Uncategorized Archives - Reeds Solicitors

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Reeds

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 process - Reeds Solicitors - Prison Law

The Process of Re-Categorisation Reviews

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. […]

Supporting Neurodiverse Clients - Careers at Reeds Solicitors

Neurodiversity Affirmative Practice: Supporting Neurodivergent Clients

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 […]

Voluntary Police Interview in London – Expert Legal Representation

The MET police conduct approximately 15,000 voluntary interviews in London each year. If the police have contacted you to request a voluntary police interview in London, it can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, especially given that the outcome can have an enormous bearing on your career and reputation. Reeds Solicitors are specialists in […]

Netflix's Adolescence - Reeds Criminal Defence

Netflix’s Adolescence: How Not to Represent Youths at the Police Station

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 […]

Operation Somersault Encrochat Case - Money Laundering - Reeds Solicitors

Outstanding Result in Operation Somersault Encrochat Case

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 […]

Everything You Need to Know About Newton Hearings

Newton hearings play a crucial role in resolving disputes over the facts of a case, particularly concerning sentencing. It allows the Court to determine the specific circumstances and degree of culpability in a criminal offence, ultimately impacting the sentence handed down to the defendant. And remember, this can encompass a person’s liberty if they are […]

10 Mistakes You Can Make at a Voluntary Police Interview

If the police have contacted you to request a voluntary interview, it can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, especially given that the outcome can have an enormous impact on your life. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes in voluntary interviews, which can influence the likelihood of being prosecuted. I thought we would briefly summarise […]

Reeds Recognised as Top-Tier Firm in Legal 500 2025

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 […]

When Can the Mental Health Tribunal Refuse Access to Independent Expert Evidence?

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 […]

Chiltern Railways Prosecution - Transport Investigations Limited - Reeds Solicitors

75,000 Unlawful Prosecutions? The Fare Evasion Prosecution Scandal Explained

It was widely reported this month that several train companies have unlawfully prosecuted individuals by misusing the Single Justice Procedure and up to 75,000 convictions for fare evasion offences have now been quashed. This is shocking news and could have enormous consequences for the train companies involved, especially given that bills could, in theory, run […]

Responding to a Minded to Bar Letter

Receiving a Minded to Bar letter from the Home Office’s Disclosure and Barring Service (‘DBS’) can come as a complete shock. The brutal tone in which these letters are worded can also be incredibly upsetting. If you receive a Minded to Bar letter, you must contact our DBS Solicitors immediately as there is a strict time […]

Cyber Flashing - Sexual Offences Solicitors - Reeds

First Person in England to be Convicted of Cyber-Flashing

On 12 February 2024, a 39 year old man became the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of cyber-flashing. The Defendant was charged on two counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation. The Court heard how he sent unsolicited photos of his erect penis […]

Dangerous Dogs Act - Jennifer Kabala - Reeds

The Dangerous Dogs Act: Time To Call Off the Dogs?

Jennifer Kabała is a Solicitor, working in our Private Crime who specialises in dog law, wild animal legislation and firearms law. Here Jennifer discusses the recently announced XL Bully Ban, the Dangerous Dogs Act, and whether the latter is fit for purpose in her view. To contact Jennifer about this article, the information contained or for […]

American XL Bully Dog Ban - Advice to Owners - Reeds Solicitors

American XL Bully Dog Owners – Advice from a Solicitor

At the end of 2023, the government plan to add the American XL Bully Type Dog to the list of banned breeds in the UK. But what does the legislation mean, and what should you do if you own an American XL Bully? If you are an owner of an American XL Bully, here’s what […]

Reeds Launches Service for Court of Protection in Swindon

Leading national law firm Reeds Solicitors LLP has launched a service for Court of Protection in Swindon. Sadé Asker, Solicitor and Law Society Accredited Legal Representative, will be leading the expansion into the Swindon Branch, whilst also maintaining her Cardiff practice. Sadé will join the successful criminal and family departments in Swindon at 10 Commercial […]

Changes to Pre-Charge Bail - Reeds Solicitors

Understanding The Changes to Pre-Charge Bail

Recent changes to legislation mean that if you are suspected of committing a criminal offence, you are more likely to be released on pre-charge bail than released under investigation (“RUI”). The changes came into force in November 2022 under Schedule 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. We understand that many people […]

Domestic Abuse Solicitor - Reeds Solicitors - SS

What Happens When You Are Arrested Following a Domestic Abuse Incident

Being arrested following a domestic abuse incident almost always comes at a time of high emotions and stress. You may have no idea that the police have been called and suddenly you find yourself in the back of a police car with the neighbours peering out the window. Alternatively, you may have left the place […]

How Indecent Images Are Defined and Categorised

Between 2016 and 2021, over 100,000 child abuse image crimes were recorded by UK police forces. According to the NSPCC, the number of offences related to possessing, taking, making, and distributing child abuse material tipped at 25,281 in 2020/21. This was up 37% from 2016/17 and the total number of offences recorded over the five […]

Antique Firearm Law - License - Reeds Solicitors

Antique Firearms Law – Do You Need A Licence?

Firearms, like anything else, are collectables, and valuable ones at that. George Washington’s two saddle pistols went for around $1 million each when they were last auctioned in 2002. Antique firearms are often inherited or may be purchased as part of a historic artefact collection. You may initially think that such relics would be beyond […]