Useful information

If you have been charged with common assault in England or Wales, the most pressing question you’re likely to have is what sentence you will receive. The common assault sentencing guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council decide that, and they...

There is no single offence called "grooming". There are a group of offences which cover various forms of manipulative, exploitative and abusive behaviours towards children, which could be sexual, or induce a child to commit a criminal offence, such...

Failing to stop for police is one of the most misreported offences in UK motoring law. Search for it, and you will find pages warning about penalty points, disqualification and even prison. Most of them are describing a different offence. This guide sets...

Paedophile hunter groups operate in a space the law never designed for them. They are not police officers, they have no special powers, and yet the evidence they gather can be used in criminal investigations. This guide explains what the law in England and...

If you have been charged with harassment or stalking in England or Wales, the sentence depends far more on which section you are charged under than on how the messages read. The harassment sentencing guidelines cover several separate offences under the ...

If you have been accused of assaulting a partner or a family member, one of the first questions you may have will be what sentence you are facing. This guide sets out which offence you are likely to be charged with, what each one carries, and how the...

A Section 18 charge is a very serious assault offence. Its proper name is wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and it is the offence the Crown charges when it determines that you meant to cause really serious harm rather than simply causing...

Accepting a police caution at the police station for an adult sexual assault under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 will not automatically place you on the Sex Offender Register. Schedule 3 of the Act lists relevant offences that will place...

If the police have asked for your phone, or have already taken it, the question you want answered is a narrow one: can the police search your phone, and do you have to help them get into it? This guide covers the law in England and Wales, so if you were...

If you think the police may be investigating you, the honest starting point is this: in many cases, nobody will tell you, and you do not have a legal right to be told. In most cases, you may not be aware that the police are investigating you until you are...

Rape within marriage has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since 1991, when the House of Lords removed a common law exemption that had stood for more than 250 years. The date is the single most-searched question on this subject, and it is also the...

If you or someone close to you is facing a manslaughter charge, the question that matters most is how long a manslaughter sentence actually is. In England and Wales, the answer is wider than for almost any other offence: a manslaughter sentence can range...

Being investigated by the police can be a worrying experience, particularly where your private digital communications are concerned. Many people ask whether the police can see WhatsApp and Snapchat messages, especially given the widespread use of encryption...

If you are facing an allegation about something said to have happened years or even decades ago, the first question is usually the same: how can historical abuse be proven when there is no DNA, no CCTV and no contemporary record? The honest answer is that...

Non-fatal strangulation became a specific criminal offence in England and Wales in June 2022. If you have been arrested or charged with non-fatal strangulation, you are facing a serious offence that can be sent to the Crown Court and carries a real risk of...

Being caught with drugs for the first time is frightening, and the questions come fast: will I go to prison, can the charge be dropped, and will this follow me around on my record? For a first offence involving a small amount for personal use, the realistic...

Driving without due care and attention is one of the most common motoring offences charged in England and Wales, and one of the most misunderstood. It covers everything from a momentary lapse at a junction to sustained careless driving that puts other...

Most police forces in England and Wales now let road users upload footage and report driving offences online, so a clip from a cyclist's helmet camera or another driver's dashcam can land on a police desk within minutes. If you have been caught by a...

The Sentencing Act 2026 has introduced important changes to sentencing in England and Wales. One of the most significant changes is the increased availability of suspended sentences. A suspended sentence is a custodial sentence, but the person does not go...

If you have been charged with theft, the question that matters most is simple: what sentence am I facing? In England and Wales, theft carries anything from a discharge to six years in custody, with a maximum of seven years. Where you fall in that range...

Rap and drill lyrics are increasingly being used as evidence in criminal courts in England and Wales, and if you or a family member are facing a trial where lyrics, music videos or social media posts form part of the prosecution case, it is natural to ask...

When someone is arrested or investigated for a child sexual offence in England and Wales, their mobile phone is almost always the central piece of evidence. Mobile phone forensics is how the police turn that seized device into material a court can rely on,...

If you have been arrested for or charged with Section 20 GBH, the first things you need to understand are how serious it is, what sentence you could face, and whether prison is likely. Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 covers the...

Quick answer The UK Sex Offenders Register is a list, established by the Sex Offenders Act 1997 and amended by the Sexual Offences Act 2003, of individuals who have been convicted, cautioned or released from prison for a sexual offence against children or...

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...

Quick answer The offence of ‘making’ an indecent image of a child is set out in the Protection of Children Act 1978. It covers any act that causes an indecent image of a child to exist on a device – including downloading from a website,...

