Criminal law explained: your guide to legal rights and justice

Criminal law is a cornerstone of the legal system in the UK, governing actions considered harmful to society and prescribing penalties for those found guilty. It addresses a wide range of offenses, from theft and fraud to serious crimes such as assault, drug offenses, and homicide. This area of law ensures justice by balancing the rights of the accused with the interests of victims and society. This cluster provides accessible guides to help individuals understand criminal charges, court procedures, defense options, and sentencing. Whether you’re seeking to learn about your rights, understand legal terminology, or navigate the criminal justice system, these resources offer essential insights to empower and inform.

For expert legal support in criminal law, contact our criminal law solicitors today.

Our legal posts
on criminal law

Motoring Offences

Motoring offences cover a range of legal issues related to driving in the UK, from speeding and drink-driving to driving without insurance or using a mobile phone at the wheel. These offences can lead to penalties such as fines, points on your lic...

find out more >

Need a solicitor for criminal law?

We will connect you with the right solicitor, near you.

Get in touch with one of our
criminal law specialists

Our top posts
on criminal law

I am the victim of a crypto scam: How can I recover my money?
I am the victim of a crypto scam: How can I recover my money?

Published on 14/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 6 mins

With swift action, proper documentation, and the right legal approach, UK victims of crypto scams can sometimes recover their stolen funds, especially when traced to regulated exchanges or identifiable wallets.

I am the victim of a crypto scam: How can I recover my money?
What happens if I report a drug dealer?
What happens if I report a drug dealer?

Published on 14/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

When using anonymous reporting channels like Crimestoppers, your identity remains completely protected, and you cannot be traced or required to testify.

What happens if I report a drug dealer?
Am I the victim of cuckooing?
Am I the victim of cuckooing?

Published on 13/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 6 mins

Unlike typical burglary or trespassing, cuckooing specifically targets vulnerable individuals, maintains their presence in the home, and uses psychological manipulation rather than just physical force to establish control.

Am I the victim of cuckooing?
Drug driving blood test: procedure explained
Drug driving blood test: procedure explained

Published on 10/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

Only laboratory blood test results exceeding specific legal limits can lead to conviction, and procedural errors during collection can invalidate the entire case.

Drug driving blood test: procedure explained
Drug Driving: Can you go to Jail?
Drug Driving: Can you go to Jail?

Published on 05/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

Drug driving carries up to 6 months imprisonment, and substances remain detectable long after their effects disappear.

Drug Driving: Can you go to Jail?
Failing to Provide a Specimen vs. Drink Driving: Key Differences
Failing to Provide a Specimen vs. Drink Driving: Key Differences

Published on 04/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

Courts view failing to provide a specimen UK more harshly than drink driving, often assuming you refused because your alcohol level was extremely high.

Failing to Provide a Specimen vs. Drink Driving: Key Differences
Drink driving & leaving the scene: what happens next?
Drink driving & leaving the scene: what happens next?

Published on 03/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 6 mins

Unlike a standard drink driving offense, leaving the scene after drinking creates two separate crimes, doubling your legal jeopardy and often leading to immediate custody, even for first-time offenders.

Drink driving & leaving the scene: what happens next?
Possession with Intent to Supply: What It Means
Possession with Intent to Supply: What It Means

Published on 03/03/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

Having drugs in your home or vehicle makes you legally responsible, even if they belong to a roommate or friend.

Possession with Intent to Supply: What It Means
Caught drink driving? What to do next
Caught drink driving? What to do next

Published on 28/02/2025, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

Picture this: flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror, your heart pounding, and that sinking realization that your single "quick drink" might cost far more than you imagined. Whether you're...

Caught drink driving? What to do next
What to do if you have been wrongfully convicted?
What to do if you have been wrongfully convicted?

Published on 09/12/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

Act quickly to file an appeal within the 28-day deadline, as delays can severely limit your chances of overturning the conviction.

