 months).
POCA 2002 ss.327-329 — money laundering — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Penalty in s.334(1)(b).
POCA 2002 ss.330-332 — failure to disclose money laundering — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Penalty in s.334(2)(a), as written (6 months).
POCA 2002 ss.330-332 — failure to disclose money laundering — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Penalty in s.334(2)(b).
Human trafficking (Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 s.1) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Taking a relevant action (recruitment, transportation/transfer, harbouring/receiving, exchange/transfer of control, arranging/facilitating) with a view to another person being exploited. Consent irrelevant.
Human trafficking (Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 s.1) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour (2015 Act s.4) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum)
Summary procedure. Construed per ECHR Article 4; consent does not preclude the offence (s.4(4)).
Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour (2015 Act s.4) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Solemn procedure.
Conspiracy (common law) — by trying court
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months (summary); 0–5 years (solemn sheriff); unlimited (High Court)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (prescribed sum) (summary); no statutory cap stated (solemn sheriff); unlimited (High Court)
Common-law offence with no penalty clause; figures are the sentencing powers of the trying court (Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 ss.3, 5). The Criminal Law Act 1977 does not apply in Scotland.
Statutory maxima as written in the legislation. Summary fines are the statutory maximum (£10,000, the prescribed sum). The s.29 aggravation creates no separate range. Conspiracy is common law in Scotland with no penalty clause — the figures given are the trying court's sentencing powers. Last verified 2026-10-19 against legislation.gov.uk.
Terrorism Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction — TA 2000 ss.11, 12, 15–18 Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — TA 2000 ss.11, 12, 15–18 (membership, support, terrorist financing) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
14 years per Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 increase.
Conviction on indictment — TA 2000 s.57 (possession for terrorist purposes) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–15 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-read in primary text in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — TA 2000 s.58 (collection of information likely to be useful to terrorists) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–15 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-read in primary text in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — TA 2006 s.1 (encouragement of terrorism) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–15 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-read in primary text in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — TA 2006 s.5 (preparation of terrorist acts) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalty figures rest on the legislation.gov.uk text for s.11 (older 10-year text) plus a 2025 gov.uk counter-terrorism report confirming ss.11–12 now carry 14 years (Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021). The 15-year figures for ss.57/58 and TA 2006 s.1, and the TA 2006 s.6 figure, were not re-read in primary text in this pass.
Treason Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
High treason (Treason Act 1351) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Life
- Fine
- —
Figure not read in primary text in this pass.
Treason felony (Treason Felony Act 1848 s.3) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- —
Indictable only; figure not read in primary text in this pass.
High treason was capital until the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 s.36 replaced death with life imprisonment (corroborated by Oxford LibGuides). Treason felony is indictable only, life or any shorter term (corroborated by secondary sources). Neither figure was read in legislation.gov.uk text in this pass.
Traffic & transport
Careless / inconsiderate driving Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Discretionary disqualification; 3–9 penalty points.
Penalty read from Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2: summary only, level 5 fine, 3–9 points. No imprisonment.
Causing death or serious injury by driving Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.1 — causing death by dangerous driving (indictment only)
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited
Raised from 14 years to life by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
s.1A — causing serious injury by dangerous driving (summary)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
s.1A — causing serious injury by dangerous driving (indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.2B — causing death by careless driving (summary, Scotland)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
s.2B — causing death by careless driving (indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.2C — causing serious injury by careless driving (summary, Scotland)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
s.2C — causing serious injury by careless driving (indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.3A — causing death by careless driving when under influence of drink or drugs (indictment only)
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.3ZB — causing death by driving while unlicensed / disqualified / uninsured (summary, Scotland)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
s.3ZB — causing death by driving while unlicensed / disqualified / uninsured (indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.3ZC — causing death by driving while disqualified (indictment only)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
s.3ZD — causing serious injury by driving while disqualified (summary, Scotland)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
s.3ZD — causing serious injury by driving while disqualified (indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–4 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2 (legislation.gov.uk). Scotland summary figures stated where Sch.2 gives a Scotland-specific figure.
Dangerous driving Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 penalty points.
Conviction on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 penalty points.
Penalties read from Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2 (legislation.gov.uk).
Driving while disqualified Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Figure read from the E+W Schedule 2 entry; Scotland limb not re-verified.
Conviction on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Unlimited
Indictment limb not re-verified in this pass.
PARTIAL: the summary limb (6 months / level 5) was read from the E+W entry in Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2; the Scotland-specific summary limb and any indictment limb were not re-verified in this pass.
