law on legal highs to be reviewed
The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...link
In a move which, is a step in the right direction, the Government has announced that criminals will face having to pay up to £1200 towards the cost of their court case.
Whilst this is to be applauded I feel the ceiling is too low, the fines are not going to be means tested and the court will start with a fine of £150.
The fees are not replacing any other costs the convicted criminal may face, such as compensation orders, fines or legal costs, and will not be linked to the offence but to the cost of the court case, which has lead to concerns that people may plead guilty just to avoid the fee, rather than have their case go to trial.
The system is to be reviewed in six months amid concerns that the fees will go unpaid, and one critic suggests that the court service will have around £1 Billion in unpaid fines by 2020, which is going some as we approximate that only £1/2 Billion in fines would have been issued by then.
We are in danger of having quite a few different charges that the court can levy, it can already impose a charge payable to the prosecution team, the difference with the new one is that the fine is payable to the court service for its costs.
In addition to these two fines the convicted can receive fines for -
- Compensation for victims
- Victims Surcharge Fine
- Fine for the crime
We are all for criminals paying their way, and feel this is a good measure, but with legal aid cuts we would also like to see some funds being redirected back to defendants solicitors.
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkThe law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...link
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..link
Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..link
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkNew guidelines have been issued to crack down on online hate...link
The sex offender register - Guide..link
Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..link
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkThe Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...link
Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.