Part 3Reserved legal activities
Offences
14Offence to carry on a reserved legal activity if not entitled
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 F3the 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.