Magistrates’ Court: The Magistrates’ Court is responsible for handling summary-only or either-way offenses. Typically, the court’s sentencing powers are limited to six months per offense, with the ability to impose a total of 12 months’ imprisonment. Additionally, the Magistrates’ Court can levy unlimited fines.
Cases are heard by either a District Judge or up to three magistrates, assisted by a legal advisor. Magistrates are community members or individuals trained to administer justice, while legal advisors provide legal guidance. District Judges are legally qualified.
Magistrates, like judges at every level of the court system, adhere to established legal principles, the Criminal Procedure Rules, and published Sentencing Guidelines.
Youth Court: With our substantial experience in youth crime and youth justice, we offer support and expertise to youths and their families, instilling confidence that they have a dedicated team on their side.
We understand that young individuals have unique needs and vulnerabilities, necessitating an innovative approach to support and guidance. Unlike many criminal defense solicitors, we have extensively trained Youth Court solicitors well-versed in all Youth Court procedures.
Upon receiving instructions, we collaborate with the young person and their family to address their specific requirements when presenting and defending their case in court.
Our team of criminal law experts is equipped to work with youths who have special educational needs, ensuring their needs are addressed sensitively and proactively, and enlisting external support when necessary.
Crown Court: Crown Court proceedings are presided over by judges. Trials in The Crown Court involve a judge and jury, with the judge determining legal principles and the jury deciding the defendant’s guilt or innocence. Following their review of all evidence and guidance from the judge on legal matters, the jury reaches a verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge determines the appropriate sentence.
Funding Your Criminal Defense: Facing criminal prosecution is daunting, and concerns about legal fees can be overwhelming. Our goal at Lords Solicitors is to equip you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about funding your defense. There is no one-size-fits-all funding method, and the most suitable option varies from case to case, depending on the defendant’s circumstances and the case’s stage.
For an in-depth discussion of your funding options, please contact our criminal defense solicitors, who offer free consultations to explore your choices.
Police Station Representation: The police station interview often plays a critical role in the outcome of a criminal case. Errors made during the interview can be challenging to rectify, emphasizing the importance of expert legal representation from the outset. Specialist criminal defense solicitors can respond on your behalf, safeguard your rights, and challenge interview questions, significantly enhancing your defense prospects from the outset.
If You Are Prosecuted: Legal Aid may cover some or all of your defense costs, depending on your circumstances, if your case is heard in either a Magistrates’ Court or a Crown Court. Specific criteria tests apply to both, and our dedicated solicitors will assess your eligibility for legal financial support.
The criteria for legal aid include:
A means test, demonstrating a need for financial support.
A merit test, showing that it is in the interests of justice for you to receive legal representation.
For cases heard in a Crown Court, only a means test is required, as such cases are inherently considered to be ‘in the interest of justice.’
Private Fees: While many clients may opt for legal aid, some individuals may not be eligible or prefer to fund their own legal costs. We are equipped to support both private and legal aid clients.
Typically, our criminal defense solicitors operate on an hourly rate. However, we assess each case individually, taking into account your specific circumstances and needs, and provide you with an estimated cost quotation. While fees may vary on occasion, we always engage in discussions with you before making any further decisions.
Please note that our criminal law service charges are subject to VAT, in addition to any relevant disbursements made to third parties on your behalf. In privately funded cases, clients are expected to cover all costs associated with experts, barristers, and other disbursements. Contact us to review your options.
Can a Criminal Case Be Appealed?
Being wrongfully convicted of a crime is a grave injustice and a devastating experience for both you and your family. Nevertheless, overturning a conviction is a complex process.
Our accomplished appeals team of criminal law experts holds a stellar reputation for investigating cases and successfully appealing both convictions and sentences before the Court of Appeal. While not every case results in success, we meticulously explore every potential appeal argument, ensuring that each issue is thoroughly examined.