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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...
Undertakings, Non Molestation Orders & Restraining Orders: What’s the difference?
Do you need a Non-molestation or Restraining Order? Sometimes, a woman just needs a little court enforced peace in her life - and the difference between an undertaking, a non-molestation order and a restraining order can be confusing. You may be thinking that as...
Is it a mistake to hire a White Collar Crime, Property or Family law solicitor to handle my Magistrates Court case?
Should you hire a White Collar Crime, Property or Family law solicitor to handle your Magistrates Court trial? When you're in police trouble, you want the best legal representation money can buy. It's natural to turn to a solicitor's firm you already know - especially...
Can Parkguard Ltd (Islington Operation Nightsafe) Patrolmen use handcuffs?
Does anybody else find it troubling that Islington Council Parkguard Nightsafe patrols are running around with handcuffs? Particularly when even Metropolitan Police PCSOs do not? Do people actually want private company contractors depriving people of of their liberty?...
DPP v Barreto: the mobile phone loophole you’ve been looking for?
DPP v Barreto: the mobile phone loophole you've been looking for? Up until now, most people caught by police with a mobile phone in their hands like this gentleman would find themselves in the frame for Driving a Motor Vehicle While Using a Hand-held Mobile Telephone,...
How to get your Magistrates Court trial adjourned
Will the magistrates give me an adjournment? Think getting your case adjourned to another date is going to be easy? Clearly, you've never been to the Magistrates Court before, and you're not familiar with the terms, "speedy summary justice" or "cracked trial"....
How the system prevents you getting the most out of your barrister
Here's what's stopping you getting the most out of your barrister It's 0800 and I'm at the Stratford Magistrates Court to prosecute traffic cases - and there's a trainee ("pupil") barrister here who does not know if she is prosecuting or defending - all she knows is...
The single biggest mistake people make at the police station
What's the single biggest mistake people make at the police station? You've been arrested - or "invited" to come to the police station for an interview. You're in a mess and don't want to make it bigger. In fact, the sooner you can get out of the police station with...
