The CLSA is concerned that Police Stations and Courts are not safe during this current phase of the pandemic. The virus spread appears to be out of control. Many areas of the UK are seeing emergency services stretched beyond capacity. Previous ‘Covid secure’ steps...
News Archive
New sentencing guidelines for firearms offences published today by the Sentencing Council
The Sentencing Council has published eight new guidelines to be used by the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts in England and Wales when sentencing firearms offences, following consultation. The new guidelines will come into effect on 1 January 2021.
Extended video hours for official visits
28 Reception/Local Prisons have now extended their operating hours for prison video to facilitate professional visits.
The Sentencing Code and Sentencing Guidelines
On Tuesday 1 December 2020, the Sentencing Code comes into effect in England and Wales, consolidating existing sentencing procedure law into a single Sentencing Act. To enable sentencers and practitioners to follow the Code with immediate effect, the Sentencing...
New code for sending fee
Following the changes made to legal aid following the CLAR Accelerated Items work, the LAA have now issued guidance on how to claim the new ‘sending fee’ in the Magistrates Court.
Guidance on new Sending fee
The LAA has today published operational guidance on the new Sending Hearing Fixed Fee in advance of their implementation on Monday. A news story giving further details on the fee, with links to the relevant guidance, can be found on the Gov.uk website:...
APPG on Legal Aid’s Westminster Commission on the Sustainability of Legal Aid
The APPG Inquiry into Sustainability of Legal Aid is now gathering steam, with the first of 6 oral evidence sessions taking place on Thursday 29 October 2020, 10:00-12:30. This will be a live event, with expert witnesses from the world of Criminal Legal Aid giving...
New Crown Court guidance – Unused material payment
Crown Court fee claims guidance has been updated with new and revised forms for submissions with representation orders on or after 17 September 2020. View the new guidance & forms here:...
At last – some good news
Letter from CLSA Chair, Bill Waddington
The Crown Court at Manchester, Crown Square – 17 August 2020
While Crown Square is temporarily closed, where possible cases will be relocated, progressed and heard within Greater Manchester. The aim is to reduce loss of work to a minimum. Monday’s trial is moving to Minshull Street and special arrangements have already...
Sentencing Council: new Definitive Guideline published
The Sentencing Council has today published, in accordance with section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, a new definitive guideline, ‘Overarching principles: Sentencing offenders with mental disorders, developmental disorders and neurological impairments’. ...
Prisons ready to provide the CVP VMR service
Download contact details for those providing the CVP VMR service.
Karl Turner MP – Coronavirus Legal Aid Report
In response to the Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to criminal legal aid practitioners, Karl Turner MP has produced a report outlining the underlying factors, the mistakes made, and the way forward.
A Guide to Peer Review – Crime Webinar – CLSA & LCCSA
A Guide to Peer Review - Crime Webinar - CLSA & LCCSA Thursday 9 July 2020 – 4:30pm – 5:30pm A Guide to Peer Review - Crime This free 60-minutes webinar will assist firms in understanding the Legal Aid Agency's approach to...
COVID 19 CHECKLIST FOR COMPLIANCE
Click here for a copy As lockdown restrictions ease, we see that HMCTS are increasing the number of cases coming before the Courts. The CLSA has voiced concern about Court Risk Assessments not being provided upon request, particularly when they are key to...
MC Clarification Guidance 22 June 2020
21062020_ clarification MC guidance _FINAL 21062020_Interest of Justice test in the Coronavirus Act This is intended to clarify the Judicial Office message on Friday in order to address concerns which have been expressed. As explained, the Coronavirus...
Solicitor enraged by struggle to see court risk assessment
Read the Law Gazette article.
Cloud Video Platform Video Meeting Rooms (CVP VMR)
Contact details for those prisons ready to serve the courts.
CLSA response to Accelerated areas Consultation – 1 June 2020
Click here to read
HMPPS User Guidance During CoVid-19: Cloud Video Platform Video Meeting Rooms
Download the user guidance.