Speak to a criminal lawyer. They can give you advice on your rights prior to a police interview. Depending on how serious the charge is they may need to start arranging a bail application.

Police don't keep to business hours and neither do I. If you've been arrested contact me for advice.

That depends. A criminal trial can take 18 months - 2 years to reach after you're charged. A Magistrates' Court case might be from a few months to a year depending on whether you're pleading guilty or fighting the charges.

No, in the same way you don't need an electrician to wire a fuse box. There's nothing stopping you giving it a go, but you may not like the results...

Courts have a range of sentencing options and the only way to achieve the best outcome for you is to hire a competent criminal lawyer.

A lawyer may also be able to advise you of a defence, or help you avoid a criminal record through diversion.

Yes. I can arrange a visit or video-conference with them free of charge to discuss their case.

Police have to provide you or your lawyer with what's called a brief of evidence. This is a document containing a description of the allegations against you, witness statements and photographs.

You are presumed innocent and police must prove your guilt. Whether they can prove it depends on what's in the brief.

After reading the brief a lawyer can explain the evidence against you and whether you have a defence. They can also advise you of likely sentences if you're found guilty.

Yes. If you've been sentenced or found guilty in the Magistrates' Court you have an automatic right to appeal the decision to a Judge of the County Court. The Judge has the power rehear the case and find you not guilty, or substitute the sentence for a lesser one if they see fit.

If your case was heard originally in the County Court then you must apply for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. This is a much more complex process.

Appeals in both cases require rigorous preparation and legal knowledge, you must have a lawyer. Your appeal must be lodged within 28 days of the sentence, if this applies to you contact me now.