Prosecution guidance search

Updated: 16 August 2023

Updated: November 2019

Updated: 29 August 2023; 29 October 2024

Many witnesses experience stress and fear during the investigation of a crime and when attending court and giving evidence. Stress and fear can affect the quantity and quality of communication with, and by, witnesses of all ages. The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (YJCEA) introduced a range of measures that can be used to facilitate the gathering and giving of evidence by vulnerable and intimidated witnesses by alleviating some of that stress. The measures are collectively known as "special measures".

Updated: 2 June 2021; 2 April 2024

Criminal confiscation and money laundering offences are inter-linked. In investigating what has happened to the proceeds of crime, money laundering offences are likely to be disclosed.

: Updated: 12 April 2021; 17 May 2021; 18 July 2021; 22 June 2022

This guidance summarises the main provisions in the Regulations. It is intended to assist prosecutors in navigating the structure of the Regulations. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to all aspects of the legislation. Prosecutors are therefore reminded to refer to the legislation when making charging decisions relating to Coronavirus Regulations, and to use the timeline, if applicable, to determine which provisions were in force at the time of an alleged breach.

Issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions under the provisions of section 37A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Updated: 27 May 2021

Last updated: December 2020

Updated: 3 August 2022