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...
