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Summary Offences: These are less serious offences, such as minor assaults or motoring offences, and are typically tried in the Magistrates’ Court.
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Either-Way Offences: These can be heard either in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, depending on the severity of the case and the defendant’s preference. Examples include theft and burglary.
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Indictable Offences: These are the most serious crimes, such as murder or rape, and are always tried in the Crown Court before a judge and jury.
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Investigation and Arrest: The police gather evidence and may arrest a suspect if there are reasonable grounds.
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Charging Decision: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides whether to formally charge the suspect based on the evidence and the public interest test.
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Court Proceedings: The accused will be summoned or remanded in custody to appear in court. The type of offence determines the venue and procedure.
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Trial and Verdict: In court, the prosecution and defence present their cases. The judge or jury will then deliver a verdict.
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Sentencing: If found guilty, the defendant will receive a sentence that could include imprisonment, a fine, or other penalties.
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Police Station Representation: 24/7 advice and representation during interviews under caution.
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Court Representation: Experienced advocates for Magistrates’ and Crown Court hearings.
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Appeals and Post-Conviction Support: Assistance with appeals against conviction or sentence.
🔗 Government and Official Websites
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Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
Oversees the criminal justice system, prisons, probation, and courts.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice -
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police.
https://www.cps.gov.uk/ -
Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Manages the operation of courts and tribunals.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service -
Judiciary of England and Wales
Provides information about the judicial system and judges.
https://www.judiciary.uk/ -
National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
Coordinates operational policing at a national level.
https://www.npcc.police.uk/
⚖️ Criminal Justice and Legal System Overviews
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The Criminal Justice System: An Overview (GOV.UK)
General introduction to how the system works.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-criminal-justice-system -
The Sentencing Council
Provides sentencing guidelines for judges and magistrates.
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/ -
Youth Justice Board (YJB)
Oversees the youth justice system.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/youth-justice-board-for-england-and-wales -
🔗 Probation Service – GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/probation-serviceThis site includes information on:
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The role and responsibilities of the Probation Service
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How offenders are supervised in the community
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Rehabilitation programmes
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Careers in probation
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Contact details and regional offices
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👩⚖️ Legal Support and Rights
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Citizens Advice – Crime, Justice and the Law
Information on your rights, going to court, and legal help.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/ -
Legal Aid Agency
Information on accessing legal aid.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/legal-aid-agency