Knife crime as an issue is proliferating across the UK, and as a result, the police and CPS are being hyper-vigilant. Whether you’ve been accused of a specific knife crime, or have been found innocently carrying a work knife or other blade and now face charges, it’s highly important that you seek legal advice at the soonest opportunity.
What is knife crime?
Knife crime is a broad term that relates to any crime involving a knife. In the majority of cases, this will be a crime similar to the possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, although it could also include the more serious crime of threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place, or even grievous bodily harm with a highly dangerous weapon.
Some of these crimes are far more serious in terms of sentencing than others, making it crucial that your legal team oversees the trial and sentencing process with an eagle eye.
UK Sentencing for knife crime
How you’ll be sentenced for a knife-related crime will vary significantly depending on which crime you’re found guilty of. Some examples of a crime and their sentencing guidelines are given below:
- Possession of a deadly weapon in a public place. This crime holds a maximum sentence of four years’ custody. In the case that the offender has committed this offence before, or a similar offence, they will face a minimum sentence of six months’ custody.
- Causing grievous bodily harm with intent to do grievous bodily harm. If this crime is committed with a knife, then it will possibly be sentenced according to the ‘high culpability’ category, if the other necessary factors are also present. In this case, the maximum sentence could be life imprisonment. Sentences are generally between 2 and 16 years’ custody.
There are, of course, many other knife-related crimes in addition to the two listed above. Sentencing is often complex, and will depend on an offender’s criminal history and the exact circumstances of the crime.
What we can do to help
If you’ve been involved in knife crime, whether you have already been charged or think it’s possible you will be charged in the near future, you need to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We will be able to help you through:
- Advising you generally on your best legal options going forward
- Preparing you for any interviews under caution and advise you during the interviews
- Making sure that your bail conditions are optimum and applying for bail if necessary
- Guaranteeing that the law is applied correctly throughout your trial and investigation
- Assisting with your trial preparation and representing you in court
- Guiding you through the appeals process, if necessary
The offences surrounding knife crime are incredibly serious, and the potential repercussions of being found guilty could change your life. It’s imperative that you seek legal assistance sooner rather than later, so that a solicitor can start developing your case and minimising any potential damage.
If you’ve been charged with a knife crime offence and require urgent legal advice, call us now on 0161 234 0020 (Manchester) /0203 053 8625 (London) / 07956 555979 (24 hour).
You can also contact us via our contact form and we will reply to you as soon as possible.
