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07 Feb 2020

Whether guilty or innocent, being accused of a crime can feel highly distressing and have far-reaching consequences.

You could obtain a criminal record, which could taint your reputation, make finding jobs challenging in the future, or worse, force you to give up your freedom if you are imprisoned for a duration.

When becoming aware of the criminal allegations made against you, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal solicitor to represent your case. The best time to reach out for one of our criminal solicitors is on your way to the police station if you have been arrested or if you are asked to attend a voluntary interview.

What constitutes a crime?

Criminal activities incorporate a broad range of offences, ranging from small to extensive. These include, but are not limited to, murder and manslaughter, sexual crimes and non-sexual assaults, fraught and theft and perjury, but to name a few.

Crime can also include traffic violations, which may consist of speeding, where fines are occurred or drinking under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as serious offences, such as a hit and run that results in killing someone.

If you have been accused of these or other crimes, you will need one of our highly trained and experienced criminal solicitors to help you to understand the perimeters of the offence that you allegedly committed and to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you are provided with a fair trial.

Why do I need a lawyer?

To ensure that you are given a just trial, you must employ the services of a criminal solicitor. If you cannot afford one and undergo a means test to substantiate your lack of funds, legal aid will be provided to you.

The role of your lawyer is multi-faceted. Our responsibilities include advising you on the details of your case, simplifying legal jargon, gathering evidence in support of your case which may include interviewing witnesses and obtaining CCTV footage for a closer inspection, and more.

Reasons why you should have a criminal solicitor present at the police station

Having to answer questions at a police precinct can be understandably terrifying. A crime solicitor offering you support and information on what to expect, or how to answer questions, will make the experience manageable.

Remember that you have the right to remain silent, so it is always advisable to only answer questions posed to you once your legal representation is with you. Anything you say can unintentionally incriminate you.

Reasons why you need representation when you go to court

Our criminal solicitor will gather and prepare evidence for your case ahead of time. He or she will also give you crucial information on what to expect when you go to trial, including whether or not you should plead guilty.

If you plead not guilty, your solicitor will help build your case and side to the story, which will include, as already mentioned, the evidence gathered that supports your alleged innocence.

If you are found guilty, you will be advised on the nature and extent of your punishment, which our solicitor will attempt to reduce if there are mitigating circumstances.