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...
