Criminal Defence

The police are governed by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1986 and its codes of practice. The most important rights that you have whilst in custody are the right to have somebody notified that you are in custody (strictly speaking there is no right to speak to them yourself) and the right to speak to a solicitor at any time, free of charge, in person at the police station.

Your solicitor will protect your rights and ensure you are properly treated. He will secure disclosure from the investigating officers and discuss the disclosure with you and the strength or the evidence in private conference before your interview, take your account and advise you whether to answer questions or not.

After your interview a decision will be taken by the police (sometimes the Crown Prosecution Service are involved) you will be either:

• Refused charge – no further action will be taken against you.
  
• Released and asked to return to the police at a later date
• Issued with a fixed penalty ticket or caution
  
• Charged

Bail is generally only refused if the police or courts have substantial grounds for believing that a suspect or defendant will fail to attend court, commit offences on bail or interfere with prosecution witnesses.

A decision to refuse bail can be appealed.

Your first hearing will be at the Magistrates court. If you plead guilty your case could be dealt with to a conclusion there and then or the court could adjourn for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report.

If you plead not guilty then the case will be adjourned to an interim hearing and at that hearing a trial date will be fixed. At the trial all witnesses will attend and give evidence.

If your case goes to Crown Court the procedure is similar but cases tend to take longer.

The courts have sentencing guidelines for most offences. Discharges and fines can be imposed for minor offending, community orders ( probation, community service and curfew ) for more serious cases and prison for the most serious offences.

Your solicitor will be able to prepare your case, interview potential defence witnesses, advise you about the law and how strong the evidence against you is, and whether or not you should plead guilty. They will present your mitigation if you plead guilty and represent you at trial if you plead not guilty – they may also be able to negotiate with CPS on your behalf.