We talk a lot in this Country about the benefits of a jury trial, how leaving the decision in the hands of 12 people chosen at random, is the fairest way of securing justice, but how does a jury decide? Jury decision making Ironically, the process of how a jury reaches its decision is unknown…
Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders
Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) are commonly issued by police when attending incidents of alleged domestic violence. Invariably, whatever the rights and wrongs of a situation, and frequently it is quite impossible for this to be correctly judged, the male is the recipient of a DVPN….
Forensic Testing Scandal – Is Your Conviction Safe?
New details have emerged about forensic testing deficiencies at two of the country’s leading laboratories – Randox Testing Services (RTS) and Trimega Laboratories. Police are currently investigating the exact circumstances and a number of people have been arrested in connection with…
What are driving endorsements?
The majority of road traffic offences carry obligatory endorsement. Since the abolition of paper counterpart licences in June 2015, any endorsement will be shown on your electronic driving record which is held at the DVLA at Swansea. What is a driving endorsement? An endorsement is simply an…
What if I am stopped by the police and accused of having committed a road traffic offence?
WHAT IF I AM STOPPED BY THE POLICE AND ACCUSED OF HAVING COMMITTED A ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCE? Because you were present at the time that the offence was allegedly committed and have been made aware of it by the police, the likelihood is that you will be reported by the police for…
What is laughing gas and is it illegal?
Nitrous oxide – more commonly known as ‘laughing gas’ – is back in the news following a Court of Appeal ruling that the substance is controlled by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. The Act makes it an offence to possess psychoactive substances with intent to supply…
Lights, Camera, Action – Modern Policing
Lights, Camera, Action – Modern Policing Police forces across England and Wales are preparing for a rollout of ‘Body-worn Cameras’, and the government has announced that prison officers will shortly be assisted by this new technology. What are Body-worn Cameras?…
A guide to appealing against a sentence
Can my sentence be increased? The sentencing process is the beginning of the end for many defendants, as they can receive and accept their punishment and prepare to move on with their lives. However for some, the uncertainty may not be over as an appeal may be looming. Who can appeal? The…
New sentencing changes from 2017 onwards
Over the last few days, the government has announced proposals to classify new offences and increase sentencing for a range of existing offences. Gareth Hawden, one of our criminal law experts, explains the proposals. Knife crime sentencing guidelines Knife crime increased by 20% in the last…
Can I appeal if I’m convicted before a magistrates’ court?
Many people convicted before magistrates feel aggrieved at the outcome and wish to consider an appeal. A grievance may arise because they think that their case was not prepared correctly, or that the court reached the wrong result. For many people, a conviction could be a major barrier to…