It has recently been announced that magistrates are to get enhanced sentencing powers, 18 months after the last government abandoned a similar initiative.
The intention is to allow magistrates to issue custodial sentences of up to 12 months for a single offence, increased from six months.
In March last year, the previous government dropped the enhanced powers handed to magistrates by then-lord chancellor Dominic Raab in 2022.
The move has again been opposed by the Criminal Bar Association and the Law Society, in part, because of the pressure already on the prison system but also because magistrates can commit cases to the Crown Court if they feel their sentencing power are insufficient.
However, the move has been welcomed by the Magistrates’ Association who feel the changes will help prevent an increase in the backlog of cases in the Crown Court.
The change may impact upon drivers in the haulage industry as they can be sent to prison for offences such as ‘pulling their card’.
If you’re in need of representation, get in touch with our Transport Law specialist Jared Dunbar for support.