Helping The Police With Their Enquires
What happens if the Police arrest me? Do I need a solicitor? How do I get a solicitor? What happens at the Police Station? How long will I be there? These are just some of the questions you may well ask, and which this Guide will endeavour to answer together with many others. It is not just the guilty who…
New Legislation: Finn’s Law: Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019
Finn’s Law: Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019 New legislation means causing unnecessary harm to protected service animals is now an offence in England and Wales. The new law which has been given royal assent gives protection to service animals such as police horses and dogs. The law was inspired by a German shepherd Finn,…
Acid Now Listed as a Dangerous Weapon
In March, acid was listed as a highly dangerous weapon in new sentencing guidelines. Those caught carrying acid or likewise corrosive substances in public can face 6 months in jail under new guidelines. Those under the age of 18 could receive 4 months detention and training order. If the substance is used to harm- this…
An insight into Criminal Behaviour Orders
Punishment for antisocial behaviour The punishments for antisocial behaviour can include civil injunctions, community protection notices CPN, and criminal behaviour orders CBO. These punishments replaced Antisocial Behaviour Orders in England, but ASBO’S are still issued in Scotland. Antisocial behaviour includes: Playing loud music at night Vandalism and graffiti Drunken or threatening behaviour Persistent aggressive behaviour…
Police Stop and Search Powers Extended
The extension of stop and search powers are underway, as Sajid Javid plans officers to be able to stop anyone suspected of carrying acid without a good reason. Currently, police can only do so when they have evidence that a person is about to cause an injury. The home secretary is also pushing for police…
What is the Law for Young Offenders?
What is age of criminal responsibility? The age of criminal responsibility is 10 in England and Wales. Children under 10 cannot be arrested or charged with a crime. Children between 10 and 17 can be arrested and taken to court (dependent upon the severity of the crime committed). Children are subject to specific sentencing guidelines,…
Illegal Waste Disguised As Plastic Sent Back to UK from Poland
A shipment of illegal waste disguised as plastic and shipped to Poland, is now being sent back to the UK. Greenpeace’s new investigative journalist platform Unearthed, reported that the UK Environmental Agency are working with Polish Authorities to return the 1,000 tons of waste A criminal investigation now proceeds with three UK companies. The freight…
Rise in UK Modern Day Slave Trade
The Crown Prosecution Service has published figures showing a 27% rise in the past year of modern slavery offences and charges. Referrals from police to the CPS regarding modern slavery reports have also rose by 31%. Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders stated that CPS are working in partnership with police to ensure they build…
Legal Aid Cut Revoked for Criminal Defence Lawyers
On Friday, the latest round of Legal Aid cuts which had seen legal aid lawyers fees capped were revoked following a legal challenge in the High Court. The reduction in fees which was implemented in December 2017 was ruled to be ‘unfair, flawed and irrational’. The cuts reduced the fees for criminal lawyers defending suspects…
An Englishman’s Home is his Castle: Self- Defence in Householder Cases
So-called ‘householder cases’ have long been the subject of controversy. The topic is periodically mentioned in the press, usually as a result of a court case hitting the headlines, but where does the law actually stand in this area? A recent decision in the Court of Appeal is of real interest in this respect. There…
CICA Denies Compensation For Sexually Abused Minors
A call has been made to ensure that awards for victims of crime is brought into line with the criminal law after a string of cases where children were denied payments from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) relating to sexual abuse. Several charities – including Barnardo’s, Victim Support, Liberty and Rape Crisis – have…
What are Corporate Investigations- and How Do They Work?
Corporate Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Police, HMRC, Serious Fraud Office or Trading Standards usually come out of the blue. Is your business prepared for a situation where a death, serious accident or fraud is being investigated? The decisions made in the aftermath of a serious incident are always important, not…
What is a Notice of Intended Prosecution?
