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Who will be responsible for my case?
A lawyer from our team will be allocated to your case from the moment it comes into the office..That lawyer will be responsible for your case from start to finish and will be able to advise you about and assist you with it whilst it is ongoing.
What if I cannot afford to pay for a lawyer?
All those arrested and detained at police stations are entitled to free legal advice by a lawyer of their choice free of charge.
Those who have been charged with, or summonsed to court for, a criminal offence will be entitled to free representation if their case is sufficiently serious and if their income does not exceed the financial eligibility limits for a representation order (legal aid). We will advise you on eligibility for a representation order and submit the appropriate applications on your behalf.
If granted, you will not be charged for the work we undertake unless a Crown Court orders it.
What can I do if somebody I know is arrested?
During working hours simply contact the office nearest to the Police Station concerned and ask to speak to somebody in the Criminal Department, explaining that it is concerning somebody in custody.
Out of hours please make sure you contact our 24 hour emergency pager number on 07699 753 011.
What can I do if my child is arrested?
If your child is under the age of 17, then they are automatically entitled to have an appropriate adult (usually a parent) present with them at the Police Station. This is in addition to the usual right to have a lawyer present as well.
Even if your child has not asked for a lawyer you can ask for one on his or her behalf.
How good are you?
Nobody can make any claims to guarantee success but the Criminal Department at this firm has been established for over 10 years and there are many years of experience within the Department.
Can the Police take and keep my fingerprints?
The Police now have power to take the fingerprints from every person whom they arrest. This power does not depend upon your identity being an issue or you actually being charged with a criminal offence. Once the Police have lawfully arrested somebody they will be entitled to take your fingerprints, your photograph and a sample of your DNA. All of these will then be placed on the Central Database and subject to speculative searches against unsolved crimes.
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