Legal Blog

  Speed Awareness When a speeding offence has been captured by camera, a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP or s172 notice) with a request to identify the driver will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. Dealing with this NIP...

What is a suspended sentence? A suspended sentence is a custodial sentence that does not need to be served immediately. The sentence cannot be for more than 2 years, or less than 2 weeks. The period of the suspension (operational period) cannot be more...

Where will my case be heard? Every criminal case starts off in the Magistrates’ Court.  Each case is categorised, which then determines how it will proceed. Summary only offences  can only be dealt with in the Magistrates’...

LPAs are on the increase Lasting Powers of Attorney are an important step in protecting your assets. There were 1,490,584 Lasting Powers of Attorney registered in 2024, an increase of 28% compared to the previous year. Despite this, the benefits of them...

What happens when you are arrested? If you are arrested, you will usually be taken to a police station, detained in a cell and then questioned.  On arrival, the custody officer at the police station must explain your rights. These are to: get free...

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Owning a ninja sword is now illegal, even if it is kept in your own home: A ninja sword is defined as a blade between 14 and 24 inches in length, with a primary and secondary straight cutting edge, a blunt spine, and either a tanto-style point or a...

Dangerous or banned dogs Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it an offence to have in your possession or custody, a dog listed in this section:   Any dog of the type known as the Pit Bull Terrier, the XL Bulldog,  the Japanese...

Protecting your assets Do you own a property together? Is it your main asset? Do care fees, bankruptcy and/or the re-marriage of your surviving spouse concern you in terms of how this could affect your assets? Property Protection Trusts can help. These...

Solar panels to be fitted as standard on all new homes The Government has confirmed that the vast majority of new-build homes will be fitted with rooftop solar panels. Further proposals to be published in the Autumn, include the installation of low-carbon...