Under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, when does the buffer period for offenders commence?

The buffer period for offenders, as established under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, begins at the end of the sentencing period. This means that the time frame during which an offender's conviction might affect their ability to access certain services or benefits—often referred to as the "buffer period"—does not start until they have fully served their sentence. This provision aims to ensure that individuals who have completed their punishment are given a fresh start without the stigma of the offense lingering while they strive to reintegrate into society.

Other options do not align with the stipulations of the Act. For instance, a start of the buffer period at the end of the trial or immediately after conviction would not account for the actual time served, which is fundamental in determining the offender's rehabilitation and reintegration. Similarly, a commencement of the period upon parole does not reflect the reality that an individual is still under some form of supervision or restriction during parole, rather than being entirely free from their sentence.