Criminal defence

What You Need to Know The criminal justice system can be a complex one to navigate, with many different potential outcomes at varying stages. Investigations by the police or other public bodies sometimes conclude without charges being brought against...

New Sentencing Council Guideline  The Sentencing Council has published the new guideline for sentencing strangulation and suffocation offences in England and Wales, which came into effect from 1st January 2025. This will be the first dedicated Sentencing Guideline for...

Getting arrested and taken to a police station is likely to be something that will cause a great deal of stress, anxiety, and concern. It is the process of having your liberty taken away, and it is important to...

Civilian and Police Powers of Arrest The first thing that is likely to come to mind when you think of a police officer is that they arrest people. However, aside from knowing that an arrest usually results in being...

Police Powers and Your Rights. It is no secret that police officers have extensive powers to search people for a vast array of items. However, the very fact that there are numerous circumstances under which these powers can be...

What is homicide? A homicide charge can result from an act of murder, manslaughter, infanticide or causing/allowing the death or serious injury of a child or vulnerable adult. Under current legislation, a conviction for an act of homicide by...

What is a Suspended Sentence? A suspended sentence is a custodial sentence where the offender does not go to prison. On the condition that they do not commit any further offences during the operational period and comply with the...

What happens after Children’s Services becomes involved? Following a referral to Children’s Services in respect of a non-accidental injury, you may be asked to consent to your child being placed in the care of a family member or in...

Police powers in relation to seizure and retention of property concerning a police investigation is covered under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984, section 19. However, all police officers adhere to the regulations outlined in this legislation...

What is fitness to plead? The concept of fitness to plead refers to the ability of a defendant to understand and participate fully in the legal proceedings against them. This can be applicable to those with a mental disorder,...