Quick answer Talking to someone under 16 online is not in itself illegal in the UK. It becomes a criminal offence – sexual communication with a child under Section 15a of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 – where an adult, for the purpose of sexual...

Quick answer Sex in public can be a criminal offence in the UK. Depending on the circumstances, it can fall under indecent exposure under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (where a person intentionally exposes their genitals intending to cause alarm or distress)...

Quick answer Using the dark web is not in itself illegal in the UK – but accessing illegal websites, or engaging in criminal activity through the dark web, is. The most frequently prosecuted dark-web offences are those relating to indecent images of...

Quick answer GBH (grievous bodily harm) is the most serious form of assault short of attempted murder. It comes in two forms: GBH with intent under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, which carries a sentence range of 2 to 16...

Quick answer Sentencing for assault in the UK depends on the type of offence. Common assault under Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 carries a maximum of six months’ custody (two years if racially or religiously aggravated). Actual bodily...

If you have been arrested or charged with assault on an emergency worker, you are facing a charge that the courts treat more seriously than common assault or assault on police. The sentencing guidelines for assault on an emergency worker carry a maximum...

If you have been arrested or charged with assault on a police officer, the law treats this far more seriously than an assault on a member of the public.  If you have been arrested or charged with assaulting a police officer, the court will take the...

A pseudo-photograph is an image which appears to be a photograph but has been digitally created or altered, rather than taken with a camera. Under UK law, pseudo-photographs of children are treated as seriously as real indecent photographs, and being found...

In brief: In criminal investigations, UK police use advanced forensic software to extract data from digital devices, including encrypted and deleted content. If you have had a device seized, the data on that device is now central to whether the prosecution...

If you have been arrested, interviewed under caution, or released under investigation, one question dominates every other: what evidence does the CPS need to charge you? The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) applies a defined legal standard to every charging...

If you have been arrested or charged with affray, the first thing you need is a plain explanation of what the offence is, how it is sentenced, and what your next steps should be. Affray is a public order offence under section 3 of the Public Order Act 1986....

There is widespread confusion about whether it is illegal to take pictures of minors without permission in the UK, particularly when photographs are taken in a public place. UK law draws a sharp line between everyday photography and conduct that crosses...

Whether kissing a minor is illegal in the UK depends on age, context, and whether the kiss is sexual in the eyes of the law. This guide explains when a kiss involving someone under 16 crosses into criminal territory, what the Sexual Offences Act 2003...

If you have just been arrested or are about to appear in a Magistrates' Court, you have a legal right to free advice from a duty solicitor. Whether you should use that duty solicitor or instruct a private criminal defence firm depends on the seriousness...

Quick answer UK police typically uncover indecent images offences through automated detection systems that identify suspicious search terms and message activity. Once an IP address is identified, a warrant is obtained – under the Protection of...

Anyone facing a Crown Court matter, or supporting a family member through one, wants the same thing: a clear picture of what happens, in what order, and what their solicitor is doing at each stage. Crown Courts hear the most serious criminal cases in...

Quick answer In England and Wales, the standard initial pre-charge bail period is three months. When bail ends, the police will normally either charge you with an offence, release you without charge (no further action), release you under investigation, or...

In Brief Being accused of possessing, making, or distributing indecent images of children (IIOC) is an extremely serious matter. The offences are governed primarily by Section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978 and Section 160 of the Criminal Justice...

In Brief If you are questioned by the police, you have a legal right not to answer police questions and may respond “no comment” if you choose. This right to silence is protected under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and Article...

In Brief Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is the most serious category of non-fatal assault under English and Welsh law. It is defined as “really serious bodily harm”. Injuries classed as GBH typically include broken bones, stab wounds, facial...

In Brief Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence under Section 42A of the Family Law Act 1996, carrying a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Even seemingly minor contact – such as a single text message or a social...

In Brief If you believe you have committed a criminal offence or are wanted by the police, voluntarily turning yourself in can carry significant legal advantages. Courts treat voluntary surrender as a mitigating factor under Sentencing Council guidelines,...

In Brief Yes, sending unsolicited sexual images is now a criminal offence in England and Wales. Since 31 January 2024, cyberflashing has been a specific offence under section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023....

In Brief Yes, you can go to jail for touching someone in the UK. If the touching is sexual, it may be charged as sexual assault by touching under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment ....

In Brief If you have accidentally viewed indecent images of children online, it is understandable to feel panicked. However, accidentally coming across such material is not, in itself, usually prosecuted as a criminal offence under UK law – provided...

