A criminal law solicitor’s role is to carefully analyse and evaluate the evidence against a client and provide them with advice when it comes making a plea in court, and the possibility of a prison sentence. At the start of a case, the criminal law solicitor will obtain all of the allegations made against their client and then take their instructions and requests. This will then be used to build a defence case by identifying the client’s strength and weaknesses. When building a defence case, a criminal law solicitor will advise their client on the pros and cons of pleading guilty and non-guilty when in court.
What Is Criminal Law in The UK?
Criminal law in England and Wales is a law that relates to how the government enforces the code of conduct amongst citizens that live in the country. When somebody is found to have breached criminal law, they are either prosecuted in a Crown Court or Magistrates Court depending on the type of offence. Criminal prosecutions typically begin with the arrest of an individual, and then a series of controlled interviews will take place. Those who have are committed the offence are entitled to receive private legal advice from criminal law solicitors whilst the interviews are taking place.
Once the interview stage is complete, the investigators need to analyse and evaluate their findings where they will decide whether there should be a prosecution. This basically means that they formally tell the suspect what they are being charged for. A court date will then be arranged and the suspect will be kept in police custody until the court date takes place. Or depending on the severity of the offence, they will be released on bail until the court date.
What Are The Different Types Of Crimes That A Criminal Law Solicitor Defend?
The type of crimes that criminal law solicitors will generally vary depending on each law firm and what they specialise in. However, most will represent their clients during a trail for the following –
- Public order offences.
- Offensive weapon charges.
- Manslaughter
- Drug offences.
- GBH and ABH.
- Sexual offences.
- Court order breaches.
Before a Trail Takes Place
Before a trail takes place, a criminal law solicitor will prepare their client’s case in line with the previously prepared defence strategy. They will also analyse the different evidence that is for and against their client before the trail together with cross-referencing it with prosecution witnesses so that they can be called forward when the trail takes place. If you are due to act as a witness in court, then recommend that you should speak to the legal representatives that you are acting witness for. When speaking to them, you should be honest about any convictions that you have as this might affect the way that you as a witness during the trail.
A criminal law solicitor will also be there for their client before a trial takes place to answer any questions or concerns they might have. This could include advice about how to take care of their family should they be convicted for the crime. Or, any questions regarding the appeal process.
During The Trail
During a trail, a criminal law solicitor will argue their client’s case and cross-examine witnesses that may influence the trial’s outcome. Depending on the end plea, the solicitor will do their very best to clear their client’s charges, or at the very least try to ensure that a fair punishment is given to them. It is basically the solicitor’s responsibility to ensure a judge and jury panel see the allegations made against their client without bias.
Following The Trail
Following a client’s conviction in court, the criminal law solicitor will provide advice as to whether they think an appeal can be put forward to challenge the court’s decision. If there isn’t any ground for an official appeal, then the only advice that the solicitor can give will be verbal. However, if it is felt that there are grounds to appeal the conviction, then such advice will be prepared in writing.