Criminal Law
..link
The government is planning an increase in the jail term for knife crimes.
The tougher sentencing will apply to those found in possession of a knife whilst in a group; in addition to the tougher sentencing, the law changes will incorporate the filming of violence on social media.
over 29,000 cases recorded in the past 12 months. In excess of 9,000 custodial sentences were handed out in 2015 with an average six month jail term.
The new guidelines could mean sentences up to two and a half years for the most serious incidence.
A number of additional factors that will be taken into consideration when sentencing are-
- Non disclosure or false identity
- The target of the attack
- Social impact
Consideration will also be given to those seeking to humiliate the victim via social media.
Knife crime has risen alarmingly over the past 10 years; concerns are that many individuals carry a knife for protection, which is driven by fear, fear that would be reduced if there was a bigger police presence, or if those carrying knives for protection had a greater trust of authority.
The government has changed the laws covering knife crime a few times over the last ten years to reflect the problem, last year we saw the introduction of the 'two strikes' jail term for adults caught with a knife, however the figures show that almost 50% of those prosecuted argued successfully that there were other factors to their possession and avoided the minimum six months' jail term.
Whilst we must evolve to counteract this type of crime we must learn from mistakes and understand the needs of communities and outreach programs education people on the dangers of knife crimes and its devastating effects.
Without increase or redeployment of resource's we can not increase the visibility of 'bobbies on the beat'.
Increasing custodial sentences may act as a deterrent and an opportunity to educate those offenders; I do not however think the increased custodial sentences will reduce knife possession or crime, a reduction will only be achieved through a combination of factors with a strong influence being on social change and education.
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkWhat is Bail in the UK - If you have been charged with a crime you can be released on bail from the police station, which means you will be able to go home but..link
How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...link
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkThe sex offender register - Guide..link
The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...link
Children and the Law Consensual Sex
To consent is to agree to something, so when you are talking about the age of consent it is the age at which that law state..link
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkFinding a valuable item.
Every now and then someone finds a stash of coins or jewellery that is 100's of years old, may have been lost, buried as part of a ce..link
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..link
What can and can't Bailiffs do? Guide to stricter rules..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.