The term making indecent images of children, which are the charges faced by #HuwEdwards are confusing to the non criminal lawyer because to be guilty you are not necessary required to be involved in the production of that image. An image is made when a digital file is opened, whether it is a thumbnail on … Continued
News
New Public Order Powers In Force
New and very wide ranging public order powers to prevent individuals from causing repeated serious disruption came into force on 5th April 2024. The Government says that: “In recent years, we have seen an increase in protest tactics that are dangerous and cause serious disruption. The Government is committed to ensuring that the hard-working public … Continued
Change to Magistrates’ Sentencing Powers & Early Release
The sentencing regime in the magistrates’ court is notoriously complex and about to change again following a government U-Turn. In May 2022, the government allowed magistrates to imprison an adult for up to 12 months for a single either-way offence; the previous maximum for a single offence was 6 months. This change was designed to … Continued
Join BSB in ’23
BSB Solcitors are looking to add a paralegal to our busy team. The role would suit graduates from either LPC or BVC, ideally police station qualified but not as essential as a genuine longstanding interest in criminal defence work . We can help the right candidate with accreditation for police stations. The role involves being … Continued
Happy 20th Birthday to BSB Solicitors
The outlook wasn’t looking great for criminal legal aid in early 2002 when four solicitors with an average age of approximately 34 decided to open their own criminal defence firm, six years had passed since the last increase in legal aid rates, but little did any of us now that in the week of our … Continued
Paralegal role available
We are seeking to employ a paralegal to join our busy team immediately. More than a passing interest in criminal law is essential to work on both legal aid and privately funded cases. The role would suit a law graduate looking to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister either pre or post professional … Continued
Bill Nash
We are sorry to share the sad news that Bill Nash, who many will know passed away on Monday 27th December. He was well known across London’s Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts as a fearless advocate always happy to offer his advice and counsel to a junior lawyers. Sadly for Bill his aim of … Continued
BSB solicitors behind challenge to e scooter laws
Two years ago we commissioned a survey which unveiled the lack of awareness of the laws surrounding these scooters In recent months fines and penalty points have been issued to hundreds of e-scooter riders have been stopped by police in recent months as they look for safe socially distanced and climate friendly ways to … Continued
We have moved
We are pleased to announce that we have moved to 2 John Street WC1N 2ES The new premises takes us into the heart of legal London and with easy access to various transfer links at Kings Cross, Holborn, Russell Square and Chancery Lane. We operate a Covid regime and look forward to being able to … Continued
Crime reforms or window dressing ?
The government has announced that there will be new legislation designed to cut “crime and build safer communities”. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is intended to give the police “the powers and tools they need to protect themselves and the public”. The measures include: Positions of trust – existing legislation will be widened to include … Continued
Prosecution of RAF pilot halted
Chloe Hingley of BSB Solicitors, instructing Chris Hamlet of 23 Essex street, successfully defended an RAF pilot accused of being unfit to fly through drink. The officer was further accused of failing to discharge his duty to ensure other members of the aircraft were not suffering from excess alcohol. The aircraft was due leave RAF … Continued
The new Lockdown
Lockdown 2 A new lockdown is in force across England from midnight on 5th November 2020 for 28 days. The new laws are intended to dampen down the spread of Covid19 and ensure that the National Health Service is not overwhelmed due to demand breaching its operational capacity. What can I still do? You can … Continued