Being investigated for any criminal offence can be stressful and overwhelming for any individual. In such circumstances, it is extremely important that you are proactive in managing the risk of being charged; we can help with that.
One way an individual can take action to avoid a charge is through early engagement with the police and solicitors. We have over 40 years of experience in Criminal Defence, and over the years, we have represented individuals facing some of the most serious offences. We know how things work, and the procedure that the police and prosecution must follow before charging anyone with an offence, and we can help from the early stages to avoid a charge by making written representations to the authorities, whether that be pre-charge (before a person is charged) or post-charge (after a person is charged). We have a fantastic track record on both!
What are pre-charge and post-charge representations?
Pre-charge and post-charge representations are written submissions inviting the police and/or the prosecution to take no further action in relation to investigations being carried out against an individual. These are carefully drafted by our solicitors with client instructions at its core. It contains provisions of the key legal framework, challenging of the evidence held by the police and also providing documents which counter the allegation(s) made.
How does it benefit me?
Making representations from an early stage can help avoid the case going any further. By engaging with the police, you ensure that their investigation is also guided by you, not just what the complainant is saying. We can assist with guiding the police by providing reasonable lines of enquiry, challenging the evidence they have, and providing written representations on the law and protocols, thus engaging the law to benefit you, not work against you, giving you a better chance that the matter does not proceed further.
Why Lewis Nedas Law?
We are market leaders in the field of Criminal Defence, with over 40 years’ experience defending some of the most serious crime and fraud cases.
We pride ourselves upon our discreet, low-key, but clever approach to solving the problems that a criminal investigation can cause, and keep ourselves ‘ahead of the curve’.
We have some of the best legal and tactical strategists in the field of criminal defence.
Our solicitors have extensive expertise, ranging from terrorism, murder and sexual offences, to less serious charges like common assault. We have an unrivalled record in terminating cases at the police station, offering our clients the ease of mind from the early stages of investigation. More than this, we have some of the best strategists in Criminal Defence.
We have been consistently ranked in The Times Best Law Firms and the Legal 500, and are recognised as a ‘expert criminal lawyers’. We value our clients and always go above and beyond to ensure that they are represented properly.
How can Lewis Nedas help?
Our expert solicitors can help you with the following:
- Early engagement with the police – without knowing the law, it is difficult to understand what you can and cannot say. It is not a matter of whether you are guilty or not; it is more the fact that whilst you may not believe something you say can be contentious, the police may use it against you. Our solicitors are fearless and always put up a fight.
- You are the focus – everything that we do, we have you in mind. You will be involved at every stage and kept informed with every decision or action taken. It is your matter; we are the guide.
- Drafting representations – we collate all the information, put it all together and make written representations to the police/prosecutor on the basis that there is either insufficient evidence to prosecute, elements of the offence are not made out, or that it is not in the interest of the public or justice to prosecute.
- Interviews – we will attend any interview with the police or other authorities as required, provide you with guidance and advice throughout and make every effort to get the case terminated at that stage – always getting the best outcome.
Timeframe
The police have two options when looking to interview someone in relation to an allegation. The first one is to arrange a voluntary interview, and the second one is to arrest and then interview.
Voluntary interview:
- If the police arrange a voluntary interview, you and your solicitor have the option to provide a number of dates that are convenient for you. Once the date is arranged, you will attend with your solicitor and conduct the interview. The advice provided by the solicitor will consider the disclosure and evidence presented by the police.
- Attending a voluntary interview means you are NOT under arrest. However, you still have the same legal rights, namely:
Being arrested:
- The police must decide on how they want to proceed within 24 hours from your arrival at the police station post arrest. It is always important that you do not say anything but wait for your solicitor to attend. They can, of course, in certain circumstances, extend the time beyond the initial 24 hours.
- They will interview you, and it is very important that you have a solicitor who can advise you on how to go about things!
- Because you are under arrest, they have 4 options: Charge, bail to return, take no further action or release you under investigation.
The legal procedure is extremely complex, and it is very important that the law is applied properly for you to prove your case and get the best outcome. It is why we are here! If you are facing any sort of allegations and you require expert representation, contact us and we will get one of our solicitors to speak to you.
Please note that pre-charge and post-charge representations are not covered under Legal Aid, and these must be funded privately.
Contact our expert Criminal Defence Solicitors
Remus Cozma is a Solicitor with many years pre-qualification experience, is based at our East London office and works closely with Unan Choudhury, Partner, who leads the team. Remus has worked on a large number of high-profile and complex cases.
Contact us to see how we can assist you using our online enquiry form or call 020 7387 2032.