Part 3

Reserved legal activities

Offences

Offence to pretend to be entitled
17
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 the 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 2 May 2022, the reference in subsection (2)(a) to the general limit in a magistrates’ court is to be read as a reference to 6 months.
Words 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
Words 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
Words 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