In Brief Under UK law, viewing and possessing illegal pornography are treated as separate offences, but both can lead to serious criminal charges. Viewing or downloading an indecent image is typically prosecuted as “making” an image under...

In Brief Possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class A drugs is a serious offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The sentencing range spans a high-level community order to 16 years’ custody....

In Brief A life sentence in the UK does not usually mean the offender will spend the rest of their life in prison. In most cases, the judge sets a minimum term (also called a tariff) that the offender must serve before they can be considered for release...

In Brief All criminal cases in England and Wales begin at the Magistrates’ Court. Whether you have been charged with a minor motoring offence or a serious criminal matter, your first court appearance will take place before a Magistrates’ Court....

In Brief In most cases, the difference between murder and manslaughter comes down to intent. Murder requires proof that the defendant intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). Manslaughter covers unlawful killings where that specific intent...

In Brief If you have been charged with a criminal offence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is responsible for deciding whether your case proceeds to trial. The CPS can drop charges at any stage before conviction – either through discontinuance or...

In Brief There is no general time limit on how long a police investigation can last in England and Wales. For indictable and either-way offences, the police can investigate for as long as they consider necessary. For summary-only offences, proceedings must...

In Brief Voyeurism is a criminal offence in the UK under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It involves observing or recording someone doing a private act without their consent and for the purpose of sexual gratification. Voyeurism carries a maximum sentence of...

Grievous bodily harm (GBH) is one of the most serious assault offences in English and Welsh law. If you or someone you know is facing a GBH charge, understanding the sentencing guidelines is essential. This guide explains the sentences for both Section 18...

In Brief A community resolution is an informal, non-statutory disposal used by police in England and Wales to deal with low-level criminal offences without taking the matter to court. It is not a conviction and does not appear on your criminal record....

If you or someone you know has been charged with sexual assault, understanding the potential sentence is likely your most pressing concern. This guide explains how UK courts approach sexual assault sentencing, the factors that influence whether you face a...

Being accused of indecent exposure is a serious matter that can result in imprisonment and placement on the Sex Offenders Register. This guide explains the law under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, including recent changes under the Crime and...

In Brief Cocaine is a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the most serious category Maximum penalty for possession: 7 years’ imprisonment , an unlimited fine, or both First-time offenders with small amounts often receive fines,...

In Brief Attempted murder is one of the most serious criminal offences in England and Wales. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment , and the typical sentencing range runs from 3 to 40 years’ custody depending on the circumstances. Unlike...

UK law takes a serious view of sending inappropriate pictures, whether to adults or minors. The Online Safety Act 2023, which came into force in January 2024, introduced significant new offences including cyberflashing and enhanced penalties for sharing...

In Brief Yes, the police can press charges without the victim’s consent in the UK. In fact, victims do not “press charges” at all under English law. The decision to prosecute belongs to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS),...

In Brief The sentence for rape in the UK ranges from 4 to 19 years , with life imprisonment possible for the most serious cases The minimum sentence is typically 4 years for Category 3 offences with lower culpability The maximum sentence is life...

In Brief If the police stop you in the street, they cannot force you to unlock your phone. However, if you are arrested, officers have the power to seize your phone as evidence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. Even after arrest, you...

In Brief Being released on bail without formal charges means police have arrested and released you while continuing their investigation. Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, pre-charge bail has strict time limits—typically starting...

Pornography laws in the UK have changed significantly in recent years, particularly with the introduction of the Online Safety Act 2023 and mandatory age verification requirements that came into force in July 2025. This guide explains what is legal, what is...

Making a threat to kill is a serious criminal offence under UK law. If you or someone you know is facing charges, understanding the sentencing guidelines is essential. This guide explains what sentences courts can impose, how they calculate them, and what...

In Brief A No Further Action (NFA) letter is an official notification from the police confirming that an investigation is closed and a decision has been made that no criminal charges will be brought against you for that matter. Receiving an NFA letter...

If you have been cautioned, convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a sexual offence in the UK, you may be subject to strict police reporting, or "notification," requirements. Commonly referred to as the sex offenders register,...

A conviction in the UK criminal justice system requires the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt "beyond reasonable doubt." This is the highest standard of proof in law and is a central pillar of the principle that a person is presumed...

In an era of instant communication, where messages can be sent across the globe in seconds, the law has had to evolve to protect individuals from digital harm. While some communications may be considered merely rude or offensive, a specific category of...

