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What is a Child Protection Conference?

A Child Protection Conference is generally held following a referral and investigations by the Local Authority in relation to a particular child and their situation. The test for convening a Child Protection Conference is: the child is

Drones: New Technology v. Old English Law

At Johnson Astills we are alert to technological innovation and the implications this has with the criminal law. Professional and amateur use of drones has increased significantly over the last few years, but it is increasingly coming

What is Disclosure in a Criminal Case?

You may have heard of a number of high profile rape and other serious cases collapsing recently due to a lack of disclosure. But what is disclosure?  As experts in Criminal Defence, Johnson Astills can explain. When investigating

Child Protection Plans

Social Services have a statutory obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. If Social Services invite you to attend a Child Protection Conference it is because they have some concerns about the safety of

Do you require legal representation at Court?

If you require legal representation at the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court and/or the Crown Court do not hesitate to call our Criminal Law Team at Johnson Astills on 0116 255 4855 or email us at crimeteam@johnsonastills.com. Our team

Stamp Duty Land Tax changes for First Time Buyers

Following recent spring budget announcement there is no significant changes to stamp duty land tax for first-time buyers or downsizing individuals. If you are a first time-buyer, SDLT will only be payable on residential properties over £425,000

What is an Easement?

An Easement is a right attached to one piece of land (dominant tenement) which gives the owner of the land a right to use another person’s land (servient tenement). The owners of the dominant and servient tenements

WHEN IS A CONSPIRACY THE WRONG CONSPIRACY?

Helen Johnson Solicitor Advocate at Johnson Astills When the prosecution decide to charge an offence of conspiracy they have to prove that there was an agreement to commit a criminal offence, eg to supply drugs. Evidence of

The Right to Affordable Justice: The Bach Commission

At Johnson Astills we are committed to providing affordable representation and advice to all our clients. On 22nd September 2017 the Bach Commission, setup by Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner and former barrister Lord William Bach, issued its final

What is a Secure Accommodation Order?

A Secure Accommodation Order can be made under Section 25 Children Act 1989. This Order allows children’s services to place a Looked After Child under the age of 16 in secure accommodation, on welfare grounds, if one

More Family Court Cases to be Reported

The President of the Family Division has issued guidance on Transparency in Family Courts published on 16/1/14 to ‘immediately and significantly’ change the way cases are reported. There have been criticisms that the family courts are too

“Divorcing? Think of the children…”

Recent research reported in the press has revealed that divorced parents are often in denial with regard to the impact of the breakdown of the relationship upon their children. Three quarters of parents surveyed thought that their