What to do if you have been wrongfully convicted?
What is worse between ABH and GBH?
What is worse between ABH and GBH?

Published on 26/11/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 6 mins

ABH (actual bodily harm) and GBH (grievous bodily harm) are offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 18611. Both are preceded by the term 'Assault occasioning…' with the ABH or GBH determined by the level of injury sustained. 

What is worse between ABH and GBH?
Do you need a solicitor when being questioned by the police?
Do you need a solicitor when being questioned by the police?

Published on 08/11/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

When a crime is being investigated, the process undertaken by the police demands that they interview everyone involved. While this does not mean that every person that is interviewed is a suspect, it is essential to remember that the police are looking out for any evidence they can use.

Do you need a solicitor when being questioned by the police?
How much are speeding fines in the UK?
How much are speeding fines in the UK?

Published on 06/11/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 5 mins

When discussing the topic of speeding fines, it is easy to make assumptions that those who are caught speeding are bad drivers. However, that is not a true reflection on why and how people are caught speeding.

How much are speeding fines in the UK?
Are electric scooters legal in the UK?
Are electric scooters legal in the UK?

Published on 29/10/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

E-scooters are classified as 'powered transporters' and are currently only legal in rental trial areas, while motorcycles are fully road legal with proper registration, tax, and insurance.

Are electric scooters legal in the UK?
How to request child sex offender data (Sarah’s Law)
How to request child sex offender data (Sarah’s Law)

Published on 22/10/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

Sarah's Law introduced a formal mechanism for parents to request information about local sex offenders, significantly increasing community awareness and safety.

How to request child sex offender data (Sarah’s Law)
What constitutes GBH with intent: Section 18 or Section 20?
What constitutes GBH with intent: Section 18 or Section 20?

Published on 12/09/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

A critical misconception in GBH cases is that the severity of the injury alone determines the charge. In reality, the accused's state of mind at the time of the incident plays a pivotal role. Even if severe harm wasn't caused, the intent to do so could lead to serious charges.

What constitutes GBH with intent: Section 18 or Section 20?
The Legal Status of ‘Cottaging’ and ‘Cruising’ Law in the UK
The Legal Status of ‘Cottaging’ and ‘Cruising’ Law in the UK

Published on 12/09/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

It is said that whatever goes on between consenting adults in the privacy of their bedrooms is no one else's business but theirs. However, the same cannot be said for consenting adults in the setting of a public toilet, at least not in the eyes of the law. Having sex in such a fashion is seen by many adults to be a bit naughty or dangerous.

The Legal Status of ‘Cottaging’ and ‘Cruising’ Law in the UK
How to discharge a restraining order?
How to discharge a restraining order?

Published on 11/09/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

Yes, restraining orders can be discharged early under specific circumstances. However, the process requires strong justification, thorough preparation, and often legal expertise to navigate successfully. Courts prioritize safety and carefully evaluate each request before granting a discharge.

How to discharge a restraining order?
Can you drive after smoking cannabis?
Can you drive after smoking cannabis?

Published on 09/08/2024, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

In the UK, it is illegal to drive if you are unfit due to drugs or have certain drugs above a specified limit in your blood. This includes cannabis, as it can affect your reaction times, coordination, and judgement on the road.

Can you drive after smoking cannabis?
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Guidance
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Guidance

Published on 29/09/2020, by Qredible - Reading time: 4 mins

To hide their illegally obtained money, criminals and criminal organisations take part in a practice known as money laundering. This process can involve many stages and vary in complexity, but the process is always essentially the same.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Guidance

Need a solicitor for criminal law?

We will connect you with the right solicitor, near you.

Find a solicitor

With over 2,000 solicitors listed, find the one best suited to your needs. We will then help you get in touch.

Contact a solicitor

Request a call

Qredible will connect you directly with the solicitor best suited to your needs.

Request a call
The strength of a society is measured by its commitment to justice, safeguarded by its solicitors.

content