Handling stolen goods is a serious criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968. In England and Wales, sentencing for this crime is based on guidelines issued by the  Sentencing Council , which ensure a consistent and proportionate approach across the...

In England and Wales, the offence of intentional strangulation was created by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Since coming into force on 7 June 2022, there have been key developments in the sentencing guidelines for this serious crime. A dedicated guideline is...

When it comes to the offence of fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006, the  Sentencing Council  guidelines provide a structured framework for courts to determine an appropriate and proportionate penalty. This offence is...

Both affray and ABH are serious criminal offences with potentially severe consequences. Determining which is “worse” depends on the circumstances of the incident, the level of harm caused and how the courts assess the behaviour involved. At JD...

A person's right to communicate with others, including making a phone call, is a fundamental right while in police custody in England and Wales. However, this right is not absolute and can be delayed in certain, limited circumstances. The law governing...

A common concern for anyone facing a criminal allegation is how long after being charged do you go to court. The time between charge and the first court appearance varies depending on whether the person is released on bail or kept in custody, as well as the...

For anyone accused of a sexual assault, one of the most common and distressing questions is: How long does a sexual assault investigation take? The uncertainty surrounding the police process can cause immense anxiety. While some cases may be concluded...

Senior Partner and Head of Private Client Crime, Umar Zeb, returns this week from New York. Mr Zeb attended the Manhattan courthouse upon the invitation of the New York County Defender Service. The visit facilitated a valuable exchange between expert...

In the final week of November, I had the opportunity to visit the New York City Criminal Court in Manhattan, hosted by the New York County Defender Services (NYCDS). As a London defence lawyer, observing another major criminal justice system in operation...

If you are convicted of or plead guilty to speeding, your sentence will depend on the severity of the offence. It is likely to include points on your licence and a fine, and in more serious cases, you could face disqualification. The court will look at a...

JD Spicer Zeb has analysed the latest UK Government road safety statistics for 2024 to understand where collisions occur, who is affected, and what this means for road safety across the country. The data covers local authorities in the UK, detailing the...

In the UK, the legal framework categorises indecent images into three distinct categories (A,B and C) and are based on the severity and nature of the depicted content. These classifications, determined by police and guided by the  Sentencing Council ,...

Receiving a court summons can be a very distressing experience. If you find yourself in such a situation, you will likely have several questions about what this means and what is going to happen next. In the following blog, our criminal law experts explain...

The consequences of a rape charge are significant. Even where a charge doesn’t lead to a conviction, your personal and professional lives can both be affected, often permanently. Understandably, having rape charges dropped altogether would appear to...

Being falsely accused of sexual assault or rape is an extremely distressing scenario. Even an accusation, let alone a charge or conviction, can have devastating consequences for every aspect of your life. It is essential that, if you are facing a false...

If you have been accused of controlling and coercive behaviour, it is extremely important that you understand the nature of the offence and the corresponding sentencing guidelines. The type of sentence that could be handed out for coercive and controlling...

The Metropolitan Police Service has announced plans to close nearly half of its front counters, leaving only eight in London open 24 hours a day. This decision, driven by a reported £260 million funding shortfall, marks a significant change to public...

Having your bail extended means that the police require more time to continue their investigation before deciding whether to charge you. An extension is not necessarily good or bad for your case, but it does mean that your obligations under bail conditions...

Obstructing a police officer is a criminal offence that can have serious consequences, even in cases where no physical force is used. Defined under Section 89(2) of the Police Act 1996, ‘obstruction’ covers any deliberate act that hinders an...

Malicious communications offences involve sending messages intended to cause distress or anxiety, whether by letter, email, text, social media or other electronic means. These cases are taken seriously by the courts, and sentences can range from fines and...

Allegations of perverting the course of justice are treated seriously by the criminal justice system and can carry severe consequences, including lengthy custodial sentences. In this article, we outline what constitutes perverting the course of justice, the...

The Home Office announced on 5 July 2025 that the organisation Palestine Action will become a proscribed group under UK terrorism law . This makes it a criminal offence to be a member of this group or to express support for them. Palestine Action is an...

Being released on bail is an important step in a criminal investigation or court case, but it is not the end of the process. Whether bail was granted by the police or the court, you will usually be required to follow certain conditions while your case...

Stalking is a serious criminal offence which can result in significant penalties upon conviction. A Stalking Protection Order (SPO) is a civil court order designed to restrict the behaviour of someone suspected of stalking, even if they have not been...