When Police Can’t Charge You (Even If You’re Guilty)

🔍 When Can the Police Charge You? Understanding Offence Categories in UK Criminal Law | CLUE UK

In this video, we break down the three types of criminal offences in England and Wales — Indictable, Either-Way, and Summary-only offences — and explain how these categories affect charging decisions, court routes, and legal time limits.

Whether you’re learning about UK criminal law for the first time, preparing for a promotion board, or just want to understand how arrest, prosecution, and sentencing really work — this episode is essential viewing.

We cover key legal concepts like Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, legal jurisdiction, summary time limits, and how the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) decides where and when to prosecute. Plus, we look at real-life case law, including R v Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, ex parte Ahmed (1995) — a powerful example of a case thrown out for being out of time.

This video is ideal for:

Police recruits and trainee officers

People studying for police promotion exams

Anyone interested in their rights and the criminal justice system

Members of the public who want to understand legal process and timelines

🧠 In this episode, you’ll learn:
The difference between Indictable, Either-Way, and Summary offences

Where each offence is heard — Magistrates' or Crown Court

Which offences have no time limit, and which have a strict 6-month deadline

What happens if the CPS misses the deadline

A real case law example: Ahmed (1995)

Why knowing the category of an offence could protect your rights

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🎯 CLUE UK is here to break down the law in plain English.
No fluff. No jargon. Just the facts you need — to stay informed, stay smart, and stay safe.

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