Magistrates' Court Representation
One of our lawyers will attend Court with you.
Typically they will obtain case papers from the Prosecution and thereafter advise you on the law and the strength of the evidence. They will then take your instructions and further advise on plea whether it be guilty or not guilty.
All cases begin in the Magistrates Court but only some remain there whilst others are sent to the Crown Court either being committed for trial by judge and jury or for sentence. The committal for trial can be on judicial direction but it can also be because a defendant has a fundamental right to choose to elect a jury trial. Our lawyers are able to assist you through this sometimes complex process of case allocation and in particular to advise you whether it is in your best interest to have the case dealt with in the Magistrates Court or Crown Court.
If your case proceeds to trial in the Magistrates Court then our lawyers can prepare the case for trial and represent you at trial. Equally if your case proceeds to sentence they can present the best possible plea in mitigation always with reference to statutory sentencing guidelines and case precedents.
If you appear in custody at the Magistrates Court our lawyers are experienced in preparing and presenting applications for bail and if necessary appealing a Magistrates Court refusal of bail to the Crown Court.
If you are refused bail and have to remain in custody through the case our lawyers will visit you regularly to ensure that your case is properly prepared notwithstanding your prison status.
Language Support
If English is not your first language and you require the services of an interpreter then this too can be arranged for Court and also for meetings with our lawyers. This will be covered by any grant of legal aid.
Expert Witnesses
If your case requires input from expert witnesses then again this is something that our lawyers can organise and we have longstanding working arrangements with a range of experts. This will also be covered by any grant of legal aid.
In the event that your case is successful and ends with an acquittal our lawyers will also assist in the obtaining of a defendant’s costs order so as to allow you to recover some or all of any private costs.
In short we are committed as a team to listening to your instructions, advising subject to your instructions and putting the best case forward at all times in accordance with your instructions.
Our aim is to achieve the best outcome for you, whatever charge you face. If you have been charged and find yourself before the Magistrates’ Court, contact us on 020 8519 5500.
