Received a charge from the Police or a court summons through the post? – then be assured there are court solicitors well versed in court proceedings waiting to help you. Courtsolicitors.net can be found on the Solicitor Search Network. Whatever the case against you, their solicitors will expertly represent you in court.
The first consideration is the type of offence you are appearing for – this is dependent on the seriousness of the offence. Your court case will only go straight to a Crown Court if the offence committed is considered to be an “indictable only offence” this would include activities such as murder, rape, trafficking and so forth. Should this be the case then it is important you seek a solicitor with expert knowledge in defence and criminal proceedings. Your solicitor will spend time with you prior to trial constructing your defence and determining the plea.
Where the offence is an “either way” case then it is very much as the name implies – either way. Activities here would include theft, inflicting bodily harm etc. A guilty plea could receive a sentence from the Magistrate’s Court or be passed to a Crown Court to be heard and where a greater sentence is possible as they can exceed the usual Magistrate’s custodial powers. It may be that your solicitor feels that it would be in your best interests to plead “not guilty” and then a deliberation between the prosecution and your defence can occur with a view to trial either by jury in a Crown Court or for it to tried within the Magistrates court – the severity of the case will determine the outcome.
Another type of offence is the “summary only” offence which will definitely remain under the Magistrate’s court jurisdiction. This would be a minor offence such as disorderly behaviour, speeding, minor benefit fraud. Before going to court the solicitor will advise you on your options and help you decide the best way to proceed.
Irrespective of the offence you are accused of committing, you are entitled to receive support from a solicitor before, during and after the court proceedings plus where applicable the right to appeal any sentence. By using one of courtsolicitors.net solicitors you will be fully briefed on your rights including your entitlement for Legal Aid and where applicable any costs that arise.
