On July 1, three new laws come into effect. For the most part, it is about increasing security in society, and in addition, the controversial dance permit is abolished.
– The key words for the new laws that come into force on the first of July are criminal networks and children, says our legal expert Johanna Björkman.
More severe penalties for multiple offences
Several crimes will receive a more severe punishment. The minimum sentence (penal minimum) for grossly unlawful coercion is increased from nine months’ imprisonment to one year’s imprisonment. Unlawful threats can now result in imprisonment for a maximum of two years, instead of a maximum of one year. Serious illegal threats can lead to at least one year in prison. Previously, the minimum prison sentence was nine months.
Anyone who sells narcotics or otherwise deals with narcotics intended for sale is sentenced to imprisonment for a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years. This also applies if one were to offer narcotics for sale, store or promote payment for narcotics, mediate contacts between sellers and buyers or do any other similar action, if the approach is aimed at benefiting the drug trade.
What is new in this is that the minimum sentence is raised to prison level.
Prohibited to order drugs
Banning the ordering of narcotics is a tightening that is primarily aimed at getting access to the money and making it as difficult as possible for ordinary people to get involved in these activities, says Björkman.
Previously, a person who placed an order for narcotics, but then did not receive it because the order was disclosed or for another reason, could not be convicted of a crime if the order for the narcotics was for personal use. With the new law, it will be punishable. The test point is when ordering narcotics.
– But if you order narcotics and regret it, i.e. don’t pick up the narcotics, you can manage, says Björkman.
New penalty for involving minors in criminal gangs
A brand new law is being introduced which will mean that it will be a criminal offense to involve a minor in crime. The maximum sentence that can be imposed will be imprisonment for four years. Involvement of a minor can be done by a gang criminal hiring, paying, instructing or handing over property to a minor and thereby involving the child in the criminal activity.
– In the future, we will see more investigations concerning children who are suspected of crimes, says Björkman.
Improved measures when children are suspected of crimes
The provisions aim to improve the regulatory framework for investigations against children suspected of crimes and to ensure that a high degree of legal certainty and efficiency is maintained in these investigations. This includes, among other things, that more investigations must be carried out when children under 15 are suspected of crimes, that a plaintiff’s assistant or a special representative for children must be appointed for plaintiffs when the person suspected of having committed the crime is under 15, that an evidentiary claim must few are brought in more cases and that it should be possible for prosecutors to decide on youth services through a penalty order.
No requirement for a dance permit in places that are not public
From 1 July 2023, a permit is not required for public dance events held in places that are not public, such as restaurants and nightclubs. Instead of applying for permission, the organizer must report the event to the Police Authority. This can be done verbally and is free of charge, which should make it easier for the organizer.