The Pre-charge stage of your case is extremely important - our specialist lawyers are here to make sure that you get the right result.
Being accused of a crime is daunting. Having the right representation from an early stage can help ease this burden and change the outcome.
Our expert lawyers are here to ensure that you are looked after, and that all options are explored before prosecutors have made up their mind.
Recent success stories
Murder linked to Mark Duggan's Death - Not Guilty
Not guilty verdict - client exonerated
Hookway 'Bail Crisis' Case - Dropped by Home Office
No further action - police dropped investigation
Having the right representation for an investigation is crucial
Being under investigation for a criminal offence can be a horrible experience for anyone. This is often made even worse if it feels like your representatives aren't listening to you or keeping you fully updated with what's going on in the case.
It is so important that you feel someone is taking care of you during what can be an extremely stressful period. It is equally important for your lawyers to keep in touch with you, and also protect you from being treated unfairly by the police.
If the communication between you and your representatives isn't open and clear, important issues in the case could be missed and the liklihood of getting the case dropped at this stage may be lessened.
Inaction from lawyers can add to the stress
A serious difficulty at the start of an investigation can be not knowing what the allegation is. You can even find yourself in an interview without being told beforehand what evidence the police have. This doesn't seem to get much better as the case goes on. The whole thing can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused.
Sometimes lawyers can be very pessimistic about whether you can actually move your case forward proactively during an investigation. They may advise you to wait and see. This is sometimes terrible advice.
Legal Aid lawyers or the duty solicitor are not paid to do proactive work on your case. This means the culture is reactive instead of taking proactive steps to persuade the police to take no further action.
If you don't take proactive steps at the pre-charge stage, you can be left with the stigma of a criminal investigation hanging over you, while waiting for your fate. You are not in control, even if you know that you are entirely innocent.
An investigation doesn't always mean you'll be charged
Even if the police haven't fully disclosed the evidence against you yet, it is never too early to seek expert advice.
Having a lawyer specialising in Pre-Charge Representation means that they can tell you what steps can be taken. This involves gathering as much information as possible from both the police and you, to build a clear picture of what's going on. They will also think about what new evidence they can highlight to police or CPS which may change their view on the case. Assessing what information is not known is just as important as working out what is known.
An informed decision can then be made about what to do next. This often means proactive steps being taken to try to stop you being charged. It could include conferences and written correspondence with the police or the Crown Prosecution Service. The aim of this communication will be to take the evidence that is known to present it to them with arguments that they should take the case no further.
Our expert Pre-Charge Representation can make the difference
Our expert lawyers have extensive experience in Pre-Charge Representation, and know how to get results. We would always welcome and encourage early contact to discuss your case.
Our early priority is to contact the police officer dealing with the investigation to ensure that we have all information as quickly as possible. We then become the point of contact between you and the police. We can also request information before the interview so that we can advise you on what to do. If we did not represent you in the first interview, we request the notes or the interview recording if possible.
Your detailed instructions will be taken which will enable us to work out the best strategy. We know from our extensive experience that there is no blanket approach, but it is never too early to assess what can be done. It is this early assessment that can sometimes make the difference and completely avoid the stress and anxiety of going through court proceedings.
What should I do now, or avoid doing?
Call our expert pre-charge representation solicitors. The right advice can make all the difference and we are always available to help guide you through the process.
Do not contact the police yourself. Always make sure that any communication goes through your lawyers. If the police contact you directly, direct them to your representatives and they will liaise with the police on your behalf.
Don't assume everything will be alright and you can simply trust the process. Criminal proceedings work out much better for people who are proactive and take nothing for granted.
Don't discuss what is going on in your social media or by sending messages to friends or people involved. This sometimes ends up as evidence against a suspect.
See your GP or Therapist if you think you, or members of your family, need additional support. Talking confidentially to your GP or a therapist can provide further support with any mental health problems you may be having as a result of a criminal investigation.
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
If I answer no comment, will I be charged?
The short answer is no. The police must have sufficient evidence to charge you and the decision to charge cannot be purely based on a person not answering questions. It is your right not to answer questions in an interview and it is for the prosecution to prove the offence against you, not for you to prove that you are innocent.
Will I get my computer/tablet/phone back?
The nature of cyber crime cases is that evidence is often held on electronic devices. This can mean that there may be delays in returning devices. Devices may not be returned if they have material which is private, illegal or can be used to commit fraud. If items belong to friends, family or an employer, investigators may agree to release them early or prioritise them for being screened early.
Will an arrest show up on my DBS?
An arrest will not usually show up on a basic or standard DBS check as these are usually limited to information concerning convictions, cautions or reprimands.
However, an enhanced, or enhanced with barred lists, DBS check may also show 'any other information held'. This may include details of times a person has been arrested, even if no charges were brought.
I am on bail. Can I still travel abroad?
As long as there is nothing in your bail conditons which stops you from leaving the country, you should be able to travel abroad. However, always speak with your lawyers beforehand to check.
How long will the process take?
Criminal investigations can take days, more likely weeks, and in some cases months or longer. The police and CPS are managing the timetable because they make the decision whether to continue with the case or not. Being proactive with them can assist in the speed of their investigation but this is no guarantee. They are public bodies which are under resourced and sadly also often poorly managed.
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.