(1)It is an offence for a person—
(a)wilfully to pretend to be entitled to carry on any activity which is a reserved legal activity when that person is not so entitled, or
(b)with the intention of implying falsely that that person is so entitled, to take or use any name, title or description.
(2)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).
(3)In relation to an offence under subsection (1) committed before [F22 May 2022], the reference in subsection (2)(a) to [F3the general limit in a magistrates’ court] is to be read as a reference to 6 months.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 17(2)(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. 17(3) 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. 17(3) 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