Compassionate Defence for Those Accused of Assisting Suicide
If you are accused of assisting a suicide, you may feel like the law is unfair and that you should not go to prison for helping someone you love. You will be overwhelmed with emotions as well as having to deal with a criminal case. Our specialist lawyers will listen to you and ensure that you are heard.
Our track record proves that we know how to handle these cases. We will work with you, as a team, to ensure the police and jury understand the circumstances. Our main priority will be achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Recent success stories
Client investigated for Murder - Police case dropped
Investigation discontinued with no further action
Murder linked to Mark Duggan's Death - Not Guilty
Not guilty verdict - client exonerated
From the beginning, the most personal aspect of your life is invaded
Assisting someone in taking their own life is a criminal offence in the UK. Having to deal with the police when you are coming out of a situation where somebody has been suffering for a long time is a real gut punch. To then being accused of killing or murdering that person is unimaginable.
Battling grief alongside being accused of committing an offence is simply unimaginable. People can even feel like they deserve a punishment and the police may even take advantage of this. They intrude in the most personal aspect of someone's life and assume the worst.
Someone will no doubt be dealing with a whirlwind of emotions and someone who would have kept them grounded is no longer in their support network. Having to deal with any loss causes huge disruption to a family's dynamic, but when someone is accused of assisting with their death, this creates a whole new level emotional turmoil.
This area of law is highly complex and challenging
These cases involve moral and ethical questions when someone has acted out of love or compassion. However, the nature of the law does not allow for such distinctions to be easily made. The evidence can be highly subjective, with conversations/emails/messages being interpreted out of context.
Despite public opinion being in favour of reform, the law has not been and the draconian rules of murder and manslaughter still apply. The average police officer is not trained to lead investigations into assisted suicide. Specialist officers and medical experts all give an opinion when you will feel like it's only you who knows the truth.
You might feel stuck between wanting to share what happened and understanding that you may have committed an offence, even with the best intentions. The police know this and may exploit it. On top of this, people experience a huge change to their family dynamic with arguments and anger between loved ones. These are all emotions out of character and due to stress.
With early intervention from experts, there's reason to be hopeful
People accused of assisting suicide can be hard working with families and most importantly, no previous convictions. They resemble a deer in the headlights and do not know how to find a lawyer, having never needed to use one before.
The starting point of a good lawyer is to listen and not judge. They will act as a buffer between you and the police so there are no communications which don't go through your solicitor. This will prevent the stress of thinking the police can come back at any time.
A lawyer will listen to you and get to grips with what was going on in the house at the time. They will consider medical records and speak to family members. They will not make assumptions about the cause of the death.
They will also know that even if you may have assisted a loved one, that does not mean you will be convicted and go to prison. They will handle the matter carefully from the very beginning including all conversations with their client, the police and prosecutors.
Our proven strategies and support lead to real results
As soon as you sit down with us, you will feel listened to and will start to feel less like a criminal or pariah. With us guiding you, you will be able to grieve your loss because your case is being looked after by the right people.
We listen carefully to what you tell us was really going on and we start to build your case. Being convicted or going to prison is certainly not inevitable. We do everything possible to ensure that, even if someone is guilty, the circumstances are made clear and their freedom is protected.
As soon as the police call, we get to work. Our advice may be that you answer no comment to their questions or give a statement to assist them. Or we may make written submissions to the prosecution. We also look at our own witnesses and instruct specialist homicide barristers - these are specialist Kings Counsel who are experts in this area.
These strategies not only improve your chances of success but also give you and your family a sense of relief and emotional closure.
Immediate steps to take if you are accused of assisted suicide
Do call us early. Contact our specialist criminal defence solicitors as soon as possible.
Do not discuss the case without lawyers present.
Do gather evidence. Keep a record of all relevant communications and documents that may help your case.
Tell your family members. This shares the burden and ensures you have support.
Try to stay calm. Do not try to fight the case all in one go and by yourself.
Do not assume that all is lost or that nothing can be done.
Do not act alone. Ensure you have a trusted legal team by your side to manage both the legal and emotional aspects of the case.
Do go to your GP if you need professional help.
No-tricks fixed-fee pricing
We can usually offer a fixed fee instalment plan so you can plan for the expense, and so you can fund your case in stages while it is continuing.
Private representation
Once we have an idea of what kind of case you are facing and what work that will be necessary, we will then be able to provide you with a fixed fee quote. This means that you know before you commit how much your case will cost.
What's included?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if I think I will be accused of assisted suicide?
Research specialist defence solicitors who have experience with handling these cases. It's so important that you do this before you speak to the police or anybody else about the situation.
Do not speak to the police or anybody else without taking legal advice. Whilst you may feel like you have not committed this offence, the investigation needs to be handled properly from the very beginning.
Start to gather any evidence that you think will help your case. These might include text messages, photographs or emails relating to the person who has died.
Can my case be discontinued without going to court?
With assisted suicide being such a contentious area of law, it is understandable if you think the case should not even get to court. This is a possibility if, and only if, the investigation stage is handled properly by an expert solicitor. However, each case is vastly different and will be determined on the individual facts.
How long will the investigation take?
On one hand, these investigations are serious and as such, that should mean that they are prioritised and dealt with quickly. However, it is likely that the police will need to obtain medical reports including a post-mortem. This can take several months.
How does the law distinguish between assisted suicide and murder or manslaughter?
Someone will be charged with murder or manslaughter if the death is a result of that person's unlawful act, for example, a physical assault. If someone assists or encourages someone to take their own life, they will be charged with assisted suicide. Anyone convicted of assisted suicide can face up to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Murder carries a mandatory life sentence.
Send us a confidential message
We'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to speak to you if you have a query, and either have a free consultation on the phone or in person if necessary.