Being at the centre of a criminal investigation is a daunting experience that can feel isolating and stressful. Regardless of whether you are attending a voluntary interview or you have already been charged, the decisions that are made in the first 24 hours will dictate everything including the trajectory of the case in the months or indeed the years ahead. At ABV solicitors, the role is to act as a shield, ensuring that the rights of an individual are protected and the prosecution is held to the highest standard of proof.
Why Immediate Legal Intervention Is Critical
Many individuals believe that if they are innocent, then there is absolutely no need to hire a solicitor for a police interview. This is a dangerous misconception. Indeed, the police use “voluntary” interviews to gather evidence and that can ultimately lead to a formal charge. If you have a specialist solicitor present, you can ensure:
Disclosure: We can obtain information from the police about the evidence that they have against you before an interview begins
Strategic advice: We can recommend whether to answer questions, provide a prepared statement or exercise the right to silence
Preventing missteps: In the heat of an interview, it is easy to provide inconsistent accounts. This can be used to undermine levels of credibility in a court case.
Challenging the Prosecution’s Case
It is important to understand that a robust defense is not passive. Instead, it is proactive. Our team does not simply wait for the Crown Prosecution Service to present their file. They take immediate steps to counter the narrative. Steps may include:
Securing digital evidence: In modern criminal law, data from mobile phones, GPS and social media can provide an alibi or potentially even disprove a complainant’s version of events.
Forensic Analysis: We work with leading independent forensic experts to challenge DNA, fingerprint or blood spatter evidence that is presented by the prosecution.
Witness statements: We identify and interview witnesses who can provide crucial context to the events that are held in question.
Understanding Serious Allegations: Defensive Strategies
Murder, Manslaughter and Violent Crimes
Allegations of serious violence will often carry the heaviest penalties within the UK legal system. When defending these charges, it is important to focus on complex legal arguments which may include possibilities such as self-defence, lack intent or factual innocence. We understand the gravity of a life sentence and will provide the meticulous attention to detail required to dissect police reports as well as medical evidence.
Serious Drug Offenses
From “county lines” allegations to large-scale importation or conspiracy to supply, drug related charges will often rely on extensive surveillance and telephone “cell-site” analysis. We specialise in dismantling these technical cases and work to find evidence which does not support the level of involvement that the prosecution claims occurred.
Terrorism and State-Level Investigation
Charges under the Terrorism Act are unique in their complexity and the powers granted to investigators. Being accused of such offences requires a legal team with the highest level of discretion and expertise in handling sensitive material as well as national security protocols.
Protecting Your Assets: Restraint Orders and POCA
The criminal process will often extend far beyond the liberty to livelihood. If you are served with a restraint order, your bank accounts and assets may be frozen before you are even convicted.
We aim to provide specialist advice on
Varying restrain orders: We ensure that you have access to funds both living expenses as well as legal fees
Cash seizures: Challenging the detention of cash seized by the police or HMRC
Confiscation Proceedings: Post-convication, the authorities may seek a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). We fight to ensure that the “benefit figure” and “available amount” are calculated fairly, preventing the state from ever seizing more than is legally justifiable.
What to Expect: From Police Station to Crown Court
This is arguably the most crucial phase. If you are under arrest then you do have a legal right to free legal representation. Do not settle for the duty solicitor. If you want a specialist firm that handles high profile, complex crime, make sure that you ask for ABV solicitors specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions For The Accused
Will hiring a solicitor make me look guilty?
People often assume that hiring a solicitor will make them look more guilty. They may have even been told this after speaking to the police. Rest assured, this is not the case. Exercising your right to legal advice is a fundamental pillar of justice. Judges and juries are explicitly told that they can not determine guilt based on the fact that the accused has chosen to hire a lawyer.
Can I change my solicitor if I am unhappy?
Yes, if you are unhappy with your current legal team, then you have every right to change to a different solution. Particularly if you feel that a legal team does not provide the specialist expertise that you need or that your case requires. You can transfer your legal aid or private instructions to ABV solicitors.
What is a voluntary interview?
A voluntary interview is an interview under caution however you are not technically under arrest. You are still being investigated for a crime. As such, anything you say could be used as evidence. For this reason, you should never attend a voluntary interview without the full support of a solicitor.
Criminal Solicitors: Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Five Reasons Why You Should Never Attend a Voluntary Interview Without a Solicitor
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