(1)It is an offence for a person to carry on an activity (“the relevant activity”) which is a reserved legal activity unless that person is entitled to carry on the relevant activity.
(2)In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), it is a defence for the accused to show that the accused did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, that the offence was being committed.
(3)A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F1the general limit in a magistrates’ court] or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both), and
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine (or both).
(4)A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) by reason of an act done in the purported exercise of a right of audience, or a right to conduct litigation, in relation to any proceedings or contemplated proceedings is also guilty of contempt of the court concerned and may be punished accordingly.
(5)In relation to an offence under subsection (1) committed before [F22 May 2022], the reference in subsection (3)(a) to [F3the general limit in a magistrates’ court] is to be read as a reference to 6 months.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 14(3)(a) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 table
F2Words in s. 14(5) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1
F3Words in s. 14(5) substituted (7.2.2023 at 12.00 p.m.) by The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 (Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Powers) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/149), regs. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. Pt. 1 table