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. The effect of the DVPN is to force the...
New details have emerged about forensic testing deficiencies at two of the country’s leading laboratories. Police are currently investigating the circumstances, and a number of people have been arrested. Randox Testing Services (RTS) and Trimega Laboratories handle samples for some of the most high-profile criminal and family law cases, the accuracy of the tests being...
As we put Halloween and Bonfire Night behind us, easing into those dark wintry nights, it isn’t long before Christmas is in our sights and party season gets underway. As night follows day, this time also coincides with a national police initiative concerning drink driving, as forces across the country prepare for a spike in...
In some instances, it is possible to apply to a court and ask that a driving ban is ended early. Therefore, if your circumstances have changed since being disqualified, it is worth discussing with one of our criminal law specialists whether or not you can take advantage of this legal provision. Is legal aid available?...
A two-week gun amnesty begins today across the UK. In this period people will have an opportunity to dispose of firearms and ammunition safely, with ‘no questions asked’. Who are the police reaching out to? The amnesty is directed at two distinct groups of people, firstly those who know they are in possession of illegal...
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has abandoned its’ challenge to the April 2017 Court of Appeal decision, which ruled that legal aid cuts for prisoners were unlawful because they were “inherently unfair”. Vulnerable Prisoners There were major cuts to Legal Aid imposed in 2013, following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012...
The Parole Board celebrates its’ 50th birthday, having been created by the Criminal Justice Act 1967. The initial purpose of the Board was to advise ministers on the release of life sentenced prisons. Over time, the Board has developed to be a court-like body which orders the release of prisoners. Between 2016- 2017, there were...
In December 2016 two men were convicted of manslaughter following an avoidable brake failure that resulted in the deaths of four people, including a young girl. Neither of the men drove the vehicle, but they were ultimately responsible, as the haulage boss and mechanic. One was sentenced to 7 ½ years, the other to 5...
‘Laughing gas’ more properly known as Nitrous Oxide, 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, and in limited cases, simple possession is also an offence. The...
Or, at least it does according to Elton John. But in criminal law, sometimes a simple act of contrition, genuinely felt and communicated, can alter a case outcome significantly. A timely admission and expression of sorrow can make the difference between a formal resolution such as caution or charge, and persuade the police to consider...
