What happens after I am sentenced?
First, you will likely be taken to a provincial jail.16 Often, this is the one you were in if you were on remand in custody instead of out on bail while awaiting trial. Usually, you will not be transferred to a penitentiary until 15 days after your sentencing. During this period, you may file an appeal, and the 15 days is supposed to ensure that you have time to begin the appeal process.17
The provincial jail you’re in is where your initial assessment takes place. The initial assessment will be used to determine certain things that will greatly affect you, such as the prison at which you will begin to serve your sentence.18 According to the policy of the Correctional Service Canada (CSC), the following factors are taken into consideration:
Return to note 16. Corrections and Conditional Release Act, S.C. 1992, c.20, s. 14 [CCRA].
Return to note 17. CCRA, s. 12.
Return to note 18. Correctional Service Canada, Commissioner’s Directive No. 705, “Intake Assessment Process” dated April 10, 2006, s. 75 [CD 705]
Return to note 19. CD 705, s.76.