We are forever receiving enquiries from people, innocently believing that if they name another person they can escape punishment!
They’ve heard stories from a friend of a friend of a friend, who never heard anything back from it so surely it must work?
We can assure you that that it does not work, after representing hundreds of clients over the years after they have put themselves in that position and ultimately been charged with perverting the course of justice!
What is to Pervert the Course of Justice?
Wondering what exactly perverting the course of justice driving offence is? The offence to Pervert the Course of Justice is committed when an accused: does an act or series of acts; which has or have a tendency to pervert; and which is or are intended to pervert; the course of public justice.
Just note, If you provide false or misleading information on a notice of intended prosecution there is a very good chance a charge to Pervert The Course of Justice will follow! The police take these charges extremely seriously, as do the Courts. To pervert the course of justice can carry a custodial sentence if convicted. Cases of perverting the course of justice must be dealt with in the Crown Court. They nearly always result in a prison sentence of at least six months!
The maximum sentence for perverting the course of justice is life imprisonment. It is possible for the Crown Court to impose a fine, a community order, a suspended sentence or a prison sentence of any length.
The offence is contrary to common law and triable only on indictment, meaning that it can only be heard in the Crown Court. It carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a fine. The course of justice must be in existence at the time of the act(s).
The Course of Justice
The course of justice starts when: an event has occurred, from which it can reasonably be expected that an investigation will follow; investigations which could/might bring proceedings have actually started; or proceedings have started or are about to start.
You may well have seen newspaper articles about well-known MPs who have been prosecuted for perverting the course of justice, all because they thought they could escape a speeding offence!! It is NOT worth it.
Perverting the course of justice driving offence is regularly broadcast in Newspapers and TV across the country, check out a recent newspaper article regarding the subject.
To get in contact with a member of the legal team regarding to pervert the course of justice or requiring representation, please use the ‘Call-back Request’ form.
Alternatively, if you wish to call us, from around Manchester and the North Call 0161 839 5117, or from London and the South Call 0207 903 5144.