Terrorism Offences Solicitor

Terrorism offences and offences with a terrorist connection are generally high-profile and complex cases that require careful handling and meticulous preparation from the outset. Issues relating to human rights, the Defendant’s mental health, and continuous advances in forensic techniques and evidence mean that anyone facing these allegations needs robust representation from a specialist Terrorism Solicitor. At Reeds Solicitors, our team of leading Solicitors are frequently instructed to represent people charges with terrorism offences. This means we have developed a wealth of experience in this highly specialised area of criminal defence law.

Being convicted of a terrorism offence can result in life imprisonment (14 years), and in serious cases, there is no possibility of an early release. Therefore, you must have an experienced, knowledgeable Criminal Defence Solicitor fighting in your corner who understands the tactics and strategies of police, National Crime Agency (NCA), and Crown Court Prosecutors.

Why Instruct a Reeds’ Terrorism Solicitor

Our Solicitors are regularly mentioned in the Legal 500, and in 2023 & 2024 we were named one of the UK’s top law firms by The Times, specially commended for criminal law.

‘Stuart Mathews has a razor-sharp intellect and superb client care skills. He is a ferociously hard worker and takes time to unpick a case. Julian Richards brings his huge experience of criminal law to each case and thereby creates a very calm, forensic approach to his work. Clients love him.’ – Legal 500

By instructing a Reeds specialist Terrorism Solicitor, you can trust that our team will:

• Find out the police’s suspicions regarding your involvement in a terrorist incident or related activity and any evidence they have concerning those suspicions.
• If you have been arrested, analyse the custody record, and talk with the Custody Officer to ensure proper police procedure was followed.
• Attend a police interview under caution to provide you with legal advice and ensure the interviewer does not exceed their powers and follows the Code of Practice that sets out how an interview under caution should be conducted.
• If the police are considering releasing you on pre-charge bail, we will challenge them to produce evidence to show this is necessary and proportionate.
• If you are charged in connection with a terrorist offence, we will investigate the police evidence, and build a defence based on witness statements, forensics, international investigations (if applicable), and expert evidence concerning the circumstances surrounding the event that led to you being charged.
• Instruct expert Criminal Defence Barristers/King’s Counsel and attend Court, as well as provide you with advice and support when required, including whether to plead guilty or not guilty.
• If you are found guilty, we will prepare submissions to the Court to mitigate the severity of the sentence handed down. We will also advise you on whether there are grounds to appeal the Judge or jury’s decision.

It is vital that you instruct an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor if you are being investigated or charged with terrorism. The impact of such accusations on your personal freedom, reputation, and family life means that having a nationally recognised team of experts on your side is essential.

What is the definition of terrorism?

A key provision of the Terrorism Act 2000 is the definition of terrorism itself. The Act defines terrorism as the use or threat of action intended to influence the Government or to intimidate the public or a section of the public for political, religious, or ideological purposes. This broad definition encompasses a range of activities, and the Act outlines specific offences related to terrorism, including possessing articles for terrorist purposes, fundraising for terrorism, and incitement of terrorism. This means you do not have to actually commit a terrorist attack to be convicted of a terrorism offence.

The Terrorism Act 2006 extended the range of terrorism offences to include activities such as encouraging terrorism, training for terrorism, and trespassing on nuclear sites. The more recent Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 includes measures to increase sentences for several terrorism offences and to end automatic early release for convicted terrorists. Furthermore, it created offences concerning obtaining or viewing terrorist material online, recklessly expressing support for a prescribed terrorist organisation, and entering or remaining in a designated area.

In addition, sometimes a criminal act can be classed as having a ‘terrorist connection’. For example, the killers of Lee Rigby and Jo Cox MP were charged with murder, but the crimes were deemed to have a terrorist connection. For example, if you are charged with a firearms offence in connection with a terrorist act, if convicted, you will likely receive a harsher sentence and be subject to appropriate notification requirements post-release.

What power do authorities have to detain people under the Terrorism Act 2000?

The Terrorism Act grants authorities the power to detain people suspected of being involved in terrorism for up to 14 days without charge. Therefore, although the Terrorism Act 2000 is a crucial tool in the UK’s counter-terrorism efforts, it has faced criticism for potentially infringing on civil liberties. Critics argue that the broad definition of terrorism and the powers granted to law enforcement agencies may lead to abuses of authority.

The length of time you are allowed to be detained without charge and the seriousness of being suspected of a terrorist offence means it is vital that you contact one of our Criminal Defence Solicitors immediately. They will meticulously examine the reasons the authorities believe you may be involved in a terrorism-related activity. If the authorities have breached the powers provided by law when detaining you, our team will immediately challenge their actions.

Can I be charged with a terrorism offence if I do not report a potential attack?

Section 38B(1) and (2) of the Terrorism Act 2000 criminalises the failure to report suspicions about someone preparing for acts of terrorism. It becomes an offence if a person neglects to inform the police when they believe someone within their knowledge is involved in such preparations. The maximum penalty for a violation of Section 38B is imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. However, you may have a valid defence if you can prove that you had a reasonable excuse for not telling authorities about the potential attack.

Failing to disclose relevant information to the police promptly is itself an offence, and you can be held criminally accountable if you do not report your suspicions as soon as reasonably practicable.

Our Criminal Defence Solicitors have the expertise and experience required to advise and represent you. Please contact us through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at info@reeds.co.uk.