Legislation & Sentencing Handbook

UNSEEN POLICE SERVICE

OFFICIAL LEGISLATION & SENTENCING HANDBOOK

THIS ISN'T ANOTHER FIVEM CITY. THIS IS UNSEEN.

Version: 1.0 – Proposed for Adoption Jurisdiction: England and Wales-inspired Applies to: Police officers, custody officers, solicitors, prosecutors and the judiciary

1. PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK

The purpose of this handbook is to establish a consistent and realistic legal system within Unseen RP.

Our system will reflect the fundamental principles of criminal justice in England and Wales while making necessary adaptations for an enjoyable FiveM environment.

All police officers must understand the distinction between:

Suspecting an individual of an offence.

Having sufficient grounds to arrest.

Gathering evidence.

Authorising custody detention.

Making a lawful charging decision.

Proving an offence in court.

Determining an appropriate sentence.

These are separate stages of the criminal justice process.

An arrest is not a conviction, and an allegation is not evidence of guilt.

2. FUNDAMENTAL LEGAL PRINCIPLES

2.1 Presumption of Innocence

Every individual is presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the appropriate legal process.

Officers must not treat suspects as convicted criminals simply because they have been arrested.

2.2 Burden of Proof

The prosecution bears the burden of proving a criminal offence.

For a criminal conviction, the court must be satisfied so that it is sure of the defendant's guilt — commonly expressed as proof beyond reasonable doubt.

2.3 Reasonable Suspicion

Reasonable suspicion may justify certain investigative actions, including arrest where the applicable necessity test is also satisfied.

It does not establish guilt.

2.4 Police Accountability

Officers must identify the lawful basis for exercising police powers.

An officer's rank or belief that somebody is guilty does not replace the need for legal grounds.

2.5 Proportionality

Police actions must be appropriate to the circumstances.

The least intrusive effective option should be considered where the legal framework requires it.

2.6 Right to Legal Representation

Detainees must be afforded the legal rights applicable to their circumstances, including access to legal advice.

Officers must not punish or disadvantage a suspect for exercising those rights.

3. POLICE POWERS – PACE

3.1 Section 1 PACE – Stop and Search

Officers may search a person or vehicle under Section 1 of PACE where the statutory conditions apply and reasonable grounds exist to suspect the presence of relevant prohibited or stolen articles.

Officers must provide the appropriate GOWISELY information and record the search.

Section 1 is not a universal authority to search for every type of contraband.

3.2 Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

A constable may exercise statutory search powers relating to controlled drugs where the relevant reasonable grounds and requirements are satisfied.

An officer must have specific and explainable grounds rather than simply assuming that an individual possesses drugs.

3.3 Section 24 PACE – Arrest

An arrest without warrant requires the applicable statutory basis and reasonable grounds to believe arrest is necessary under the recognised criteria.

For suspected involvement in an offence, officers must establish reasonable suspicion and necessity.

3.4 Section 32 PACE – Search Following Arrest

Where the statutory conditions are satisfied, officers may search an arrested person for specified purposes including relevant evidence or safety concerns.

This is not permission to seize every item in the individual's inventory.

3.5 Section 18 PACE – Search of Premises

Where the statutory requirements are met, police may have powers to search premises occupied or controlled by an arrested person for relevant evidence.

Authorisation and recording requirements must be followed.

3.6 Section 19 PACE – Seizure

Officers lawfully on premises may exercise statutory powers to seize relevant property where the conditions are satisfied.

Officers must record seized property and the justification for taking it.

3.7 Section 163 Road Traffic Act 1988

A constable in uniform may require a driver to stop a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road.

The authority to stop a vehicle does not automatically provide grounds to search the vehicle or arrest its occupants.

4. CRIMINAL OFFENCES – VIOLENCE

Officers must identify the correct offence based on the conduct, intent and evidence.

4.1 Common Assault

An assault involving unlawful force or causing another person to apprehend immediate unlawful violence, without injury sufficient to support a more serious offence.

Example: Threatening an imminent punch or unlawfully striking another person without causing more serious injury.

4.2 Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

An assault resulting in injury amounting to actual bodily harm.

Example: An assault causing injuries that go beyond merely transient or trifling harm.

