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...