Legal News
Government introduces “two strokes” jail policy for knife possession (9 July 2015)
Date: 09/07/2015
The government is to introduce a “two strikes and you’re out” policy for those who carry knives.
The proposal was blocked by the Liberal Democrats when the coalition government was in power, but the Conservative government now plans to push ahead with the plan, The Guardian reports.
The change in the law will come into effect from 17 July and those convicted of carrying a knife on more than one occasion will face a minimum of six months in jail, up to a four-year prison sentence.
Minister estimate that an additional 1,000 people convicted of carrying a knife will be jailed each year.
Young offenders aged 16 and 17 will face a minimum four-month detention and training order. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) estimates that an extra 110 young offenders will be jailed each year under the scheme.
An impact assessment by the MoJ showed that, every year, around 1,300 adults with an existing knife conviction go on to be caught in possession of a knife without receiving an immediate custodial sentence.
In 2014, a total of 3,707 out of 12,125 offenders convicted of possessing a knife received an immediate prison sentence.
Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving knife crime or gun crime, including advising on cases involving gang crime, young offenders or knife crime in schools.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within 45 minutes.
For expert legal advice on all criminal charges – including knife crime and gun crime – call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.
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