https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/HS Criminal Lawen-gbSun, 25 Oct 2026 22:36:30 +0000https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-does-no-comment-mean-in-police-interview/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-does-no-comment-mean-in-police-interview/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:36:30 +0000Saying "no comment" during a police interview means exercising your right to silence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. You are not obliged to answer questions, and choosing silence cannot be used as evidence of guilt. HS Criminal Law explains when the right to silence matters, how courts may interpret it, and what alternatives exist if you want to put your account on record witho…https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-happens-during-a-dbs-check/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-happens-during-a-dbs-check/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:35:08 +0000A DBS check reveals criminal records held by police forces in England and Wales, but what appears depends on the level requested and whether your convictions are spent. HS Criminal Law explains the three levels of check, what each discloses, how the filtering system works and what happens when a decision lands with you.https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-a-conditional-discharge/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-a-conditional-discharge/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:34:07 +0000A conditional discharge is a sentence that imposes no immediate punishment but requires you to stay out of trouble for a set period—usually between six months and three years. If you commit another offence during that time, the court can sentence you again for both the original offence and the new one. HS Criminal Law explains when courts use this disposal, what happens if you breach it and how…https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-a-community-order/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-a-community-order/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:33:04 +0000A community order is a sentence courts use when custody is too harsh but a fine is too lenient. It imposes one or more requirements you must complete in the community, supervised by probation. HS Criminal Law breaks down the types of requirement available, who checks compliance, and the steps that follow a breach.https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-a-suspended-sentence/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-a-suspended-sentence/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:31:33 +0000A suspended sentence means a court has decided you deserve a prison term but has chosen to delay it, allowing you to remain in the community provided you meet certain requirements. If you comply for the full supervision period, you never serve the custodial part. The reader of this page will understand when suspension is available, what conditions typically attach to it, how long supervision ru…https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/how-does-bail-work-in-criminal-cases/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/how-does-bail-work-in-criminal-cases/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:30:18 +0000Bail allows someone charged with an offence to remain at liberty while their case moves through the criminal justice system. The decision is made either by the police or by a magistrates' court, depending on when and how you are charged. HS Criminal Law explains who holds the power, what restrictions you might face and what happens if you breach them.https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-actual-bodily-harm-(abh)/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-actual-bodily-harm-(abh)/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:29:10 +0000Actual bodily harm (ABH) is any injury that goes beyond trivial or momentary harm but does not amount to serious injury. It sits between common assault and grievous bodily harm in English criminal law. HS Criminal Law explains how courts define ABH, what injuries count, and where the boundaries lie between offences.https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-perverting-the-course-of-justice/https://hscriminallaw.co.uk/what-is-perverting-the-course-of-justice/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:28:16 +0000Perverting the course of justice is a common-law offence in England and Wales that covers any act intended to interfere with the administration of justice. The criminal justice system depends on truthfulness and cooperation; when someone lies to investigators, hides evidence or intimidates a witness, they face this charge. This article explains what the offence involves, the most frequent examp…