Arson and Criminal Damage Sentencing Guidelines

April 10, 2018

Arson and Criminal Damage.

The Sentencing Council has launched new Arson and Criminal Damage sentencing guidelines which cover arson, criminal damage and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage offences. ‘Arson’ is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

The reasoning behind the new guidelines is for ease and consistency of sentencing for these particular offences. The Magistrates’ Court currently caters and covers sentencing guidance for arson, criminal damage and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage offences, however there is no sentencing guidance at the Crown Court for the above, and more. Each offence is different in terms of seriousness, for example extreme arson cases could consist of a thoroughly planned attack with intent to endanger lives or buildings, in comparison to a small fire in a public bin. Criminal damage cases can also vary in seriousness, for example damage to public areas, graffiti and throwing stones at passing vehicles.

What offences do the new Arson and Criminal Damage Sentencing Guidelines cover?

  • Arson
  • Criminal damage/arson with intent to endanger life or reckless as to whether life endangered;
  • Criminal damage where for the damage has a value of over £5000
  • Criminal damage where the damage has a value of less than £5000
  • Threats to destroy or damage property
  • Racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage offences

How Tuckers Solicitors can help you…

These new guidelines are tougher than before, however we will still proudly represent you if this applies to your current situation. The new guidelines will take effect later on in 2018, however Judges might sway towards the new consultation guidelines before their start date, so we will ensure that this does not happen before the guidelines have been formally set. We are exceptionally experienced in all areas of this. Please get in touch as soon as possible.

To discuss anything to do with Arson and Criminal Damage prosecutions, please contact us on 020 7388 8333 or email info@tuckerssolicitors.com and we will gladly assist.

Our offices are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to deliver immediate and expert legal advice and representation.