Many of us will be familiar with a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NiP) owing to their use in cases of speeding or drivers proceeding through a red light. Here, Ghaz Iqbal offers an important overview and dispels some of the myths surrounding NiPs and their use. What is a Notice of Intended Prosecution? Issued by…
The Importance of Representation in Police Interviews
A new series of the Channel 4 TV programme 24 Hours in Police Custody has just hit our screens, aiming to offer an insight into what happens after a suspect has been arrested. The reality is that for those arrested, having prompt and accurate advice is crucial. Zahir Nazir is an Accredited Police Station Representative…
Concerns over Blood Tests by Forensic Science Company
The arrest of two staff members working within a forensic testing laboratory has made headlines this week. Both worked at the Randox facility in Manchester, and have been arrested on suspicion of Perverting the Course of Justice. James Vaughan is the Deputy Chief Constable for Dorset Police, but is also recognised as a key police…
Wakefield Magistrates’ Court Closing In September
Following a consultation period started in July 2015 it was announced in February 2016 by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service that Wakefield Magistrates’ Court would be one of 86 courts and tribunals to close. With those 86 courts accounting for nearly one fifth of the 460 courts in England and Wales, it was a…
Shotgun and Firearm Licensing
If you have had your shotgun or firearm license revoked or have had an application for a certificate refused Ison Harrison Solicitors are here to help. Ison Harrison has experience in representing people who have had has firearm or shotgun certificates revoked. If you have had a firearm/shotgun firearm certificate refused or revoked we can provide…
It’s Carnival Time in Leeds
Over the upcoming bank holiday weekend there will be an explosion of colour and the sound of steel pan drums hitting the streets of Leeds bringing various events to Leeds as part of the 2016 Leeds West Indian Carnival. The event which was founded by Arthur France is Europe’s longest running authentic Caribbean carnival parade…
Harsher Sentencing Guidelines for Dangerous Dog Offences
On 1 July 2016, the Sentencing Council’s revised definitive sentencing guidelines for dangerous dog offences came into force. With these changes, pet owners will now face much harsher punishments should they be found guilty of an offence contained within the Dangerous Dogs Act 2014 (the “Act”). Under the Act it is illegal to own, breed,…
LALY Awards Honours Hillsborough Lawyers
Nearly 30 years on from that fateful football match, justice has finally been rewarded to the families of the 96 that died in the Hillsborough disaster and the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards has honoured the legal teams that have played a vital role since the inquest began. The legal teams involved, which…
Corporate Fines to Increase Dramatically Under New Sentencing Guidelines
Health and Safety – Sentencing – Corporations Companies will face fines of up to £20,000,000 and jail terms of two years under strict new sentencing guidelines which were published on 3 November 2015 and come into force next year. Courts have had the power to impose unlimited fines for breaching health and safety regulations for some…
Shotgun and Firearm Licensing Appeals
Sadly in the UK there has for several years been a growing and vocal opposition to the legitimate use and enjoyment of shooting as a sport, pastime and livelihood. Pressure has been brought to bear on the police to revoke shotgun and firearm certificates for the slightest misdemeanour or indiscretion. Ison Harrison specialise in firearm…
Private Landlords face stiff penalties for failing to police immigrants
Last year we wrote about the introduction of new Immigration laws, which meant private landlords would be fined for renting properties to people living in the UK without permission. The fines can affect any landlord who fails to make sure that the person who they are renting to has immigration status, a task which the…
Your Most Important Rights in any Regulatory or Police Investigation
Few people realise that when officers from a regulatory body such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency or Trading Standards come knocking, they could well arrive with a warrant for your arrest and the power to seize your records and equipment. Even if you are not arrested, you will be interviewed under…
New drug driving criminal offences now in force
Although for many years it has been an offence to be driving or being in charge of a vehicle whilst under the influence of drink and drugs, there are now new offences in force for being over the specified limit, which can see a person convicted even where there is no concrete evidence of impaired…
New law on domestic violence
The new law on domestic violence announced recently by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, comes after the government’s consultation earlier this year which sought views on whether the current law on domestic abuse needs to be strengthened to offer better protection to victims. The new offence created is intended to protect victims from “coercive and…
Estate agent in court over Data Protection offence
The Data Protection Act 1998 requires organisations or individuals who process personal information in an automated form to notify the ICO, unless they are exempt. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and could lead to a fine of up to £5,000 in a Magistrates Court. If the case goes to the Crown Court…