Mitigating circumstances Regardless of your defence strategy, you can still show mitigating circumstances in order to reduce any sentence. Common mitigating circumstances include: • No criminal record • Remorse and self-examination (Note that this is simply a legal tactic which some may not feel comfortable using) • Compensation given to a victim • Care responsibilities for elderly or children • Difficult childhood or great hardships • Good work experience • Good educational background • Significant contributions to society.