Cautions as an alternative to a formal prosecution

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Cautions and Conditional Cautions
a Caution is an alternative to prosecution in court where a formal prosecution is not required in the public interest.

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  • Simple Cautions

  • Conditional Cautions

  • Community Resolution

  • Youth Cautions and Conditional Cautions

Adult simple cautions

Simple Cautions

An adult simple caution (usually referred to simply as a Caution) is an alternative to prosecution in court where a formal prosecution is not required in the public interest.

It can only be offered if the adult suspect (i.e. 18 or over) admits guilt, so if the accused does not accept committing the offence then an out-of-court disposal will not be offered. Similarly, except in the case of youth cautions, an out-of-court disposal cannot be forced on a suspect, so it can only be used where the suspect agrees to accept it.


This type of caution should not be confused with a police caution given upon arrest, charge or interview, i.e. “You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later relay on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.” You can read more about police cautions upon arrest, charge and interview (together with their purpose and consequences) in the Defence Case sections of magistrates’ court trial and Crown Court trial.


Who can make the decision to offer a simple caution?

Both the police and the CPS can make the decision to issue an adult simple caution (so called to distinguish it from a ‘conditional caution’), but there are some limits on those offences for which cautions can be given because they are intended for dealing with low-level offending (and usually for first-time offenders).

Where the offer of a caution is refused, it is likely that a formal prosecution will be commenced. 

When can a simple caution be given?


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