4.3 Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

Serious bodily harm, including offences under Sections 18 or 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, depending on the circumstances and required mental element.

The more serious Section 18 offence requires specific intent to cause grievous bodily harm or an applicable statutory alternative.

4.4 Murder

The unlawful killing of another person with the requisite intent to kill or cause really serious harm.

A player's death or respawn does not automatically establish murder.

There must be an appropriate in-character death and evidential basis under Unseen's death and prosecution framework.

4.5 Manslaughter

An unlawful killing that satisfies the requirements of a recognised manslaughter offence but not murder.

The distinction must be determined by evidence and legal review.

4.6 Threats to Kill

Making a threat to kill another person intending that the recipient would fear it being carried out, under the relevant statutory requirements.

4.7 False Imprisonment

Unlawfully restricting another person's freedom of movement.

Police must establish that any alleged detention was unlawful and not justified by a valid legal power.

5. THEFT & PROPERTY OFFENCES

5.1 Theft – Theft Act 1968

Dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.

5.2 Robbery – Section 8 Theft Act

Theft involving force, or putting or seeking to put someone in fear of immediate force, immediately before or at the time of stealing and in order to steal.

5.3 Burglary – Section 9 Theft Act

Entering a building or part of a building as a trespasser with the relevant intent, or committing the specified offence after entering as a trespasser, under the statutory definition.

5.4 Aggravated Burglary

Burglary where the defendant has a firearm, imitation firearm, weapon of offence or explosive as defined by the applicable legislation.

5.5 Taking a Vehicle Without Consent (TWOC)

Taking a conveyance for personal or another person's use without the owner's consent or other lawful authority.

TWOC must be distinguished from theft of a motor vehicle, which requires the relevant theft elements.

5.6 Criminal Damage

Destroying or damaging property belonging to another without lawful excuse, intentionally or recklessly.

5.7 Arson

Criminal damage committed by fire.

Serious cases involving danger to life require specialist investigation.

5.8 Handling Stolen Goods

Dishonestly receiving or assisting in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen goods with the necessary knowledge or belief.

6. PUBLIC ORDER OFFENCES

6.1 Section 5 Public Order Act 1986

Using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, within the relevant statutory circumstances and likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Being rude or criticising police is not automatically an offence.

6.2 Section 4A – Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress

Conduct intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress and which does cause it, satisfying the applicable statutory requirements.

6.3 Section 4 – Fear or Provocation of Violence

Relevant threatening, abusive or insulting conduct involving fear or provocation of immediate unlawful violence.

6.4 Affray

Using or threatening unlawful violence towards another where the conduct would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their personal safety.

6.5 Violent Disorder

Three or more people using or threatening unlawful violence, where their combined conduct meets the statutory requirements.

6.6 Harassment

A course of conduct satisfying the requirements of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Single ordinary disagreements do not automatically constitute harassment.

7. DRUG OFFENCES

Unseen will use the UK controlled-drug classification approach, subject to its published in-game item classifications.

7.1 Possession of a Controlled Drug

Knowing possession of a controlled substance without lawful authority under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

7.2 Possession With Intent to Supply

Possession of controlled drugs with the intention of unlawfully supplying them to another.

Quantity may be relevant evidence but must not automatically establish intent to supply.

7.3 Supply of Controlled Drugs

Unlawfully supplying or offering to supply a controlled substance.

7.4 Production or Cultivation

Producing controlled drugs or cultivating cannabis contrary to applicable law.

7.5 Drug Classifications

The city will publish its controlled-substance register, distinguishing Class A, Class B and Class C substances.

Officers must not invent drug classifications or treat unidentified items as controlled drugs without an appropriate basis.

7.6 Drug Investigations

Relevant evidence may include:

Controlled substances recovered.

Packaging or equipment.

Witness accounts.

Relevant communications.

Financial evidence.

Observed transactions.

Forensic evidence where available.

Evidence must be obtained through legitimate roleplay.

8. FIREARMS & WEAPON OFFENCES

8.1 Possession of a Firearm Without Authority

Possession of a regulated firearm without appropriate certification, exemption or lawful authority, where required by the Firearms Act 1968.

