Legal aid eligibility has been in the news again, firstly following the application for legal aid by ‘ISIS bride’ Shamima Begum, which led to much debate about legal aid eligibility. Additionally, the Law Society reported recently that, in respect of housing issues, over half the population lives in a local authority that has just one […]
Defending murder cases
Defence lawyer, David Wells discusses the challenges of defending murder cases. I have represented clients in some of the country’s most high-profile murder cases. I am currently advising and assisting one particular client whose murder trial has attracted more publicity than virtually any other. That case is currently with the CCRC and there is much […]
Plans to scrap short prison sentences
So, short prison sentences are back in the news again. Justice Minister, David Gauke was asked by the Justice Select Committee whether ministers should consider scrapping sentences of less than a year to combat “grave and worsening” safety in jails. “Yes, we are considering our options here. This is a complex matter…I completely agree that […]
Prison and vulnerable inmates
There is little doubt that vulnerable inmates make up a significant percentage of the prison population. So, what do we mean when we use the term ‘vulnerable’ inmate? In the context of this article, I refer to those inmates who have a ‘hidden disability’. Inmates who have no obvious physical disability but something which makes […]
Voluntary interview with the police – Do I need a lawyer?
What is a voluntary interview? A voluntary interview is an increasingly common method for police to use when investigating criminal allegations. They are also referred to as ‘stand-alone’ interviews. Such interviews are routinely now used for the whole spectrum of criminal offences. Attending the police station as a volunteer means that you are not under […]
Police interview under caution – the need for representation
Criminal defence lawyer, David Wells explains why you should always have legal representation at a police interview under caution. Police interview under caution What does ‘interview under caution’ mean? Let’s first look at how you could come to be called for a police interview. A suspect who is alleged to have been involved in a […]
Unexplained Wealth Orders explained
Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) became law in the UK in January 2018 as part of the Criminal Finances Act 2017. It is a court order compelling an individual to reveal the source or sources of their ‘unexplained wealth’. The first use of a UWO in the UK hit the headlines recently. As the National Crime Agency (NCA) looks […]
Knife crime and sentencing changes
Leading criminal lawyer, David Wells advises on knife crime sentencing. It seems in recent times that not a day passes without there being some reference in the media to someone being attacked and injured with a knife, and ever more frequently cases which result in death. Knife crime in London and the inner cities is […]
Getting a caution after arrest- What does it mean?
Leading criminal defence solicitor, David Wells explains the implications of receiving a formal police caution after arrest. You have received a formal caution after arrest and interview. This invariably means that you have admitted the offence for which you were questioned and that you have not previously been cautioned or prosecuted for the same offence. […]
Forced marriage and protection orders
Forced marriage in the news Forced marriage hit the headlines recently when an investigation by the Times revealed British victims of forced marriages overseas were required to repay the costs of their repatriation. Such was the public outrage that Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced a change of policy: “I have decided the victims of forced […]
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