Plans set to go before Parliament next week could see thousands of criminal suspects brought before ‘virtual courts’ instead of a courtroom, a move that could mean that suspects do not get a fair representation warns Andy Cash, a criminal defence expert from leading Midlands law firm Cartwright King.
If Parliament gives the go ahead, a pilot scheme would be run from 14 police stations across London from June, handling an estimated 15,000 cases over the course of a year and saving £2.2 million in police and court time, as well as transportation of prisoners. If this proves to be successful, it would be extended across England and Wales, saving an anticipated £10 million a year.
Although the pilot scheme will initially be voluntary, defendants are set to lose the right to choose whether they have a virtual hearing.
“I think that the introduction of virtual courts could create some serious issues,” said Andy. “It is de-humanising the criminal justice process and isolates defendants, restricting their right to a fair representation in front of a courtroom. Currently video links are used to deal with some interim hearings, but with restrictions in place. A prisoner is still entitled to a first hearing in a ‘live’ court before they are subject to a video link.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Monday, 17 August 2009
POLICE GIVEN POWER TO IMPOUND
Police are now using state of the art detection equipment to catch uninsured and unlicensed vehicles in Nottinghamshire, warns Simon Chaplin, head of motoring defence at Cartwright King solicitors. Working with the DVLA, officers have been using the automatic number plate recognition system and motors insurance database to convict drivers.
If a driver is not able to provide proof of valid insurance and driving licence, new measures will see them automatically issued with a fixed penalty notice which can be up to £200. Their vehicle can also be impounded and they may face prosecution and any further fines or penalty points potentially imposed by a court. For a vehicle to be reclaimed, documentation must be presented and a recovery charge paid. This cost increases on a daily basis, and if not claimed after 14 days then the car may be crushed.
Simon Chaplin said “This legislation crept in under the radar, and my concern is that many people will not be aware of it. There is no law which says you must keep your licence and insurance details with you at all time, therefore I can see potential scenarios whereby a driver is picked up by the police detection systems in error but still has to pay the associated release costs.”
Many drivers are sure to be affected by this legislation and they are advised to get professional advice from a firm such as Cartwright King.
If a driver is not able to provide proof of valid insurance and driving licence, new measures will see them automatically issued with a fixed penalty notice which can be up to £200. Their vehicle can also be impounded and they may face prosecution and any further fines or penalty points potentially imposed by a court. For a vehicle to be reclaimed, documentation must be presented and a recovery charge paid. This cost increases on a daily basis, and if not claimed after 14 days then the car may be crushed.
Simon Chaplin said “This legislation crept in under the radar, and my concern is that many people will not be aware of it. There is no law which says you must keep your licence and insurance details with you at all time, therefore I can see potential scenarios whereby a driver is picked up by the police detection systems in error but still has to pay the associated release costs.”
Many drivers are sure to be affected by this legislation and they are advised to get professional advice from a firm such as Cartwright King.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
CARTWRIGHT KING NAMED EXPERTS IN LEGAL FIELD
Cartwright King, the leading Midlands business and criminal defence firm has just had three of its star lawyers recognised in the recently released Legal Experts 2009. This is an independent guide to the leading lights in the UK legal profession, who are highly recommended in their particular area.
Mark Wilson (Head of Business Defence), Michael Thurston (Managing Partner) and Simon Chaplin (Head of Crime) were among just 27 regional lawyers across the UK to be selected in their specialist field.
Cartwright King is unique in being the only business defence firm outside London to have three lawyers chosen and was also ranked 3rd nationally. No other East Midlands lawyers were show-cased for this work.
Michael Thurston commented “We are delighted and flattered, that this prestigious legal industry guide has again recognised the quality of the firm’s lawyers and in a way that clearly confirms that we are one of the leading national players”.
Mark Wilson (Head of Business Defence), Michael Thurston (Managing Partner) and Simon Chaplin (Head of Crime) were among just 27 regional lawyers across the UK to be selected in their specialist field.
Cartwright King is unique in being the only business defence firm outside London to have three lawyers chosen and was also ranked 3rd nationally. No other East Midlands lawyers were show-cased for this work.
Michael Thurston commented “We are delighted and flattered, that this prestigious legal industry guide has again recognised the quality of the firm’s lawyers and in a way that clearly confirms that we are one of the leading national players”.
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