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What is a Postal Requisition?

If, following a police investigation, a decision is made to prosecute, you will receive what is known as a postal requisition (also known as a postal charge). A postal requisition is a legal document that summons you to court at a specified time and date. ...

Exceptional Hardship: Examples and Arguments

In the UK, if you accumulate more than 12 penalty points within three years, you will be disqualified from driving for six months - or two years if you have already been disqualified in the past. It may be possible to persuade the courts not to disqualify...

False Imprisonment in the UK

False imprisonment is an extremely serious common law offence in the UK, with the potential punishments being severe for anyone facing a conviction. It is important to be aware of what actions could be classed as false imprisonment in the UK, and what could...

How to get off a Drink Driving Charge

The consequences of a drink driving charge can be extremely serious. Therefore, it’s only understandable that you may be wondering how to get off a drink driving charge if you find yourself in such a situation. While you should not expect there to be...

New Legislation Banning All Zombie-Style Knives Set to be Introduced

From 24 th September 2024, a change to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will extend the current law, making possessing all forms of zombie-style knives and machetes in the UK illegal. This is an extension of the current ban on zombie knives, widening the...

Conspiracy Charge Sentences in the UK

In the UK, making an agreement to commit a crime is a crime in itself, referred to as a conspiracy. Being charged with conspiracy to commit a crime is very serious, and depending on the circumstances of the case and the plans that allegedly took place, the...

What Happens When Bail Ends in the UK?

If the police are investigating you for a crime, they may decide to release you on pre-charge bail (more commonly referred to as being released on bail). This can be a confusing situation and leave you with plenty of questions about what will happen further...

Signs Your Case will be Dismissed in the UK

If you are being investigated for a criminal offence, the prospect of your case proceeding to trial can be daunting. In such a situation, it is understandable that you may be looking for any signs that your case will be dismissed by the police or CPS This...

New 'Stealth' Cameras Catching Offenders on the Road

More and more police forces across the UK are trialling ‘stealth’ cameras which use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically detect motorists who are not wearing a seatbelt or who are using their mobile phones whilst driving. The use of such...

When can you use self-defence during disorder or riots?

If you are accused of an offence such as assault or concerned in violence during protests or a riot, it is essential to consider self-defence. This is different to ordinary self-defence, which cannot be avoided. You may reasonably defend yourself if...

Police Investigation Procedure in the UK

There are many steps to the police investigation procedure in the UK. If you believe that you may be subject to an investigation, it is important to be aware of what to expect and what you will need to do. We discuss the general police investigation...

What is bad character evidence under Section 98 of the CJA?

During criminal proceedings, the prosecution may attempt to admit ‘bad character evidence’ to support their case. If it is admitted, bad character evidence can potentially have a major impact on a criminal trial. We discuss what bad character...

Death by dangerous cycling: New law backed by the house of commons

A new offence of causing death or serious injury by dangerous cycling is set to be introduced in the UK. When introduced, the offence will penalise cyclists who are deemed responsible for harming pedestrians and other road users. Like the similar existing...

What is statutory rape and what is the defence?

Statutory rape is an extremely serious sexual offence. Being convicted of statutory rape can therefore have severe consequences. Here, we discuss what statutory rape is, what the punishment for statutory rape could be, what defences there may be for...

Caught by a traffic vigilante?

The fact that many police forces allow road users to upload footage and complaint details online has led to a rise in so-called traffic ‘vigilantes’. One notable traffic vigilante, known as Cycling Mikey, is said to have reported over 1,000...

Rap on Trial: Lyrics as Evidence in UK Courts

There has been plenty of discussion surrounding rap and drill lyrics and whether they can be utilised as evidence in criminal trials. Over the past few years, there have been multiple instances of rap and drill lyrics being used to support criminal charges....

First charges under the new National Security Act 2023

In a landmark case, two men from Leicestershire and South London have become the first people to be charged in England and Wales for the criminal offences of assisting a foreign intelligence service and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign...

Is it illegal to protest for or against the Gaza conflict?

Issues have recently arisen over what defines ‘peaceful’ protest after there was a spark in demonstrations relating to the current Gaza conflict, and this has led to complications in establishing the boundaries between freedom of speech and...

Far Right Extremism - What charges can be brought?

Have you been accused of far-right extremism (ERWT) or terrorism? JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors  can advise. We understand that criminal proceedings can have a devastating impact on the lives of defendants and their families. Our team of expert solicitors...

Cuckooing Crackdown: Home Secretary's Strategy

Home Secretary James Cleverly has announced plans to introduce a new standalone offence which intends to crack down on the act of cuckooing. We explain what cuckooing is and what changes are due to be implemented in the following article. While we hope...

