Criminal law in England and Wales deals with offences against the state—from minor road traffic violations to serious crimes like assault, theft, and fraud. If you've been accused of a crime, understanding the criminal justice system can feel overwhelming, but knowing your rights is the first step. Criminal cases are heard in different courts depending on their severity. Magistrates' Courts handle summary offences and less serious crimes, while the Crown Court deals with indictable offences like robbery, murder, and serious fraud. Magistrates are lay volunteers who work alongside legally qualified District Judges, whereas Crown Court cases are heard before a judge and jury. Key legislation includes the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which governs sentencing, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) setting out police powers and your rights during arrest, and the Theft Act 1968 defining property offences. The Serious Crime Act 2015 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 tackle organised crime and confiscation of criminal assets. Whether you're a victim seeking justice, a witness called to testify, or someone facing charges, our criminal law articles explain the process clearly—from arrest and bail through to trial and sentencing.