Driving without a licence or insurance Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction — s.87 driving without a licence Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 3 on the standard scale (£1,000)
Summary conviction — s.143 using a motor vehicle while uninsured Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Figure not re-read in Schedule 2 in this pass.
PARTIAL: s.87 (level 3) was read in Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2. The s.143 fine (level 5) was NOT re-read in Schedule 2 in this pass.
DUI / drink driving Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.5(1)(a) — driving / attempting to drive with excess alcohol
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5 on the standard scale)
Summary only. Obligatory disqualification. Scotland prescribed limit: 22 microgrammes alcohol / 100 ml breath; 50 mg / 100 ml blood; 67 mg / 100 ml urine.
s.5(1)(b) — in charge of a motor vehicle with excess alcohol
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500 (level 4 on the standard scale)
Summary only. Discretionary disqualification.
s.4(1) — driving / attempting to drive unfit through drink or drugs
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5 on the standard scale)
Summary only. Obligatory disqualification.
s.4(2) — in charge of a vehicle unfit through drink or drugs
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500 (level 4 on the standard scale)
Summary only. Discretionary disqualification.
All four are summary-only. Scotland's limits (22/50/67) are lower than England & Wales (35/80/107). Drug-driving (Road Traffic Act 1988 s.5A) is not included in this entry.
Failing to stop or report after an accident Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Figure not re-read in Schedule 2 in this pass.
PARTIAL: penalty (summary, level 5 fine and/or 6 months) was not re-read in Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2 in this pass.
Speeding Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 3 on the standard scale (£1,000; £2,500 on a motorway)
Figure not re-read in this pass.
PARTIAL: penalty (level 3 fine; £2,500 on a motorway) was not re-read in the Act or in Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2 in this pass.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine on the standard scale (level not verified in this pass)
6 penalty points. Fine level not verified — re-check Schedule 2.
PARTIAL: the fine level was NOT verified against Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Schedule 2 in this pass, so it is deliberately left as 'fine on the standard scale'. 6 penalty points apply.
Cyber & digital
Communications offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Summary only.
Summary-only. Penalty read from s.127(3). Summary proceedings in Scotland must be commenced within 3 years of the offence (s.127(6)).
Cybercrime / hacking Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
s.1 — unauthorised access to computer material Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months (Scotland summary); 0–2 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum) (summary); fine (indictment)
s.2 — unauthorised access with intent to commit / facilitate a further offence Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months (Scotland summary); 0–5 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum) (summary); fine (indictment)
s.3 — unauthorised acts with intent to impair (or reckless as to impairing) computer operation Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months (Scotland summary); 0–10 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum) (summary); fine (indictment)
s.3ZA — unauthorised act causing or creating risk of serious damage Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years (indictment); 0–life where the act causes or creates a significant risk of serious damage to human welfare (loss of life etc.) or national security
- Fine
- Fine
Indictment only.
s.3A — making / supplying / obtaining articles for use in an offence under s.1, 3 or 3ZA Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months (Scotland summary); 0–2 years (indictment)
- Fine
- £0–£10,000 (statutory maximum) (summary); fine (indictment)
s.3ZA is triable on indictment only. The 'further offence' in s.2 need not have been completed.
Data protection offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction (Scotland) — ss.132, 144, 148, 170, 171, 184
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Fine only.
Conviction on indictment — ss.132, 144, 148, 170, 171, 184
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Unlimited
Fine only.
Summary conviction (Scotland) — ss.119, 173
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Fine only.
All Data Protection Act 2018 criminal offences are punishable by FINE ONLY — no imprisonment. Penalties read from s.196.
Environment & wildlife
Animal cruelty Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — ss.19, 23
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £20,000
Conviction on indictment — ss.19, 23
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from the 2020 Act Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk) amending 2006 Act s.46: summary 12 months/£20,000; indictment 5 years/unlimited fine.
Dangerous dogs Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — dog dangerously out of control (no injury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Summary conviction — aggravated (dog injures person / assistance dog)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — aggravated (dog injures person / assistance dog)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from s.3(4) (legislation.gov.uk).
Environmental pollution / illegal waste (fly-tipping) Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — general
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Up to £40,000
Conviction on indictment — general
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — special waste
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Up to £40,000
Conviction on indictment — special waste
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — household waste within curtilage of dwelling
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — household waste within curtilage of dwelling
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from s.33(8)–(10) (Scotland version, legislation.gov.uk).