Paedophile Hunters and the Law

Despite a general rise in awareness of paedophile hunters and the way they operate, there remains some confusion surrounding the law and what could happen if someone is subject to an accusation from a paedophile hunter. We discuss the law surrounding...

Police Powers of Seizure Guide

Most people are aware that the police have certain powers to seize belongings as part of an investigation. However, not everyone is aware of what these powers actually involve and when the police are allowed to exercise them. We discuss police powers of...

What are the theft sentencing guidelines?

Theft is defined in section 1 of the Theft Act 1968 as the “dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention to permanently deprive the other of it”. In more simple terms, theft involves the taking of someone...

What is an indictable offence?

If you are due to appear at court for a criminal offence, the process that will be followed and the type of court you appear at will depend on whether the offence is considered ‘indictable only’, ‘summary only’, or ‘either...

Sentence for Harassment Without Violence

Harassment without violence is a serious criminal offence. As such, it is important to understand the harassment without violence sentencing guidelines if you are facing a charge. Here, we explain the acts that amount to harassment without violence, what...

What are the common assault sentencing guidelines?

Whilst common assault is the least serious form of assault, it is not an offence that will always be treated lightly. Indeed, in some cases, a conviction for common assault can lead to terms of imprisonment. If you are facing an accusation of common...

ABH vs GBH: Which offence is more serious?

ABH and GBH are two very serious offences. However, there are important distinctions between the two which are reflected in the severity of the potential sentences that can be handed out to anyone convicted. Given the similarities between the two offences,...

Non-fatal Strangulation

Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation are serious criminal offences which can lead to lengthy terms of imprisonment for anyone found guilty. They were introduced as new offences in 2022 by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in order to cover gaps in pre-existing...

What is Cyberflashing?

Cyberflashing became a crime on 31 st January 2024 as one of the new offences introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023. The guidelines published by the Crown Prosecution Service illustrate that it is a serious offence which carries severe punishments. With...

Driving Without Due Care and Attention

Drivers on UK roads are held to certain standards. Failing to uphold these standards by driving without due care and attention can potentially land you in hot water. But what does driving without due care and attention actually mean? And what is the penalty...

Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Worcestershire

We offer our legal services nationwide and are instructed by clients from Worcestershire on a regular basis. Worcestershire consists of six districts: Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Wychavon, Wyre Forest, the borough of Redditch and the city of Worcester....

How Long Is A Life Sentence In The UK?

In the UK, life sentences can be handed out when someone is convicted of a serious crime. However, what actually constitutes a life sentence can vary from case to case. Life sentences do not necessarily mean that someone has to spend their entire life in...

What is Encrochat?

EncroChat was a European communication network and service provider that, from 2020 onwards, has been at the centre of a large number of arrests. EncroChat was found to have been used as a ‘criminal marketplace’, where users could hide their...

What Is A Section 18 Assault?

The Offences against the Person Act 1861 covers a wide range of assault offences. This includes ‘Section 18 assaults’. Section 18 assaults are a form of grievous bodily harm (GBH). More specifically, Section 18 assaults refer to causing GBH with...

What Is The Sexual Offences Act 2003?

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes provisions for sexual offences in the UK, being used to define and determine the severity of these offences. If you are accused of a sexual offence in the UK, it is likely that you will be charged under the Sexual Offences...

What Is The Sentence For Attempted Murder?

 Attempted murder is a serious criminal offence. As a consequence, the potential sentences for attempted murder can be correspondingly severe. If you are facing a charge for attempted murder, we understand how daunting this is likely to be. We also...

Caution Plus 3 Voluntary Police Interview Guide Representation

Have you or a loved one been asked to attend a caution plus 3 voluntary interview with police or another UK law enforcement agency? If so, you may be wondering exactly what this is, how it’s different to being arrested, and what you need to do to ...

A Guide to Sexual Harm Prevention Orders Representation

At JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors, we are very experienced in advising our clients on SHPOs and representing them in court. We recently in case in which the sentencing Judge imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) of 10 years and a suspended sentence on our...

Murder VS Manslaughter: What's the difference?

Murder and manslaughter are among the most serious criminal offences. However, it is not always easy to know the difference between these two types of offence. Here at JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors, we understand how important it is for clients to understand the...

Perverting the course of justice: Sentencing guidelines

Perverting the course of justice is a serious criminal offence. If you are facing a charge of perverting the course of justice, it is important to understand the sentencing guidelines for the offence and what the potential consequences could be if you are...

