Changes to the criminal justice system of late have been very much focussed on encouraging defendants to plead guilty. ‘Early guilty plea’ schemes have been rolled out across the country and a full discount for pleading guilty is only available if the plea is entered at the first opportunity, often before the evidence has been served by the prosecution in proper and full form. Read further to find out more ..

The Police and HMRC are increasingly using their powers under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 to require information from innocent parties who are not accused of a criminal offence but who can be compelled by law to provide information whether they like it or not. Read further to find out more ..

If you are being investigated or have been charged with an offence of VAT fraud it is essential that you seek specialist legal representation at an early stage. How the matter is conducted from the outset will shape the course of the case against you. Read further to find out more ..

If you are being investigated or have been charged with an offence of VAT fraud it is essential that you seek specialist legal representation at an early stage. How the matter is conducted from the outset will shape the course of the case against you. Careful consideration of the evidence is essential as well as an excellent working knowledge of this sort of case and experience in dealing with HMRC and the CPS. Read further to find out more ..

What to do if I am summonsed for driving without insurance? It is a criminal offence for a person to “use” a motor vehicle on a road or “cause” or “permit” any other person to use it on a road while uninsured. These offences can only be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court and are typically punishable with a fine and the imposition of between 6 and 8 penalty points on your licence or a disqualification from driving. Despite the fact that these are “summary only” offences that can only be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court, they are treated seriously.. Read further to find out more..

Causing death by dangerous driving is the most serious driving offence that you can be prosecuted for. If you are being investigated for this offence, have been charged or are under suspicion it is essential that you get legal representation. The representation you will require will need to be not just a ‘criminal’ lawyer but a lawyer with specialism in Road Traffic Offences.

Disqualification is generally compulsory. However, if you are able to persuade the court that there would be exceptional hardship amounting if you lose your licence they may allow you to keep your licence despite the fact that you have 12 penalty points or more..

CTLs shall not be extended unless the Prosecution can show good and sufficient cause and that they have acted with all due expedition. Read this FAQ to find out more..

When a driver receives penalty point supon his licence he may continue to drive when the number of points remains below 12..Read this FAQ to find out more..

The offence of using a handheld mobile telephone while driving is punishable with a fine of £60 on a fixed penalty notice or up to £2500 on conviction as well as 3 penalty points endorsed upon your licence. Read this FAQ to find out more..

Careless driving is defined as driving which falls below that of a prudent motorist. This is a relatively wide and woolly definition and allows for a large interpretation of what a prudent motorist would do.. Read this FAQ to find out more..

Dangerous driving has been defined as driving in a manner which falls far below that of a competent and careful driver in circumstances Read this FAQ to find out more..

This will depend upon a number of factors, chiefly the level that you were above the speed limit. Penalties range from a three point licence endorsement to an immediate disqualification as well as a financial penalty. Read this FAQ to find out more..

Special reasons allow you either reduce the level of your driving ban or to keep driving avoiding a ban altogether even after you have admitted or been convicted of an offence of drink driving. Read this FAQ to find out more..

This will depend upon the level of alcohol in your breath or blood. The minimum is a 12 month driving ban with accompanying fine for a first offence up to a maximum of a sentence of imprisonment starting at 12 weeks and a 3 year ban as a maximum. Read this FAQ to find out more..

NO!! This is a serious criminal offence- perverting the course of justice. Read this FAQ to find out more..

If you receive a NIP you are legally obliged to disclose the identity of the driver of your vehicle at the time specified within 28 days. Read this FAQ to find out more..

Yes. Read this FAQ to find out more..

Getting a legal second opinion is easy and quick and can provide you with the reassurance that you need if you suspect that the advice you have been given is either incomplete or incorrect. Read this FAQ to find out more..

Many people are under the mistaken view that once they have chosen their lawyers then they are tied to them for the rest of their case or until their case finishes. Read this FAQ to find out more..