8.2 Prohibited Weapons

Possession of firearms or weapons falling within relevant statutory prohibitions.

The exact classification depends on the weapon and legal requirements.

8.3 Possession With Intent to Endanger Life

Relevant firearms offences involving possession with the required intent.

8.4 Possession of an Offensive Weapon

Possessing a weapon contrary to the applicable legislation, having regard to the location, weapon type and lawful defences.

8.5 Bladed Articles

Unlawful possession of a bladed or sharply pointed article in circumstances covered by the relevant legislation.

8.6 Firearms Evidence

Officers must not assume that every weapon carried by a civilian is automatically unlawful without considering the relevant offence, classification and authority.

9. ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES

The following offences will form the foundation of traffic enforcement in Unseen.

9.1 Speeding

Driving above the legally established speed limit.

Unseen must publish the in-game speed limits and the policy for evidencing speed.

9.2 Driving Without Due Care and Attention

Driving below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, or without reasonable consideration for other road users.

9.3 Dangerous Driving

Driving falling far below the expected standard of a competent and careful driver, where the danger would be obvious to such a driver.

9.4 Failure to Stop for Police

Failing to comply with a lawful requirement to stop under Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

9.5 Driving Whilst Disqualified

Driving while subject to a valid driving disqualification.

9.6 Driving Without Insurance

Using a motor vehicle without the legally required insurance.

9.7 Driving Without a Valid Licence

Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, contrary to the relevant statutory requirements.

9.8 Drink or Drug Driving

Driving or being in charge of a vehicle while impaired or over an applicable prescribed limit, where the relevant offence is established.

Appropriate evidence or testing must be available.

9.9 Causing Death by Dangerous Driving

A serious offence requiring the relevant unlawful driving and causation elements.

These cases must be referred for specialist investigation and prosecution review.

9.10 Police Pursuits

Evading police is not a universal standalone offence called "evading" in UK law.

Depending on the evidence, potential offences may include failing to stop, dangerous driving, careless driving or other relevant offences.

Officers must charge the conduct actually established.

10. OFFENCES INVOLVING POLICE

10.1 Assaulting an Emergency Worker

Assaulting an emergency worker acting in the exercise of their functions, where the statutory requirements are satisfied.

10.2 Obstructing a Constable

Wilfully obstructing a constable acting in the execution of their duty.

The officer must have been acting lawfully.

10.3 Resisting Lawful Arrest

Resistance must be assessed according to the relevant conduct and legally recognised offences, rather than treated as an automatic additional charge.

10.4 Perverting the Course of Justice

Conduct intended to pervert the course of public justice and having a tendency to do so.

Examples may include deliberate evidence fabrication.

10.5 Wasting Police Time

Knowingly making a false report or otherwise engaging in conduct meeting the statutory requirements.

A report that turns out to be mistaken is not automatically a criminal offence.

11. CUSTODY & CHARGING DECISIONS

11.1 Arrest Does Not Mean Charge

Following arrest, the evidence must be assessed.

Possible outcomes include:

No further action.

Further investigation.

Release under appropriate conditions.

Out-of-court disposal.

Charge.

Referral for prosecution advice.

11.2 Custody Officer Responsibilities

Custody officers must:

Consider authorisation of detention.

Review legal and welfare requirements.

Record reasons for decisions.

Ensure access to rights and safeguards.

Consider whether continued detention is justified.

11.3 Police Charging Authority

Less serious cases may fall within police charging authority.

More serious and complex cases must be referred to an appropriate prosecutor, reflecting the Crown Prosecution Service model.

11.4 Full Code Test

Prosecutors should consider:

Evidential Stage

Is there sufficient admissible and reliable evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction?

Public Interest Stage

Is prosecution required in the public interest?

A case that fails the evidential stage must not proceed merely because an offence is serious.

11.5 Serious Cases

Homicide, serious violence, complex organised crime and other designated cases must be reviewed by a prosecutor before charge.

If no player prosecutor is available, a documented independent review process must apply.

12. UNSEEN SENTENCING FRAMEWORK

The following sentencing bands are invented for Unseen gameplay. They are not UK sentencing guidelines or the actual statutory penalties for these offences.

Design principles:

Arrest does not mean guilt.