How to get drug possession charges dropped according to UK law?

The prospect of facing a drug possession charge can be extremely daunting, particularly if you are a first-time offender. You may understandably be concerned about the type of penalty you might receive and what impact this will have on your life moving...

What is a suspended prison sentence in the UK?

If you are given a custodial sentence, the judge or magistrates presiding over your case may choose to ‘suspend’ this sentence for up to two years. This will depend on your circumstances and if certain criteria are fulfilled. We have obtained...

Marital Rape Law in the UK: A guide

Rape is an offence that most people are acutely aware of. However, the concept of ‘marital rape’ is not as widely discussed, which can result in some confusion when these types of allegations are raised. Marital rape is extremely serious, with...

Section 5 firearm offences: A Guide

Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 is concerned with the possession, purchase and acquisition of prohibited firearms. This is a complex piece of legislation and failing to properly understand its terms could result in a criminal offence being committed, even...

Assault on an emergency worker: Consequences and sentencing

Assault on emergency workers is treated more seriously under the law than assault on ordinary members of the public. The maximum sentence on conviction is two years’ imprisonment, so it is essential to have the best possible defence if you are charged...

ABH charge: What's the likely outcome?

If you are facing an ABH charge, the likely outcome can vary considerably. One of the most important factors that can affect your chances of avoiding conviction, or the type of ABH sentence you receive on conviction, is the quality of your legal defence. It...

What Is Mortgage Fraud?

Mortgage fraud is a criminal offence whereby someone obtains a mortgage by providing false information in relation to a mortgage application. This is sometimes called ‘obtaining a mortgage by deception’. Even the smallest piece of false...

What Are Confiscation Proceedings?

Confiscation proceedings are a way for prosecutors to deprive people convicted of an offence of any benefit they may have received from the offence (sometimes called ‘proceeds of crime’). A confiscation order will be made, requiring the convicted...

What happens in an HMRC fraud investigation?

Learning that HMRC are investigating you for fraud is likely to be a very scary situation and it is important to realise that there can be very serious penalties. Understanding the situation you are facing and getting the right legal support are both...

Assaulting a police officer: Consequences and sentencing

Assaulting a police officer is treated differently under the law than assaulting a member of the public. You could be sentenced to up to two years in prison if convicted, so it is essential to get the very best legal defence if you are arrested or charged...

What is the Sentence for Manslaughter in the UK?

Manslaughter is one of the most serious criminal offences one can commit and the penalties on conviction can be severe. That said, in some scenarios, a conviction for manslaughter may be the best available option, such as where a defendant is originally...

Charing Cross Police Station Legal Aid Solicitor Interview

This is your Free Legal Advice Guide For Representation at Charing Cross Police Station by the best-experienced solicitor for A Voluntary Interview or  Emergency if Arrested. Are you suspected of committing an offence at...

Colindale Police Station Voluntary interview Solicitor

This is your Free Legal Advice Manual For Representation Colindale Police Station Barnet Borough. Voluntary Interview /Arrested/ Investigation Best Defence Solicitor.   Are you suspected of committing an offence at Colindale Police Station? ...

What happens at Crown Court?

In England and Wales, serious criminal law matters will proceed to the Crown Court for trial. While cases will usually begin in the Magistrates’ Court, they will be passed on to the Crown Court where the matter at hand requires a trial by jury. ...

What is the computer misuse act?

In the UK, there are various laws in place which are designed to regulate the safe and proper use of computer systems. Many of these laws fall under the umbrella of the Computer Misuse Act 1990. The Computer Misuse Act is wide in scope and is not...

Historic Sexual Offences Guide

Over the past twenty years there has been a significant growth in the prosecution of individuals for historic sexual offences. The publicity surrounding the alleged scandals of ‘cover up’ in care institutions and schools has fuelled an increase...

What are the threats to kill sentencing guidelines?

Making a threat to kill is a very serious offence. Even if a threat is not met with any physical violence, it could still lead to very harsh penalties being handed out to anyone who is convicted....

What happens at the Magistrates' Court?

In England and Wales, all criminal law cases will begin in the Magistrates’ Court. This means that if you have been charged with an offence, your first court appearance will always be in the Magistrates’ Court no matter what your case relates to....

The UK's Top 5 Summer Crimes

We know there are seasonal effects on crime, but which crimes are particularly prevalent in the summer months? Find out what exactly you need to be vigilant about this summer based on 10 years of police data… A study by researchers at JD Spicer Zeb...

What do the police do with evidence from digital devices and what are the legal defences?

