Criminal Law Articles
As one of the North West’s leading Criminal Solicitors, this section has all the useful articles we have collated which relate to criminal law. In this section you will find out about new laws, amendments to existing laws and precedents set – as well as opinion and lot’s of great advice from our award-winning crime team.
Firearms Amnesty
A two-week gun amnesty begins today across the UK. In this period people will have an opportunity to dispose of firearms and ammunition safely, with ‘no questions asked’.
Drugs Are No Laughing Matter
The Act makes it an offence to possess psychoactive substances with intent to supply, and in limited cases, simple possession is also an offence. The appeals came about following some cases where Judges ruled that laughing gas is exempt from control under the Act.
Interview Away From A Police Station
Recent changes to the Police And Criminal Evidence Act mean that Police Officers can now conduct many more interviews away from the usual police station. This removes many of the built in safeguards of the process that has protected the rights of millions of arrestees over the last thirty plus years.
Fireworks, Bonfires & The Law
Bonfire Night is almost upon us where the night sky will be brought alive by the vibrant explosions of noise and colour, but as always, lurking in the background is a risk that failing to deal with fireworks safely & responsibly can bring you to the attention of the Police.
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
But in criminal law, sometimes a simple act of contrition, genuine remorse and communicated, can alter a case outcome significantly. A timely admission and expression of sorrow can make the difference between a formal resolution such as caution or charge, and persuade the police to consider an out of court community resolution.
Police & Body Warn Cameras in Operation
Police forces across England & Wales are preparing for a rollout of ‘Body-worn Cameras’, and the government has announced that prison officers will shortly be assisted by this new technology. Greater Manchester Police have already been routinely using them for sometime.
New Possible Licence Conditions
For all offenders, a prison sentence is a grim reality, a punishment that must be served, often impacting not only on a single individual but in many cases their family. So, when the day of release comes, it is a significant moment, the door on punishment closed and a time to draw a line under the past and move on.
Convicted In A Magistrates’ Court – Can I Appeal?
Many people convicted before Magistrates feel aggrieved at the outcome, and wish to consider an appeal. A grievance may arise because they think that their case was not prepared correctly, or that the court reached the wrong result.
NEW SENTENCING PROPOSALS FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY
The government is planning to introduce legislation which will increase the maximum custodial sentence for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The current limit is six months’ imprisonment, but the new proposals would raise it to five years.
Drones & The Criminal Law
This article examines drones and the legal framework which governs their usage as far as criminal laws are concerned. It focuses on drones which are available to the public and looks at potential risks, the relevant law, one’s responsibilities as a drone owner and further caveats for particular types of drone use. Legal disclaimer: It does not constitute legal advice.
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