Wildlife offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — core offences (ss.1, 5, 6, 9, 10A, 11, 14, 15A)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £40,000
Conviction on indictment — core offences (ss.1, 5, 6, 9, 10A, 11, 14, 15A)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — lesser provisions
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Summary-only provisions; see s.21(1)–(1C).
Penalties read from the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk) on WCA 1981 s.21: core offences summary 12 months/£40,000, indictment 5 years. Some lesser WCA provisions remain summary-only (6 months/level 5 or 12 months/£40,000).
Immigration & borders
Immigration offences Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction — s.25 (assisting unlawful immigration) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — s.25 (assisting unlawful immigration) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Summary conviction — s.24 (illegal entry / breach of conditions) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Figure not re-verified in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — s.24 (illegal entry / breach of conditions) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-verified in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — s.24A (deception) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-verified in this pass.
Conviction on indictment — ss.25A, 25B (helping asylum-seeker; assisting in breach of order) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Figure not re-verified in this pass.
Only the s.25 penalty (14 years indictment; 6 months/stat max summary) was read in primary text. The s.24, s.24A, s.25A and s.25B figures below were NOT re-verified in this pass.
Corruption & justice
Assaulting or obstructing police Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.90(1) — assaulting police
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Summary only.
s.90(2) — resisting, obstructing or hindering police
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Summary only.
Summary-only offence. Penalty read from s.90(4).
Bribery Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction — individual (ss.1, 2, 6)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment — individual (ss.1, 2, 6)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Conviction on indictment — s.7 failure to prevent bribery
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Unlimited
Fine only.
Penalties read from s.11. The s.7 corporate offence is indictable only and fine-only.
Contempt of court Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
General maximum (High Court / sheriff solemn)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Fixed-term committal; court may order earlier discharge.
Sheriff dealing with contempt otherwise than in criminal proceedings on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Level 4 on the standard scale (£2,500)
Per s.15(2)(a).
JP (district) court
- Imprisonment
- 0–60 days
- Fine
- Level 4 on the standard scale (£2,500)
Per s.15(2)(b).
Statutory caps in Contempt of Court Act 1981 s.15. The 2-year tier is the general maximum; the lower tiers apply where the sheriff or JP court deals with the contempt.
Escape from lawful custody Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff / JP court) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Common-law sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Common-law sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Common-law sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause for the common-law offence; tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. The s.91 statutory offence penalty was not re-verified — see mappingNote.
Perjury Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.
Perverting the course of justice Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary (sheriff / JP court)
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause; summary prosecution is rare for this offence.
Solemn (sheriff + jury)
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. Normally prosecuted on indictment in the High Court or sheriff solemn court.
Prison offences Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
UNVERIFIED: no penalty range given. The candidate provisions were not read from official text in this pass. Do not use the tier below as a range.
Children & vulnerable people
Abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
UNVERIFIED: no penalty range given. The candidate provisions (Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 s.83; Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 s.318; Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007) were not read from official text in this pass. Do not use the tier below as a range.
Child abduction Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalty read from Part II s.8 (legislation.gov.uk): summary 3 months / statutory maximum; indictment 2 years / fine.
Child cruelty and neglect Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary conviction Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Amended figure — see penaltyNote.
Conviction on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Amended figure — see penaltyNote.
Figures are from the Scottish Government consultation reproducing the AMENDED s.12 (gov.scot): indictment 10 years / unlimited fine; summary £10,000 / 12 months. The legislation.gov.uk snippet retrieved in this pass showed the UNAMENDED text (£400 / 6 months summary), so this entry is PARTIAL pending a re-read of the current s.12.
Female genital mutilation Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000)
Conviction on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Indictment maximum of 14 years read from the Act's Explanatory Notes and gov.scot (legislation.gov.uk). Summary penalty is the same as under the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 (6 months / level 5).
Family & marriage
Bigamy Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary (sheriff / JP court) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Up to £10,000 (prescribed sum)
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
Solemn (sheriff + jury) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
High Court of Justiciary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Unlimited
- Fine
- Unlimited
Court sentencing power — no statutory penalty clause.
No statutory penalty clause. Tiers are the courts' sentencing powers under the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995. The common-law status of bigamy in Scotland was not re-verified against primary text in this pass.
Forced marriage Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary conviction
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Statutory maximum (£10,000)
Conviction on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited
Penalties read from s.122(9) (legislation.gov.uk).