Criminal law

Police Stations

We offer a 24/7 emergency police station advice and assistance service which is free to everyone. Clients should ask for Pickwick Solicitors at the police station and we will then be contacted via the call centre. The call centre will provide us with a few basic details about the client. We then contact the custody suite and speak to our client. Once the police are ready to interview, we can attend. The police then provide us with Disclosure. This is a summary of the evidence. We will then speak with our client in private and take as much time as is required. We provide an explanation of the offence(s), rights and entitlements whilst at the police station, the strength of the evidence and likely outcomes.

By instructing Pickwick Solicitors, our client will be prepared for questioning by the police and given advice on how to respond to questioning, for example, answer no comment, write a prepared statement or answer questions. It is crucial that clients receive the correct advice at this early stage. Should the client be charged and have a trial at a later date, the police interview can become highly significant in those proceedings.

Magistrates’ or Youth Court

If you are charged with an offence at the police station or you have received a Requisition/Summons in the post, you may be entitled to free advice and representation.

Your first step is to contact Pickwick Solicitors who will advise you if you are entitled to legal aid or not. If you do instruct us, we can apply for the case papers. We will meet you at court and advise you in relation to the prosecution evidence. If you decide to plead not guilty then your case will be adjourned for a trial either in the Magistrates’/Youth Court or the Crown Court. If you plead guilty, it may be that you are sentenced on the day, adjourned for probation reports or your case is sent to the Crown Court for sentence.

If you instruct us privately, we can provide a fixed fee or hourly rate. You will find our rates extremely competitive.

Crown Court

At the Crown Court we will instruct a barrister on your behalf unless you have a preferred choice. We are also very involved at this stage. We will advise you as to the evidence in your matter and keep you up to date. If you are remanded into custody, we will endeavour to see you in prison in person.

Court of Appeal

If you are convicted in the Crown Court, we can advise you as to an appeal to the Court of Appeal and we will of course provide representation. Similarly, we can lodge an appeal against sentence if the same is manifestly excessive or wrong in law.

Murder

The most serious of all offences. It occurs when a person of sound mind unlawfully kills another. To be convicted the prosecution must prove that the suspect had the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. The suspect must know that their actions would kill the person or cause a very serious injury.

If found guilty the suspect will face a life sentence with the minimum tariff set by the trial Judge. This means the Judge will decide when the suspect can apply to be released from prison.

Defences
There are full defences to murder:
1. Non-participation
2. Self-defence
If proven, it is likely that the suspect would be found not guilty.

However, there are some defences which, if proven, would lead to a finding of not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. These include:
1. Diminished responsibility
2. Loss of control and
3. Killing in pursuit of a suicide pact

GBH/ABH/Common Assault

The level of injury will determine what offence a suspect will be charged with. GBH or Grievous Bodily Harm is the most serious. ABH or Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm requires a less serious injury and Common Assault does not require any injury at all. Defences include self-defence, defence of another and defence of one’s property.

Arson

There is Arson with intent to danger live and there is Arson reckless as to whether life is endangered. The former being the most serious and usually requires a Mental Health assessment. A Hospital Order or term of imprisonment if found guilty is almost inevitable.

Sexual offences

Ranging from Rape to Sexual Assault. These are very serious offences which can lead to a lengthy term of imprisonment and being named on the Sex Offences Register.

Public Order Act

There are numerous offences which come under this act. It includes Riots to Disorderly Conduct.

Theft-Robbery-Burglary

These are dishonesty offences which if convicted, many have an ongoing impact on a person’s future employment prospects.

shoplifting, theft, assault, murder, manslaughter, fraud, arson, public order, cyber crime, criminal damage, rape, sexual assault