Posts Categorized: News
Why do police officers wear Body Worn Cameras?
Body Worn Cameras are becoming more popular in police forces across England and Wales, including prison officers. Apparently this new idea is “changing the justice system”. Psychologically, the idea of being filmed can cause people to react differently in certain situations, for example some may not get as angry if they know they are being… Read more »
Challenging Licence Conditions
Released from custody? But are you free? Whenever an offender receives a prison sentence, it is the unfortunate situation that no one wants to be in, also affecting relatives, family and friends of the offender. Most offenders think that after they are released from custody, they are completely free. They believe that the punishment door… Read more »
Appeal from a Magistrates’ Court conviction
It is regrettable, but true, that many people being convicted in the Magistrates’ Courts – particularly where their case has been funded by legal aid or where they were unrepresented at Court, feel that the Court has arrived at the wrong decision. A Magistrates’ Court conviction can have significant impacts on peoples’ lives. Often it… Read more »
Ted Heath Report – Phil Smith’s view
The report into Operation Collier, released today, concludes that Ted Heath would have been questioned in connection with claims of sexual abuse if he had been alive when the allegations came to light. However, Tuckers’ Partner Phil Smith has taken to Twitter to point out that police are obliged to investigate reports. Thereafter, it is an… Read more »
5 years for animal cruelty!
The government has announced plans to legislate to significantly increase sentencing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Currently the maximum custodial sentence is six months’ imprisonment. That could be raised to 5 years! Offences covered by the Act There are a number of offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 including those, such as… Read more »
Criminal Lawyers – an endangered species?
When animal species face extinction special interest groups dedicated to saving them are set up, campaigns are launched, funds are raised and celebrities get involved but when a cornerstone of our democracy, the criminal lawyer, is at risk we hear little; yet we face an impending crisis which if it is left unaddressed will undermine… Read more »
Drink driving – High Risk Offenders
Most people convicted of drink driving leave court thinking they know the length of their disqualification. But because there is no ‘right’ to hold a driving licence, the Secretary of State for Transport has the right, to withhold a licence. This can happen after a conviction for drink driving if the offender is deemed ‘high-risk’…. Read more »
No liability for motorist who hit man suspected of attempting suicide
As a motorist, it is incredibly challenging to deal with prosecutions for driving offences. The process can seem overwhelming – potentially involving civil and criminal aspects. Motorists need to be supported through this difficult experience with sensitivity, supporting them to defend their position. The difficulties involved in this kind of case is demonstrated in a… Read more »
Allegations of Sexual Abuse against Foster Carers
In recent years, historic abuse claims have dominated our front pages and newsfeeds. From the Savile inquiry to the recent focus on abuse in youth football, it is clear that this is one of the crucial criminal justice issues of our day. Foster carers too have come under increasing scrutiny. Dealing with an allegation of… Read more »
Will I be granted Criminal Legal Aid?
Will I be granted Criminal Legal Aid? This article is for people who would be eligible for legal aid but need to complete the forms and provide supporting documents or provide further information before legal aid will be granted. Am I eligible for criminal legal aid? There are many factors which affect this and your… Read more »