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.
Does Providing Information Reduce A Sentence?
A formal statutory system has now been put in place to regulate reduction in sentence for a defendant who aids the authorities, although the ‘text’ regime is still around.
Obscene Publications Act Explained
Publishing, or having for publication for gain, an obscene article With freedom of speech, publishing an obscene article reminds us that there are lawful limitations within this freedom. But what are the laws that determine an "obscene" article? In this article...
Contempt Of Court
The case of Tommy Robinson, or to give him his real name, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has brought the issue of “contempt of court” into the public eye, but what is it all about?
PRIVATE PROBATION PROVIDERS ARE FAILING OFFENDERS & SOCIETY
A few years ago, the National Probation Service was split into two. The existing service maintained its supervision of high-risk offenders, mainly those serving lengthy sentences or with complex rehabilitation needs, the remaining offenders, by far the vast majority,...
Is being sexist or misogynistic a crime?
In Belgium such behaviour can be considered criminal. A man has been convicted under a new law which does criminalise sexism. After being stopped driving his car he told the female police officer to do a job “adapted to women”. He was fined €3,000 for insulting the officer because of her gender.
New Sentencing For Assaults On Emergency Workers
When it comes to assaulting emergency workers there has, up to now, only been a specific charge for assaulting a police officer. This is a summary only offence which carries a maximum of 6 months imprisonment.
There is however an option to charge an offender with offences such as actual or grievous bodily harm if the injury to the officer is more serious.
What If The Police Request My Phone PIN?
It could be argued that the police could ask you at any given time for your PIN, but you can always say no. The most important issue is whether or not they can take further action if you say no.
The Dangerous Drug That Is Spreading Across The Country
Monkey dust is a new synthetic drug and a type of psychoactive substance. It is similar to other cathinone drugs such as MDPV, methylone and magic crystals.
New Sentencing Guidelines for Child Cruelty
The Sentencing Council has published a new guideline for how those guilty of child cruelty offences should be sentenced.
Can The Police Test My Eyesight?
There have been many articles in the press about police forces undertaking random checks on motorists and revoking licences at the roadside. But what powers exactly do the police have?