When a trial goes against a Defendant, it is very important to immediately look at appealing the conviction. This can often be with fresh representation so that a new pair of eyes can consider the issues and answer any queries of the convicted person and their family.

The most delicate sentencing decision a Judge makes is whether to send someone to prison immediately or for them to receive a suspended sentence.

Since the introduction of postal requisitions and the Single Justice Procedure Notice, it has become a regular occurrence that people do not know about proceedings having been started against them.

Imprisonment for Public Protection (“IPP”) sentences were abolished in 2012, this meant that they could no longer be imposed on those convicted of offences. However, for those who were already serving IPP sentences the abolition had no impact.

Once a sentencing exercise has been concluded, that is not necessarily the end of matters. If the sentence is particularly low it can be referred to the Court of Appeal.

Receiving a Notice of Intended Prosecution is the first step in a motoring offence, however, it does not mean that a conviction is inevitable.

Special Reasons are a useful tool in avoiding a disqualification in particular circumstances, including those relating to the offence and the offender.

It is an offence to fail to provide a specimen of breath, however, recent research from the University of Sheffield suggests that some are simply unable to provide such a sample

Clients are often very concerned about the legality of a search that has been carried out, but often the best area to attack is the retention of exhibits post-seizure.