Blog
Direct access Barrister | Criminal, Motoring & Regulatory Law
What’s the penalty for failing to comply with Coronavirus laws?
What's the punishment for breaking the Coronavirus regulations? The answer is in The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. For a download of the regulations, click covid19-legislation If your case ends up in the Magistrates Court,...
Can the Coronavirus police stop me from jogging?
Are there any Coronavirus reasonable excuse exercise time limit laws? You won't find your answer in the Coronavirus Act 2020. Instead, you'll find what you need, kind of, in Statutory Instrument number 350: Public Health England: The Health Protection (Coronavirus,...
How can I find out if my magistrates court trial is adjourned due to the coronavirus?
You've read all the Government advice on social distancing, so you would assume that there should be no problem with getting your Magistrates Court trial adjourned. Magistrates Courts "Business as usual"? Robert Buckland, QC MP, Lord Chancellor said on 18 March 2020...
Do I need a solicitor for a Magistrates Court trial?
Is hiring a solicitor for my magistrates court case the best decision, or is there a better way? Most people would love to have an experienced criminal barrister with them for their magistrates court case. The problem is that we hear stories of burned out barristers -...
When is it in the Public Interest for the CPS to drop your case?
Is writing to the Crown Prosecution Service telling them that you're not the type of guy who should be prosecuted really your best move? Is your solicitor writing letters to the Crown Prosecution Service telling them that it's, "Not in the Public Interest" for you to...
Speeding or perverting: Why a lawyer can save you money and heartache
If only the officer would have contacted a motoring lawyer, she would have kept her job and avoided prison. (Former) detective Clare Brown was in the passenger seat when her partner was stopped by a PCSO for speeding. Instead of challenging the PSCO's speeding...
How can I get the CPS to drop the case?
Sometimes, you can get the CPS drop a case. Getting the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the case is your best possible outcome. If the CPS drop the case, there's no trial. This is good news because you are saved from the ordeal of telling your side of the story in...
What happens after you plead Guilty: Mitigating your sentence
How do you know if you should say anything after you've pleaded Guilty? Many self-represented people who plead Guilty in the Magistrates Court don’t know how to mitigate. Because they don't know what to say, the get harsher sentences than they probably should. If you...
Is “consuming” the Drug Drive s5A RTA loophole you’re looking for?
Can I be guilty of Drug Drive s5A RTA if I wasn't the one smoking? You've been found by police slumped over your steering wheel at a traffic light. You've been arrested and taken to the police station. Your blood has been taken and you have tested positive for...
The biggest mistake people make on their Single Justice Procedure form
What is the worst thing you can do when you get a Single Justice Procedure Notice in the post? Do not bring up your personal needs when telling the magistrates why you are not guilty. Here's the one thing many self-represented...