Police do not impose criminal sentences.

Convictions require an appropriate legal process.

Minor offending should not automatically result in imprisonment.

Serious or contested charges require judicial oversight.

Financial penalties must reflect the in-game economy.

Prison time should create consequences without unnecessarily ending a player's session.

12.1 Offence Categories

12.2 Proposed In-Game Sentencing Bands

These ranges are default in-game recommendations, not mandatory minimum sentences.

12.3 General Custody Limit

Proposed standard sentencing limit: 45 real-world minutes of in-game custody.

Longer sentences must only be imposed through the published exceptional sentencing framework, with proper review and player safeguards.

12.4 Serious Offences

Murder, serious organised crime and exceptionally serious offences may be heard in court.

The court should decide the outcome using an agreed sentencing framework rather than an arbitrary number chosen by an individual officer.

12.5 Multiple Offences

Sentences must not be automatically stacked to the maximum for every charge.

The decision-maker must consider:

Whether offences arose from the same conduct.

Overall criminality.

Seriousness.

Culpability.

Harm.

Relevant aggravating and mitigating factors.

Whether the overall sentence is proportionate.

Duplicate charges must not be used to artificially increase prison time.

13. FINES & FINANCIAL PENALTIES

Unseen will operate a graduated fine system based on offence severity.

The amounts below are proposed RP currency values and must be calibrated against the city's economy before publication.

Officers must use the appropriate legally authorised disposal.

A fine must not automatically be added to imprisonment merely to make punishment harsher.

Fixed Penalty Notices

Fixed penalty notices should only be issued for offences designated as eligible within Unseen's published framework.

Compensation

Compensation should be distinguished from fines.

A fine is a financial penalty. Compensation is intended to address a victim's loss or harm.

Unpaid Fines

Unpaid fines should follow a defined enforcement process rather than automatically resulting in immediate imprisonment.

14. AGGRAVATING & MITIGATING FACTORS

14.1 Aggravating Factors

Relevant circumstances may include:

Deliberate planning.

Significant injury or loss.

Weapon involvement.

Targeting a vulnerable victim.

Abuse of a position of trust.

Relevant previous convictions.

Repeated criminal activity.

14.2 Mitigating Factors

Relevant circumstances may include:

Early guilty plea.

Genuine remorse.

Limited role in the offence.

Cooperation with the investigation.

Lack of previous convictions.

Reduced culpability.

Personal circumstances recognised by the sentencing framework.

Factors must be supported by available evidence.

14.3 Judicial Discretion

Courts may depart from the recommended ranges where the published framework permits and the reasons are properly recorded.

Police officers cannot override a judicial sentence because they disagree with the outcome.

15. THE UNSEEN COURT SYSTEM

15.1 Magistrates' Court

Suitable for less serious offences, preliminary hearings and relevant procedural matters.

15.2 Crown Court

Suitable for serious criminal trials and cases requiring higher-level judicial consideration.

15.3 Prosecution

The prosecution must present admissible evidence and establish the alleged offences.

15.4 Defence

Defendants may seek representation, challenge evidence, question witnesses and present relevant defence arguments.

15.5 Judicial Independence

Judges must act impartially.

A judge must not automatically side with police, prosecutors, friends or criminal defendants.

15.6 Court Decisions

Possible outcomes include:

Acquittal.

Conviction.

Adjournment.

Dismissal of charges.

Appropriate sentence or disposal.

Further directions.

15.7 Appeals

Defendants must have a defined route to challenge convictions or sentences under Unseen's court rules.

16. BAIL & REMAND

16.1 Bail

Where permitted by the city's legal framework, a suspect or defendant may be released under appropriate conditions.

Conditions must serve a legitimate purpose.

Examples may include:

Attending future proceedings.

Not contacting specified witnesses.

Avoiding defined locations where justified.

16.2 Remand

Remand is not automatic simply because the offence is serious.

The relevant statutory and procedural grounds must be considered.

16.3 Electronic Monitoring

Electronic monitoring may be used where lawfully ordered or authorised as part of Unseen's court and release framework.

A GPS tag must not be used as a convenient punishment without proper authority.

