Community Service Orders (CSO) are usually imposed on offenders for reformation, and for them to make amends to the community by performing unpaid community service for a period of time under the supervision of an authorised officer.
Eligibility for CSO
The Court can make a CSO requiring an offender to perform any unpaid community service under the supervision of a community service officer where: –
- The offender who is 16 years of age or above is convicted of an offence prescribed; and
- The Court is satisfied that it is expedient to the offender’s reformation that the offender makes amends to the community for the offence by performing the work.
The Court in making the CSO will consider: –
- The mental and physical condition of the offender; and
- Whether or not the offender is a suitable person to perform community service under such an order, and whether or not suitable arrangements can be made for the offender to perform such work.
A Court may impose such conditions as it thinks fit when making a community service order.
Obligations under CSO
The offender has obligations when a CSO is in force : –
- Perform the number of hours specified in the order such as work to be done, the date, number of hours specified in the order, and the location of the community work;
- Notify the community services officer of changes in address;
- Perform community service in satisfactory manner;
- Not disturb or interfere with any other person participating in or doing anything under a community service order;
- Not assault, threaten, insult or use abusive language to a community service officer;
- Comply with conditions the Court may impose; and
- Comply with regulations
Conclusion
The law in this area is complex, and it is important to have access to legal counsel to better understand sentencing options as it affects liberty. Contact one of our dedicated Specialist Criminal Lawyers who will be able to give you quality advice and personal attention to your specific legal troubles.
