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? BWCs are small recording devices, very similar to a GoPro, which allows for constant audio and video recording in an...
For many offenders, a prison sentence is a grim reality, a punishment that must be served, often impacting not only on a single individual but in many cases their family. So, when the day of release comes, it is a significant moment, the door on punishment closed and a time to draw a line under...
Over the last few days, the government has announced proposals to introduce new offences and increase sentencing for a range of other offences. One of our criminal law experts, Stephanie Brownlees, explains the proposals. Knife crime Knife crime increased by 20% in the last year, prompting the government to look again at key...
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 employment or travel overseas, even where...
What is the ‘Sex Offender Register’? There isn’t an actual register, and the phrase refers to notification requirements imposed on some offenders convicted of sexual offences. Over 50,000 individuals are currently subject to notification requirements. The duration of the notification obligation depends on the sentencing disposal and the age of the offender. These are...
The government is planning to introduce legislation which will increase the maximum custodial sentence for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The current limit is six months’ imprisonment, but the new proposals would raise it to five years. This would bring England and Wales into line with other countries’ policies on animal cruelty and...
This article examines drones and the legal framework which governs their usage. It focuses on drones which are available to the public and looks at potential risks, the relevant law, one’s responsibilities as a drone owner and further caveats for particular types of drone use. What are drones? The term “Drone” refers to any...
People who illegally dump waste have cost land and property owners millions of pounds in the last year, according to the Environment Agency. The financial impact, which relates to the cost of removing waste dumped in fields and empty commercial properties lawfully, could be even higher if land is contaminated or insurance premiums rise as...
Many people convicted of driving with excess alcohol leave court with a pretty clear idea as to the length of their driving disqualification, but for a significant number, there is a shock further down the line. Contrary to popular belief, there is no ‘right’ to hold a driving licence, merely by having passed a driving...
Tax evasion definition, illegal non-payment or underpayment of tax by individuals, corporations and trusts Change Ahead The main provisions of the Criminal Finances Act 2017 come into force on 30th September 2017, and there are important things for a business to know. New Provisions While tax evasion is already an offence, currently there is...
