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Administering a substance with intent sentencing guidelines

Danny Parkash
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Administering a substance with intent is a serious criminal offence that carries significant legal consequences. This offence involves deliberately giving another person a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, without their knowledge or consent, with the...

What are the drink driving sentencing guidelines?

Umar Zeb
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If you have been accused of drink driving, understanding the sentencing guidelines is crucial. In England and Wales, the courts follow clear rules when deciding your sentence, based on how much alcohol was in your system, the circumstances of the offence,...

Is it illegal to use a smartwatch while driving?

Umar Zeb
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While using a smartwatch while driving may seem harmless, under UK law, it could potentially result in legal penalties. Although smartwatches are not specifically mentioned in mobile phone legislation, the law prohibits holding and using any device capable...

Can you Leave the Country on Bail or with a Pending Case?

Philip Spicer
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If you are on bail or have a pending court case in the UK, you may be wondering whether you can leave the country. This can be a complex issue, as bail conditions and court orders often include specific restrictions on travel. Understanding your rights and...

Case Dropped: Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order Case - Staines Magistrates Court

Jonathan Lynn
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Mr Jonathan Lynn, one of our most senior and experienced criminal defence solicitors recently represented a privately paying client with their case preparation leading up to trial in Staines Magistrates Court listed on 22 nd May 2025. Our client was...

How to Get a Police Caution Removed

Umar Zeb
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While some people may assume that a caution will not form part of their criminal record, this is not true. A police caution is usually kept on record indefinitely and will appear on a DBS check for at least six years. We understand how worrying this can be,...

Police Record Deletion in the UK

Danny Parkash
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In the UK, police records are kept on the Police National Computer for 100 years, and these can only be removed under certain circumstances. At JD Spicer Zeb, we understand that having your records kept indefinitely can be concerning, particularly if you...

How to get your licence back after disqualification

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Losing your driving licence due to a motoring offence can seriously impact your freedom, livelihood, and daily life. In this article, we explain how you may be able to get your driver’s licence back early after disqualification and who may be...

The Power of Written Representations in Sexual Offence cases

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Over the past years, JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors has earnt a strong reputation for successfully defending those accused of rape and other sexual offences . One of the reasons why JD Spicer Zeb has had such success is because of the tactical use of written...

A Guide to Section 20 GBH

Umar Zeb
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In Brief Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 defines Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) as the unlawful and malicious wounding or infliction of serious bodily injury. Unlike the more severe Section 18 charge, a Section 20 offence does not...

Overtaking a Cyclist: How Much Room?

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Updates to the Highway Code specify the amount of room you need to leave when overtaking a cyclist. However, not all road users are aware of these changes to the legislation and failing to leave enough room when overtaking a cyclist can have legal...

Pendleton Police Station & Custody Suite Solicitor Legal Representation

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Free Advice Pendleton Police Station From JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors. Do you need a Solicitor at Pendleton Police Station in Greater Manchester? Are you or someone you know being held in a police station for questioning? Do not speak to Pendleton Police...

Jeremy Dein Kings Counsel KC works with JD Spicer Zeb

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Jeremy Dein KC is widely regarded as one of the most formidable defence barristers operating in the criminal justice system. His impressive career, which began when he was called to the Bar in 1982, has seen him establish a reputation for being both highly...

Swinton Police Station Solicitor Representation Interview Legal Aid

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Choose JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors at Swinton Police Station on  0161 835 1638 . Do you need a Solicitor at Swinton Police Station in Greater Manchester? Are you or someone you know being held in a police station? Before you speak to Swinton Police...

What are the penalties for failing to stop for the police under S163 of the Road Traffic Act ?

Philip Spicer
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The Power of police in uniform to stop vehicles is contained in S163 of the Road Traffic Act This offence occurs when (1)A person driving a motor vehicle on a road must stop the vehicle on being required to do so by a constable in uniform. (2)A person...

Harlesden Police Station Voluntary Interview Solicitor Legal Aid

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Do you need a Solicitor For Harlesden Police Station? JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors provides experienced Local defence solicitors immediately, 24 Hours a Day, for Voluntary interviews at Harlesden Police Station. Call  0207 624 7771   now...

Statute of Limitations on Sexual Assault and Rape

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The concept of a statute of limitations in the UK is a highly contentious subject, especially when considering historic sexual offence cases. In the following article, we discuss the situation surrounding a statute of limitations for sexual assault and rape...

What is a domestic assault charge in the UK?

Umar Zeb
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Domestic assault cases are often heard in UK courts. These are serious matters, and anyone facing a charge could be liable for a tough sentence. We are often contacted by victims who wish to retract statements, but we can only act for suspects in these...

What is domestic battery?

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Domestic battery is an offence which is seen often throughout the UK courts.  However, there are several misconceptions about domestic battery, which we will address in this article. In the following article, we clarify the definition of domestic...

Types of Criminal Offences in the UK: Summary Only, Indictable Only & Either Way

Sanjay Cholera
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In the UK, criminal offences are divided into three categories based on their seriousness: summary, indictable, and either-way offences. The process for handling these categories of offences is different, as are the corresponding severity of sentences. We...

What is a Postal Requisition?

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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. ...

False Imprisonment in the UK

Philip Spicer
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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...

Exceptional Hardship: Examples and Arguments

Umar Zeb
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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...

How to get off a Drink Driving Charge

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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

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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

Danny Parkash
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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?

James O'Donnell
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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

James O'Donnell
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If you are being investigated for a criminal offence, the prospect of your case proceeding to trial can be daunting. It is natural to look for signs that your case may be dismissed by the police or CPS, as this is often the best possible outcome. If the...

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

Umar Zeb
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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

Sanjay Cholera
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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?

Umar Zeb
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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

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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?

Umar Zeb
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Statutory rape is an extremely serious sexual offence. Being convicted of statutory rape can therefore have severe consequences. In Brief In England and Wales, statutory rape is a sexual offence where a victim is deemed legally unable to provide...

Caught by a traffic vigilante?

James O'Donnell
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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

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There has been plenty of discussion surrounding rap and drill lyrics and whether they can be utilised as evidence in criminal trials. In Brief In the UK, rap and drill lyrics, music videos, and social media posts are increasingly used by the Crown...

First charges under the new National Security Act 2023

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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?

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In Brief Under UK law, protesting for or against the Gaza conflict is legal under the Human Rights Act 1998 , which protects freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. However, these rights are not absolute; protests become illegal if they involve hate...

Far Right Extremism - What charges can be brought?

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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

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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

Danny Parkash
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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

James O'Donnell
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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. In Brief UK police have...

What is an indictable offence?

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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...

What are the theft sentencing guidelines?

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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...

Sentence for Harassment Without Violence

Danny Parkash
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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?

Danny Parkash
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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?

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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

James O'Donnell
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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?

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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

Sanjay Cholera
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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

Umar Zeb
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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....

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