Police Stations & Magistrates' Courts
“The Court underlines the importance of the investigation stage for the preparation of criminal proceedings, as the evidence obtained during this stage determines the framework in which the offence charged will be considered at the trial ... At the same time, an accused often finds himself in a particularly vulnerable position at that stage of the proceedings ... In most cases, this particular vulnerability can only be properly compensated for by the assistance of a lawyer ...” (European Court of Human Rights)
Anyone who is arrested and interviewed under caution has the right to seek confidential legal advice from a solicitor.
We strongly advise anyone who is arrested and interviewed by an investigating authority such as the police, HM Revenue & Customs or the Serious Fraud Office that they should always seek expert legal advice.
Being the subject of an investigation can be a daunting and intimidating experience with the risk of prosecution and a criminal conviction, which, even for minor matters, can have serious consequences on a person’s professional and private life. In addition, as a result of being arrested, DNA samples and fingerprints will be taken and retained on the national database. Further, upon release, the investigating authority may attach onerous bail conditions and restrictions on travel.
How one chooses to respond when first arrested and interviewed under caution shapes the future of an investigation and any subsequent prosecution; taking expert legal advice prior to interview and making the right decisions can be crucial to the outcome of an investigation. It could be the difference between being prosecuted and being released without charge; or, if the matter does proceed to a prosecution, the difference between conviction and acquittal.
BCL’s lawyers, having dealt with some of the most serious and high profile criminal cases, are hugely experienced in providing expert specialist legal advice in relation to arrest and interview under caution, whether in the police station or otherwise. In some cases, we are able to arrange for our clients to attend voluntarily without the need for an arrest. We deal with each case with skill, diplomacy and tenacity to ensure the best possible outcome for our client. In addition, we have in-depth experience of managing the media and protecting our client’s reputation.
If the matter proceeds to a prosecution, BCL provides a seamless service, including advice and representation in the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. All cases start in the Magistrates’ Court and our team includes a number of extremely experienced and highly talented advocates who appear regularly in the Magistrates’ Courts nationwide, conducting first appearances, bail applications, committal hearings, pre-trial reviews, trials, and pleas in mitigation, as well as extradition proceedings.
Finally, if the matter proceeds to the Crown Court, a number of our lawyers have higher rights of audience to appear in the Crown Court and, over the years, we have also developed extremely close working relationships with the pre-eminent barristers in the country.
At BCL, we pride ourselves on being able to provide expert representation of the highest quality, whether in the police station, the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court.
