Criminal Defence Blog
Trust me, I’m a police officer
How to recognise police impersonation scams and what to do about them Dressing up as a police officer has long been an act for male strippers. It’s a bit of fun and no one would mistake them for real law … Continue reading
Drug-related offences and their legal consequences
Ignorance of the law is no defence if you are caught with drugs With cannabidiol, or CBD, a compound found in marijuana, cropping up in everything from tea to hand cream, it’s tempting to conclude that cannabis is now completely … Continue reading
Arrested? Not South African?
A guide for expatriates arrested in South Africa Arrest is one of the scariest things that can happen to anyone. If you are not a South African citizen or permanent resident, the experience can be even more terrifying. Will you … Continue reading
Empowering survivors of sexual offences
Legal rights and support for survivors of a sexual offence In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, almost 53,900 South Africans reported being a victim of a sexual crime. The majority of these (c. 80%) were rapes. But rape is not the … Continue reading
South Africa’s cancelling of Covid criminal records must be just the start
Reprinted from the Guardian, by Koketso Moeti – 2023-07-24 Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has introduced a process to expunge the criminal records of people who violated Covid-19 restrictions. The author argues that the possibility of expungement should be broadened to … Continue reading
Criminal record and employment
Navigating the impact of a criminal record on employment and opportunities: a comprehensive guide Do you have a criminal record? Do you understand what it means for important aspects of your life – education, employment, housing, and other opportunities? A … Continue reading
Juvenile justice vs. adult criminal justice
Understanding the differences The justice system serves to uphold law and order, protect society, and rehabilitate offenders. While these goals apply to both adults and children (“juveniles”), the approach to achieving them differs significantly. The juvenile justice system and the … Continue reading
Criminal conviction – the unseen impact
The consequences of having a criminal record and what to do about it We all make mistakes. Sometimes we think our actions are acceptable and realise the error of our ways only in hindsight. Other times we make a mistake … Continue reading
Why do you need a criminal defence attorney?
Don’t try to represent yourself It is a well-known adage that the person who is their own lawyer has a fool for a client. Some versions of the expression go on to say they also have a jackass for a … Continue reading
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