Delays in the criminal justice system are scandalous. The 2006 case of Picton made clear that failing to deal with cases expeditiously brings the criminal justice system into disrepute. That principle has since been embedded into the Criminal Procedure Rules and Criminal Practice Directions, yet today we find ourselves facing a crisis so deep that […]
Adjudications, commonly known as ‘nickings’ are the procedures that occur when a prisoner allegedly breaks Prison Rules. Prison Rules were always Governed by what are called Prison Service Instruments (PSI’s) or Prison service Orders (PSO’s). However, in recent times we are seeing these replaced by ‘policy frameworks’. Prior to 31 May 2024, adjudication procedures were […]
Read More… from Adjudications (‘Nickings’): What Are Your Rights?
Nicola Maynard, Head of Prison Law at Reeds Solicitors, explores the “catch all” provision of an offender’s licence and the struggles offenders face when being recalled for allegedly committing a new offence. You can be recalled to prison for breaching a specific licence condition. There will be a standard catch all condition at paragraph 5i) […]
Police stations are well known to be incredibly unpleasant sensory environments. They often contain bright overhead lighting, constant loud noise, uncomfortable furnishings and unpleasant odours. Clients who present as resistant to these kinds of environments, or the arrest procedure which has brought them there, can often be perceived by the police as being deliberately disruptive, […]
Read More… from Supporting Neurodivergent Clients in the Police Station
Jenny Kabala explores the risks of the police’s controversial power to enter homes without a search warrant in pursuit of stolen electronics. I am one of the lucky few who can say that I have never had my mobile phone stolen, but many have! With street thefts of mobile phones and other electronic devices ever […]
Read More… from Police’s Powers: Warrantless Searches for Stolen Electronics
I have long suspected that the police widely misuse the Community Resolution scheme – a concern which is shared by many of my colleagues. Community Resolutions were introduced in 2009 as an alternative way of dealing with less serious crime and have been used increasingly year-on-year. In our experience, police often reach for this disposal […]
This year we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Reeds. In commemoration of this, we are reflecting on our journey, our values, and our commitment to providing award-winning services. Now a multi-disciplinary law firm spanning across England and Wales, Reeds continues to grow as a firm that prioritises quality legal representation and client advocacy. Founded in […]
The re-categorisation of prisoners begins on their reception to Custody, they will have an initial assessment which will determinate their initial security category. This initial assessment will take into account numerous factors, such as type of offence, sentence length, type of sentence, risk of harm to other prisoners or whether there is an escape risk. […]
At Reeds, we recognise that our clients have varying characteristics and needs. This series of articles will focus on how we tailor our practice to support neurodivergent clients, with the aim of making their experience within the justice system as stress-free as possible. What Does Neurodivergent Mean? Neurodivergent is a term used to describe individuals […]
Read More… from Neurodiversity Affirmative Practice: Supporting Neurodivergent Clients
The Netflix show, Adolescence, is one of those rare TV programmes that breaks out into the mainstream, capturing the zeitgeist and provoking debate about the issues raised. The show centres around a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, who is arrested and interviewed on suspicion of murder. As a criminal defence solicitor, crime shows are often difficult to […]
Read More… from Netflix’s Adolescence: How Not to Represent Youths at the Police Station
Reeds Solicitors have achieved another outstanding result in an Encrochat case. The case was heard before Reading Crown Court. Our client was represented by Julian Richards, the Head of Complex Crime at Reeds Solicitors, and very ably assisted by Atalanta Sanders. Operation Somersault – Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine and Transferring Criminal Property Our client was prosecuted as […]
Read More… from Outstanding Result in Operation Somersault Encrochat Case
The Legal 500 has published it’s United Kingdom 2025 edition. We are proud to announce that Reeds Solicitors has been ranked as a Top Tier criminal law firm, having performed even better than previous years. About the Legal 500 For over 30 years, the Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in over […]
Read More… from Reeds Recognised as Top-Tier Firm in Legal 500 2025
As a Solicitor in the Mental Health field, I have noticed an increasing amount of scrutiny for requests sought later in Mental Health tribunal proceedings. This occurs even if the timing of those requests is constrained by factors outside of the patient’s control. As a matter of course, directions for expert evidence are waved through […]
Read More… from When Can the Mental Health Tribunal Refuse Access to Independent Expert Evidence?
Reeds Solicitors achieves outstanding result in drug exportation case after Newton Hearing success. In June 2019, the police seized two holdalls containing drugs at a stables. One holdall contained 10kg of MDMA. The other contained 5.5kg ketamine, 2kg benzocaine and 48.5g MDMA. Following this seizure, the police arrested a suspect who was linked to […]
Read More… from Newton Hearing Success – Drug Exportation Case
Reeds Solicitors are delighted to announce that our Court of Protection team have been shortlisted for the Tomorrow’s Care Awards 2023. Shortly before Christmas the Tomorrow’s Care Awards 2023 Guide was distributed to more than 40,000 readers. A public vote is now open. The top ten products and services will appear in the April issue […]
Read More… from Court of Protection Team Shortlisted for Tomorrow’s Care Awards
Leading national law firm Reeds Solicitors LLP has opened the doors to a new Bridgend office in Wales following the huge success of its busy Cardiff office The new Bridgend office in South Wales, is led by criminal solicitor Christopher Lacey, Team Leader of Reeds’ Cardiff Magistrate Court team. Lacey is joined by duty solicitor […]
Read More… from Press Release: New Bridgend Office Despite Market Turmoil
Jon Wilkins, Partner and Solicitor Advocate based in our Cardiff branch of solicitors, and Peter Rouch QC drafted and filed an Abuse of Process argument in respect of the prosecutions ‘lamentable’ disclosure failings in this case. The case of Daryl Wallis was listed for Trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court, the client faced allegations of obstructing […]
Read More… from Cardiff Magistrates Court: MP’s Dad Cleared of Obstructing Police
Reeds Solicitors LLP’s partner and head of court of protection (COP), Sarah Griffiths-Jones has been nominated for Public Law Lawyer of the Year at the prestigious Legal Aid Lawyers of the Year awards. Sarah joined Reeds in 2019 where she set up the firm’s court of protection practice from Cardiff. Despite the challenges faced by […]
Read More… from Press Release: Reeds Solicitors Nominated for Public Law Award at the LALYs 2022
Reeds secure have secured acquittal for client facing sexual offences. Our client faced a week-long trial on a 13 count indictment for historic sex offences including rape, assault by penetration, and sexual activity with a child. Reeds took conduct of this case in January of 2021 after our client had been charged in January of […]
Read More… from Acquittal Secured for Client Facing Sexual Offences
Our client was facing an attempted murder charge then a S18 and S20 as alternatives on the indictment against his estranged wife at Luton Crown Court, where it was alleged he stabbed her in the neck. He has been acquitted of all counts and instead received a 20 month sentence for breaching his non-molestation order […]
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