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.
Sentencing Guidelines For Supplying Drugs
The law surrounding drug supply can be extremely complex, with factors such as proof of intent to supply and the location of drug supply greatly effecting the way in which you can be sentenced.
Can You Use Violence Without It Being A Crime?
Who is Ben Stokes?
Ben Stokes is an England cricketer who was charged with affray before being acquitted by a jury.
What If You Are Caught With Drugs At A Festival?
Some of the biggest festivals at Leeds and Creamfields will be attended this coming bank holiday weekend and we’re on hand to guide you if you are caught with drugs at these festivals.
Acquittals and enhanced record checks
An ordinary DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check can reveal previous convictions and cautions. An enhanced check, which is required for many jobs, may reveal more in-depth information held by the police. This can include intelligence, arrests, prosecutions and acquittals.
What Do Witnesses Have To Do In Court?
Support is available through the witness service for any witness who must attend court. The support provided may be practical or it may be emotional.
The Reasons Why You May Not Be Granted Bail
You DO have a right to be granted bail, however under certain circumstances this right can be taken away. The circumstances include the court believing that if granted bail it would be likely that you would:
Fail to surrender;
Commit further offences on bail; or
Interfere with witnesses
Is it a crime to not provide a breath sample when asked?
If the police suspect that you are over the limit then you are obliged to give a sample, it doesn’t matter if you know that you are under the limit. The same rule applies if the police have reason to believe that you were driving even if you weren’t.
When Can You Be Charged With Criminal Damage?
Essentially, you will receive this charge if you intentionally or recklessly damage property. It is most commonly damage to cars and windows, regularly it will have something to do with revenge.
The Incitement Rules Undercover Police Officers Must Follow To Obtain Evidence
Agent provocateur, which is French for “inciting agent”, is an entrapment situation in which a person is enticed, incited or encouraged to commit a criminal offence which they wouldn’t have committed otherwise.
How Manslaughter Sentencing Has Changed
The Sentencing Council, who’s responsibility it is to set sentencing guidelines in England and Wales, has just recently issued a new guideline in relation to manslaughter offences.