Evidence from digital devices such as phones, tablets and laptops is becoming more important than ever for criminal investigations and prosecutions. If you have been arrested, are under investigation or are facing charges, it is essential to understand how...

Possession with Intent to Supply Class A First Offence: What to Expect

If you are found to be in possession of drugs, and it is suspected that you are holding them to pass on to another person, you could face a conviction of possession with intent to supply (PWITS). As you might expect, the class of drug that is found in your...

What is the sentence for aggravated burglary?

Facing an allegation of aggravated burglary can be incredibly distressing, particularly as the potential sentences for the offence can be extremely serious. No matter what the surrounding circumstances may be, if you are accused of committing aggravated...

What is the sentence for assault?

As you may expect, sentences for assault can be very harsh. However, they can also vary significantly depending on a wide range of factors, including the exact offence someone is charged with. Assault can cover various actions, ranging from simply using...

What is affray in the UK?

There is often some confusion over how to define affray , and what will happen to anyone who is charged with affray. While affray is less common than actual assault charges, the potential sentences can still be serious. In some cases, being arrested for...

What is sexual grooming under UK law?

Sexual grooming laws and the corresponding penalties are very serious. Where someone is guilty of sexual grooming, they could be subject to irreversible damage to their personal life, career, reputation, and may also face lengthy periods of imprisonment. ...

Most Prevalent Recorded Sexual Offences in England and Wales, Revealed by Home Office Data

Umar Zeb, Senior Partner at JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors, uncovers the most prevalent sexual offences in England and Wales in the last financial year. Sexual violence in England and Wales, especially against women and girls, is an epidemic. Action Aid ...

What is a breach of a non-molestation order?

Following alleged instances of domestic violence, a victim may decide to apply for a non-molestation order against the person they deem to be responsible for the abuse. Non-molestation orders are put in place to prevent anyone accused of domestic abuse from...

Can you go to jail for kissing a minor in the UK?

While most people are aware of the strict laws regarding sexual relations with a minor, there is often some confusion over the laws concerning kissing. Kissing a minor laws do differ across the UK, with both Scotland and Northern Ireland both having their...

Can you go to jail for touching someone in the UK?

Touching someone without their consent may not always amount to a criminal offence. However, where touching is deemed to be sexual in nature, it could lead to charges being brought forward. Given how serious the charges for inappropriate touching can be,...

What is assault by penetration?

Assault by penetration is a very serious sexual offence. As such, the corresponding penalties for a conviction can be substantial. Being convicted of sexual assault by penetration is likely to led to lengthy prison sentences, but the exact punishment will...

What is a sexual harm prevention order?

If you are charged with a sexual offence in the UK, you may also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This is a serious matter and is likely to have a serious, long-lasting impact on your life. Understanding what Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are...

How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Click on the image below to see how long you can be on bail without charge in the UK ...

Guide to self defence laws in the UK

Self defence is, understandably, the first legal defence many people think of if they are accused of a violent crime. However, whether it can actually be used as a defence will depend on a range of factors. Here, we discuss UK self defence laws in detail,...

What is upskirting and is it a criminal offence?

Upskirting may not be a term you are wholly familiar with. That said, it is important to understand what it is, especially if you find yourself accused of committing it. While Section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 covered the broader offence of...

Criminal Expert Tackles Most Searched Online Safety Bill Questions

Umar Zeb, Senior Partner at JD Spicer Zeb, answers some of the top online searches relating to the Online Safety Bill. The Online Safety Bill is a new set of laws that intend to protect children and adults online. The bill imposes new legal requirements on...

What is voyeurism and is it a crime?

It is often obvious whether certain actions are considered to be a crime. However, there is often some misunderstanding over whether the act of voyeurism falls into this category. For many people, voyeurism may not be a term with which they are familiar. It...

Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)

The systems of pre-charge bail and release under investigation (RUI) underwent significant changes in 2022 when Schedule 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 came into effect. Here, we provide RUI and pre-charge bail guidance, discuss what...

Can mobile phone forensics be used for child sexual offence cases?

When someone is accused of a criminal offence, they may be subject to a digital forensics investigation. In child sexual offence investigations, mobile phone forensics are likely to be used by the police to obtain important evidence for a prosecution. In...

Can the police press charges without the victim's consent?

There are often scenarios where the victim of a crime does not wish to press charges against an alleged offender, or they change their mind after making a snap decision. We live in a world of CCTV and police body warn cameras. Recordings can provide...

Is sex in public a criminal offence in the UK?

Having sex in public is a taboo subject for many and, understandably, there is often some confusion over whether the act could be considered a criminal offence. It is important to remember that, even if you are not seen having sex by a member of the public,...

