Criminal Law
The First Six Hours Decide the Case
The most important decisions in a criminal case are made in the first six hours, usually before a solicitor is involved.
What you say in interview shapes everything that follows. We answer the phone at three in the morning because that is when it matters, and attendance at the police station is free of charge to you in every case.
Before charge
We review disclosure before advising on whether to answer questions. A prepared statement is often the right course; silence sometimes is; a full interview rarely is without seeing what the officers actually have.
At trial
Our advocates are in the Crown Court weekly. The barrister who advises at the plea hearing is the one who conducts the trial, which is not the norm.
Police Station to Crown Court
We attend the police station free of charge in every case, at any hour, because the interview shapes everything that follows. What you say before you have seen the disclosure is what the Crown will read to the jury.
Reviewing disclosure
Before advising on whether to answer questions we require the officers to set out what they have. A prepared statement is frequently the right course; silence sometimes is; a full interview rarely is without seeing the material.
Preparing for trial
The advocate who advises at the plea hearing conducts the trial. Continuity is not standard practice at the criminal bar and it is the single thing clients tell us made the most difference.
Key Benefits
Do I have to answer police questions?
No. There can be consequences to silence, which is exactly why the decision should be made with a solicitor present after reviewing disclosure.
Does police station attendance cost me anything?
No. It is covered by legal aid regardless of your means, and we attend on that basis in every case.
Will I get a criminal record?
Not from being arrested or charged. A record follows a conviction or a caution, and we will advise on the consequences of accepting either.
Can I change solicitor?
Yes, at any stage, and we regularly take over cases already in the Crown Court list.
How We Can Help You!
Tell us what happened and what you want to achieve. A partner reads every enquiry and you will hear back the same working day.
Contact Us
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