We are criminal defence solicitors with a hard earned reputation of winning for our clients.
The new Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, came into force on April 1, 2024. Aimed at offering robust protection for victims and communities, these new laws symbolise a consolidation of existing statutes pertaining to hate crimes in Scotland. This legislative reform, deeply rooted in Lord Bracadale’s Independent Review, was developed through extensive consultation. It has not been without controversy, however.
If you are facing allegations or have been charged with the offence of voyeurism, you will likely have many questions about the charge itself and the next steps. It is essential that you seek professional legal advice as soon as possible to achieve the best possible outcome.
If you are facing allegations, or have been charged with a historic sexual offence, you will probably have numerous questions about what is going to happen next. It is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to achieve the best outcome for you. The sexual offences defence solicitors at Keith J Tuck are here to help you. Get in touch with our team today. The earlier you contact us, the more support we can offer.
As lockdown lifts and life slowly begins to return to normality, many of us will be thinking about getting back out and about. Staycations and driving holidays have been encouraged to avoid quarantine and last-minute disappointment of foreign destinations being red-listed. However, with thousands of Brits expected to take to the unfamiliar and narrow country roads this summer, there is cause for concern that road traffic accidents and offences could rise exponentially.
Benefit fraud is a criminal offence, and any allegations of benefit fraud are investigated thoroughly. The consequences of committing such a crime are potentially very serious; from your benefits stopping to imprisonment. This article will focus on five common questions related to a benefit fraud investigation, including:
Back in October 2019, the overwhelming approval of the smacking ban bill by MSPs dominated the headlines. One year on, the new law is officially in force, making Scotland the first country in the UK to criminalise physical punishment of children. The reform has been praised for being “a momentous step in making [Scotland] a country where children’s rights are truly recognised, respected and fulfilled”. However, it has also been heavily criticised for its potential to intervene in family life and blacklist, or even give criminal records to, loving parents who pose no risk to their children.
Amid concerns that the coronavirus lockdown measures could cause an increase in domestic abuse cases, the charity Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a campaign encouraging anyone who hears or sees abusive behaviour to come forward.
While all areas of business are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, essential services such as courts and tribunals must ensure minimal disruption to the lives of the public. The criminal justice system is an integral part of society, and as a result, has had to adapt and adopt new working methods to continue running.
The COVID-19 outbreak has required organisations all over the world to adapt to new ways of working. The Scottish Criminal Ccourts are in the same position, and as an essential service, the courts must adopt modern technology to continue to function. However, unlike other businesses, the courts face the distinct challenge of balancing the right to a fair trial, with dispensing justice.
In light of the Prime Minister’s statement of 23 March 2020 and ongoing announcements from the Scottish Courts Administration the situation in respect of the Criminal Justice System is becoming a little clearer, albeit subject to change. As matters stand it would seem that all court cases other than the most urgent (such as custody matters) will be adjourned to a future date around August/September 2020.
Keith J Tuck Solicitors 