What are the benefits of turning yourself in to the police?

There may be certain scenarios where, if you believe that you have committed a crime, turning yourself in to the police would be beneficial. That said, it is important to understand where this would be the appropriate course of action and what the potential...

Road Casualties During December Average at Over 13,000

Over 138,000 road casualties have been reported across the UK in the past 10 years in the month of December alone, averaging at 13,842 casualties every December. Christmas festivities are in full swing, which means lights, alcohol and icy roads, all...

What is a 'No Further Action' Letter?

If you are released under investigation or released on pre-charge bail after being interviewed by the police, you will either receive a postal requisition or a summons to attend the Magistrates’ Court, or you will receive a ‘no further...

What Crimes are Digital Forensics Used in?

With the threshold for criminal convictions being incredibly high, prosecuting authorities need to gather compelling evidence in order to bring forward a charge against a defendant. As digital devices are now part of most people’s everyday lives,...

How is Digital Forensics Used in Child Sexual Offence Investigations?

Digital forensics often form a core part of criminal investigations in the UK, being used for a variety of offences. In particular, digital forensics investigations are commonly used when someone is accused of committing a child sexual offence, owing to the...

What is GBH with and without intent?

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is a very serious criminal offence. Anyone who is convicted can expect to face significant penalties, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. What many people do not realise is that there are two different GBH offences...

What injuries are classed as GBH?

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is one of the most serious criminal offences you can be charged with. This is due to the fact that injuries caused by GBH are especially severe and can often be life-changing for victims. Given that the penalties for GBH are so...

What is a Community Resolution Order?

Community resolution orders are an increasingly common method for the police to handle low-level offending. They offer an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings and allow the police to deal with certain offences in an ‘informal’ way. ...

Police Powers to Search Phone and Social Media Accounts

What powers do police in the UK have to search your phone and social media accounts? If you are arrested, your phone may be taken to be analysed as evidence. Similarly, if the police believe that your phone may contain evidence of criminal activity or...

Is it Illegal to Send Unsolicited Pictures in the UK?

Within the UK, changes to the law regarding unsolicited pictures such as “dick pics” are being considered in order to deter those sending them without the consent of the receiver.  Unsolicited pictures within sexting, unwanted pics,...

What Are the Laws on Sending Inappropriate Pictures in the UK?

In the UK, the laws on sending inappropriate pictures vary according to the situation. For instance, when consenting adults exchange sexually explicit photographs, this is not generally considered a crime. The act is only considered a criminal offense in...

How to Find the Best Criminal Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offence or is under investigation, the situation may initially appear overwhelming. But you should know that having an expert criminal defence lawyer on your side is the best way of securing a...

What are the Sentencing Guidelines for GBH?

Facing a conviction or allegation of grievous bodily harm (GBH) can be incredibly distressing, especially as this offence can carry significant penalties for anyone who is found guilty. GBH is classed as ‘really serious’ bodily harm that is the...

What is a Making Indecent Images Offence?

While the potential sentences for indecent image offences are serious across the board, the most severe punishments relate to making indecent images. That being said, there is often some confusion over what actually constitutes ‘making’ an...

What are Pseudo Photos & Images?

Most people are well aware that possessing, distributing and producing indecent images of children is illegal and can carry significant penalties for anyone who is found guilty of such an offence. However, many people do not also realise that the law on...

Can You Go to Jail for Talking to a Minor Online in the UK?

The law on having sexual relations with anyone under the age of 16 is very clear cut, with most people being well aware that the act is illegal, regardless of whether consent is provided. However, when it comes to speaking to a minor online, the law can...

What Evidence Does The CPS Need To Charge Someone?

If you have been arrested, you will understandably be concerned about what will happen next and how your case may unfold. Regardless of the nature of the offence you have been arrested for, you will also likely have questions over the sort of evidence that...

What Is a Duty Solicitor, and Are They Any Good?

No matter what your circumstances may be or what criminal offence you may be accused of, you will always be entitled to receive legal representation. This can come in the form of representation from a private criminal defence solicitor of your choice or a...

What is Digital Penetration?

Assault by penetration and, by extension, digital penetration are very serious sexual offences which carry significant penalties. This means that the prospect of facing a digital penetration charge, including digital penetration of a minor, is understandably...

What Are the Sentencing Guidelines for Sexual Assault?

Facing a conviction or allegation of sexual assault can be incredibly distressing, especially as sexual assault charges can be severe for specific offences. Sexual assault covers a wide range of offences, which means that the potential sentences someone...

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