Overview
Criminal law in the UK refers to the legal framework that defines criminal offenses and prescribes the punishments for those offenses. The primary sources of criminal law in the UK are Acts of Parliament, common law, and European Union law.
Criminal offences in the UK are divided into three categories: summary offences, which are minor offences tried in a magistrate’s court; either way offences, which are more serious offences that can be tried in either a magistrate’s court or a Crown Court; and indictable offences, which are the most serious offences that must be tried in a Crown Court.
The criminal justice system in the UK is composed of several agencies, including the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, and the prison service. When someone is suspected of committing a crime, the police investigate the matter and, if there is sufficient evidence, may make an arrest. The Crown Prosecution Service then decides whether to charge the suspect with a criminal offence and prosecute them in court.
If the suspect is found guilty, the court will sentence them to a punishment that may include a fine, community service, imprisonment, or a combination of these. In some cases, the court may also order the offender to pay compensation to the victim.
It is important to note that criminal law in the UK places a high value on the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. This means that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the offence they are charged with. Defendants also have the right to legal representation and the right to remain silent during questioning.
Below are the following categories of criminal law:
- Murder
- Drugs & Conspiracy
- Sexual Offences
- Serious Crime
- Extradition
- VHCC Cases
- Magistrates And Crown Court & Police Station Representation
- Criminal Fraud And Serious Fraud Investigations
Criminal law practitioners provide a wide range of services related to criminal law at Montague Solicitors, including:
- Legal Representation: Criminal law practitioners can represent clients who are facing criminal charges in court. They can provide legal advice, explain the charges against the client, and help the client understand their legal rights.
- Negotiation: : Criminal law practitioners can negotiate with prosecutors and the CPS to an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor to settle the case without going to trial
- Bail Application: Criminal law practitioners can assist clients in applying for bail, which is the temporary release of a defendant from custody while awaiting trial.
- Trial Representation: Criminal law practitioners can represent clients in court during the trial process. They can cross-examine witnesses, make opening and closing statements, and argue on behalf of the client.
- Appeals: Criminal law practitioners can file an appeal on behalf of clients who have been convicted of a crime and wish to challenge the verdict or sentence.