United Kingdom: Criminal Law

Road-safety, policing, legal and eye-care experts have called for stronger action on driver eyesight following a webinar that examined the consequences of drivers continuing to use the road despite serious visual impairment.

Money laundering refers to a process by which criminals make money that has been obtained through illegal activity appear to come from legitimate sources. This is often used by criminal...

On October 1, 2026, the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”) released Directive 26-12 (“Directive”). The Directive reshapes how federal prosecutors approach corporate fraud. Focusing on the priority areas the Fraud Division announced in a previous memorandum authored by Assistant Attorney General, Colin McDonald

On October 1, 2026, the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”) released Directive 26-12 (“Directive”). The Directive reshapes how federal prosecutors approach corporate fraud. Focusing on the priority areas the Fraud Division announced in a previous memorandum authored by Assistant Attorney General, Colin McDonald

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces a universal senior manager attribution test that holds organizations criminally liable for offenses committed by their senior managers. This regime, already in effect since June 2026, poses significant risks for private credit managers whose senior personnel are directly involved in deal approval, portfolio monitoring, and workout activities across UK-connected transactions.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 is a piece of legislation that is designed to strip those who have been convicted or pleaded guilty to certain criminal offences of their 'ill-gotten' gains. For those who are convicted of offences in which they are considered to have 'benefited' from their particular criminal conduct, confiscation proceedings will likely be pursued

In the recent case of FW Aviation (Holdings) 1 Limited v VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company [2025] EWCA Civ 1458, the Court of Appeal decided that a party who acts contrary to the spirit and purpose of an injunction will not be guilty of criminal contempt. This decision is important for applicants seeking interim injunctive relief as well as respondents opposing any relief.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces sweeping reforms to anti-social behaviour enforcement, including new Respect Orders with criminal sanctions...

Facing a dangerous driving charge can result in severe penalties including imprisonment and lengthy driving bans, but the legal threshold between dangerous and careless driving is subject to interpretation. Understanding the critical differences in evidence standards and potential defences could mean the difference between a criminal conviction with mandatory disqualification and a lesser penalty with discretionary sanctions.