NATIONWIDE CRIMINAL SOLICITORS EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE

Our nationwide network of specialist criminal solicitors will give free initial expert advice without further obligation. All of our individual lawyers are qualified under the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS) as a “duty solicitor” and are entitled to deal with publicly funded defence using the legal aid scheme. Our panel lawyers are authorised by the Legal Services Commission under a franchise contract to deal with legal aid applications and they have been appointed to the Legal Services Commission 'Serious Fraud Panel' entitling them to deal with publicly funded legal aid cases involving the defence of those accused of the most serious offences of fraud.

In order to become a duty solicitor a lawyer must complete written and practical assessments before they can apply to the Law Society for Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme (CLAS) membership. These specially qualified lawyers are called to police stations to advise and assist people who would otherwise have no legal representation and they also provide advocacy services at magistrates’ courts on a rota basis, assisting people who do not have their own legal representatives. The CLAS scheme which is free, is not means tested and has statutory force under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. There are few circumstances in which the police can refuse a detainee access to criminal solicitors who are members of the CLAS scheme.

Detailed advice and assistance can also often be given for a maximum period of two hours, to qualifying means tested applicants, at no charge, by a lawyer under the "Legal Advice and Assistance Scheme" (formerly known as The Green Form Scheme). The lawyer completes the green form in the office and assesses whether or not the client is eligible for free initial advice. Only limited advice can be given and for more complex matters including court proceedings it will be necessary to apply for full legal aid.

Free legal aid which can cover the cost of representation in both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court by specialist criminal solicitors or barristers, and for bail applications is available if it is ‘in the interests of justice’. Legal aid is usually granted in the following cases:-

• if there is likely to be a sentence of imprisonment if convicted
• if the outcome of a guilty plea or verdict could lead to termination of employment
• if mental or physical disability or language problems cause difficulties in understanding the proceedings
• in cases involving children for care proceedings, an application for a contact order for those in care or adoption proceedings in the magistrates’ courts
• to a child or the parents, if that child is charged with or convicted of a criminal offence
• for appeals against decisions of the courts
• for proceedings relating to allegations of contempt of court

If you are being investigated by the police or have been charged with an offence you will need the help of an expert lawyer to ensure fair treatment. It is in your interests to be represented by a specialist who will give you clear advice on your legal rights. If you would like to talk to an experienced lawyer with no charge just use the help line. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged anything at all.

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