Author Archives: SD Law
What to do if you are arrested
Know what to do if you are arrested. It could make all the difference. Being arrested is scary, but it’s important to avoid making matters worse. Especially if you’ve never been arrested before, it’s a very frightening experience. But it … Continue reading
Understanding bail and how it works
If you ever need bail, you need to know the process The popularity of TV programmes based on law and order has made us all armchair experts in police procedure. But do you really understand how bail works in South … Continue reading
Driving under the influence
What is a fair sentence? A driving under the influence (DUI) case was recently appealed in the Western Cape High Court, not because the appellant wished to challenge the conviction, but because he felt the sentence was inappropriately severe. It … Continue reading
And finally… furensic evidence
Cats may carry DNA of their humans If you have cats, you’d better stay on the right side of the law! Otherwise your cats could incriminate you. This article reports on new research suggesting that cats are covered in human … Continue reading
Choosing a criminal defence attorney
Know what to look for when you’re looking for a criminal lawyer Most people don’t have a criminal lawyer stored in their phone contacts. After all, most of us don’t plan on committing a crime (and hardened criminals assume they … Continue reading
W Cape director of public prosecutions asks for two new corruption courts
Reprinted from the Sowetan, by Aron Hyman – 2022-08-28 The Western Cape will have two new courts dealing specifically with corruption if Western Cape director of public prosecutions (DPP) Nicolette Bell has her way. During a media briefing at the … Continue reading
SA Crimefighters Getting on the DNA Bandwagon
Reprinted from 2OceansVibe, by Tayla – 2021-11-05 A bill focused on making it easier to track and trace violent offenders in South Africa is up for processing. The Criminal Law Amendment Bill of 2021 was just approved for processing in … Continue reading
Bills to curb gender-based violence ‘depend on implementation’
Reprinted from Sowetan Live, by Tankiso Makhetha – 2021-09-12 Victims’ families, activists say they have come too late for some While parliament adopted two bills aimed at curbing violence against women and children, families of victims who died at the … Continue reading
Caught driving under the influence?
Don’t make your situation worse. Follow this advice. The President recently announced a lessening of the lockdown burden, from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 1. Although the outright alcohol ban was lifted a few weeks ago, we were still … Continue reading
Admission of guilt
Should you sign an admission of guilt if you are accused of a crime? If you have been arrested for a minor offence – such as shoplifting – and you have been detained in custody, the arresting officer may give … Continue reading