17. SEARCH WARRANTS & PROPERTY

17.1 Warrants

Where a warrant is required, officers must obtain the appropriate judicial authorisation.

The warrant should specify:

Relevant premises.

Grounds for the application.

Purpose of the search.

Legal authority.

Relevant limitations.

17.2 Emergency Powers

Certain circumstances may permit warrantless entry or searches under specific statutory powers.

Officers must identify and justify the power used.

17.3 Seized Property

All seized property must be recorded, stored and accounted for.

Lawful items must be returned when there is no longer a legal basis to retain them.

17.4 Confiscation

Confiscation of criminal proceeds should take place under the applicable legal framework.

Police must not independently confiscate entire businesses or properties without authority.

18. POLICE MISCONDUCT & UNLAWFUL ACTIONS

Officers are subject to the law.

Misconduct may include:

Unlawful detention.

Assault.

Excessive force.

Evidence fabrication.

Corruption.

Misuse of police systems.

Perverting the course of justice.

Unlawful disclosure of confidential information.

Police officers may be investigated and prosecuted where their actions satisfy the elements of a criminal offence.

An officer's badge does not exempt them from criminal responsibility.

Professional misconduct proceedings and criminal proceedings must be treated as distinct processes.

19. PRACTICAL LEGAL SCENARIOS

Scenario A – Vehicle Stop

An officer stops a driver for a broken traffic law.

The driver is rude and refuses to answer unrelated questions.

Correct approach: The officer deals with the road traffic matter lawfully. Being rude does not automatically justify a search or arrest.

Scenario B – Suspicion of Drugs

An officer observes conduct and receives credible information indicating possible possession of controlled drugs.

Correct approach: The officer considers the specific search power, reasonable grounds and safeguards before conducting a lawful search.

Scenario C – Shop Theft

An individual is suspected of stealing from a supermarket.

Correct approach: Officers investigate, obtain statements and available evidence, and assess whether arrest is necessary. Where appropriate, voluntary attendance or other lawful resolutions should be considered.

Scenario D – Police Pursuit

A driver fails to stop for police.

Correct approach: Officers assess pursuit risks. Following the incident, charges must reflect evidence of actual offences rather than inventing a general "evading police" charge.

Scenario E – Serious Assault

An individual seriously injures another person.

Correct approach: Officers arrange medical assistance, preserve evidence, obtain witness accounts and investigate the appropriate assault offence. Serious charging decisions should receive prosecutorial review.

Scenario F – Solicitor Requested

A detainee requests a solicitor before a formal interview.

Correct approach: Officers follow PACE safeguards and arrange access to legal advice rather than automatically proceeding because no player solicitor is online.

Scenario G – Insufficient Evidence

Police reasonably suspect an individual committed a robbery, but the investigation produces insufficient evidence to proceed.

Correct approach: The individual must not be convicted merely because officers believe they are guilty. The matter may remain under investigation.

20. LEGAL SYSTEM GOVERNANCE

20.1 Changes to Legislation

Changes to Unseen's in-game legislation must be approved through the designated legal governance process.

20.2 Publication

Players must be able to access current laws, offences, applicable police powers and the in-game sentencing framework.

20.3 Consistency

Police officers, solicitors, prosecutors and judges must work from the same published legislation.

20.4 Conflicts Between Rules

Where in-game legislation and operational guidance conflict, the issue must be referred for clarification.

No individual officer may invent a new legal interpretation solely to gain an advantage.

20.5 Roleplay Fairness

Legal proceedings should create realistic and meaningful roleplay for everyone involved.

The purpose of the law is not to guarantee police victories or make criminal consequences disappear.

It is to provide a fair and consistent system for dealing with actions taken in the city.

THE UNSEEN LEGAL STANDARD

Unseen is committed to building a realistic criminal justice environment.

Police must investigate rather than assume.

Suspects must have meaningful rights.

Solicitors must have genuine opportunities to represent clients.

Prosecutors must consider evidence.

Judges must act impartially.

Criminal activity must carry consequences, but those consequences must be reached through a fair and consistent process.

An arrest is not a conviction.

Suspicion is not proof.

Authority does not remove accountability.

THIS ISN'T ANOTHER FIVEM CITY. THIS IS UNSEEN.