Misuse of Lasers & Drones - A Guide for Criminal Lawyers

Introduction

The misuse of lasers was initially just an irritant, often used at sporting events. Matters then took a more sinister turn, when lasers started being used to shine at aeroplanes in an attempt to dazzle pilots.

Some initially called for ‘laser-pens’ to be classified as offensive weapons. The government preferred to deal with it by the passing of new legislation in the guise of the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018.

Legislation came into force in July 2018 and is of importance to all practitioners, particularly those working near ports as the legislation extends to any vehicle used on land, water or in the air.

Coupled with lasers, is the ever-increasing use of drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Some have been used at sporting events to circumvent subscription services for viewing and misuse has been seen particularly in the area of drugs and prisons. Depending on whether a drone has a camera, different rules may apply as to when and where they can be flown.

This webinar will be a useful guide for criminal lawyers.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Lasers and the law - what is permissible?
• Must the laser do anything, or is just shining it enough?
• Who is covered by the legislation?
• What are the statutory defences?
• What’s the maximum sentence?
• Drones and the law - what’s permissible?
• What are the rules around personal use, commercial use and use with a camera?
• What does the Civil Aviation Authority guidance say?
• What does the Drone Safe guidance say in relation to the code and helping you to stay within the law?

This webinar was recorded on 15th January 2019