Waiting for full disclosure can affect guilty plea credit
Awaiting full disclosure does not automatically preserve maximum guilty plea credit. A Court of Appeal decision highlights the importance of early, individual legal advice.
Suspended sentence in Notting Hill Carnival offensive weapon case
A client received 24 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for two years at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. An anonymised case study shared with consent.
Two convictions quashed after trafficking was overlooked
Two young trafficking victims’ convictions have been quashed, highlighting early identification of exploitation, section 45 and possible routes to appeal.
Knife sentencing review: what the new consultation means for defendants
The Sentencing Council is consulting on knife and weapon sentencing, including guidance for exploited children. We explain the proposals and why current rules still apply.
Courts Bill passes the Commons — what changes for defendants now?
MPs passed the Courts and Tribunals Bill on 13 October. We explain the remaining proposals and why current trial and appeal rules still apply.
Virtual remand hearing pilot announced — what defendants should know
A new pilot will test first court hearings by video from police custody. We explain bail preparation, legal advice and effective participation.
Phone evidence in drug-conspiracy cases: what the prosecution must actually prove
Phone evidence in a drug-conspiracy case must still prove attribution, meaning and knowing participation. A technical guide to messages, cell-site material, disclosure and expert review.
Can a judge sentence by video link? Court of Appeal explains the safeguards
The Court of Appeal explains safeguards for judges sentencing by video link, and what defendants should check about attendance, communication and appeals.
Police search warrants and privileged material: what a successful challenge means
A High Court explanation highlights safeguards for privileged material in police searches, warrant challenges and why an investigation may continue.
Can a parent attend a child’s police interview? Appropriate adults and solicitors explained
Can a parent attend a child’s police interview? Understand appropriate adults, free legal advice and how a youth crime solicitor supports the family.
Five traders’ convictions quashed: when a later judgment may justify a fresh appeal
Five traders’ convictions were quashed on 7 October 2026. We explain when a later judgment may justify reviewing an earlier conviction.
Respect orders from 26 October: why early legal advice matters
Respect orders begin on 26 October 2026. We explain the civil application, the criminal breach offence and safeguards defendants should understand.
New domestic abuse finding at sentencing: what defendants need to know
Courts must now announce and record domestic abuse findings at sentencing. What changed on 5 October 2026, and why careful preparation of disputed facts matters.
Government drops wider judge alone trial plan but major court reforms remain
The Government has dropped its wider judge-alone Crown Court plan, but proposals affecting jury election, appeals and magistrates’ powers remain.
Record criminal court caseloads: what growing delays mean for defendants
New Ministry of Justice figures show record open caseloads in both magistrates’ courts and the Crown Court. We explain what growing delays mean for defendants, bail, evidence and case preparation.
Joint enterprise prosecutions: what the CPS’s new figures mean for defendants
The CPS has published its second annual report on joint-enterprise homicide cases. We explain what the figures—and their limitations—mean for defendants facing secondary-liability allegations.