General Criminal Defence & Police Investigations
Objective legal representation and strategic guidance throughout police investigations, pre-charge procedures, and formal criminal proceedings in England and Wales.
The Legal Context
General criminal defence and police investigations in England and Wales are strictly governed by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). Legal representation during the investigative stage ensures statutory rights are protected during interviews under caution, search warrant executions, and bail applications before formal charges are brought.
Comprehensive Criminal Defence and Investigation Services
Objective legal guidance throughout police investigations and pre-charge procedures.
Legal assistance is provided to individuals arrested and detained at police stations, ensuring strict adherence to PACE codes of practice and the protection of legal rights during questioning.
Strategic advice and formal representations can be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prior to a charging decision, aiming to highlight evidential weaknesses and avoid formal prosecution.
Representation is available for individuals requested to attend a voluntary interview under caution. Legal guidance ensures suspects understand the implications of the interview and their rights under PACE.
Legal scrutiny is applied to the execution of search warrants and the subsequent seizure of assets by investigating authorities, ensuring compliance with statutory limits and challenging unlawful actions.
Robust representation is provided during bail hearings at the police station or Magistrates' Court, advocating for the release of suspects pending further investigation or trial.
Or contact us via email on info@centralchamberslaw.com, or call us on 02036202288
For emergency / police station support, call 07767268607
FAQ
Some questions we get, which may help you in this moment
This is a common confusion. Criminal proceedings involve the state prosecuting you for an offence, often resulting in a court hearing. The outcome can be a penalty or prison. Civil law involves disputes between individuals or businesses (like a contract dispute). In court cases regarding civil matters, we fight for your rights against other parties to secure damages or injunctions.
Yes. This is our speciality. During a police investigation, we scrutinise witness statements and digital evidence to find flaws. We actively intervene before a charge is brought. If you seek legal advice early, we can often make representations to the CPS to drop the case, arguing that it is not in the public interest to proceed.
A voluntary police interview is a trap for the unprepared. It is not a casual chat; it is a formal interview under caution. A police officer will ask you to answer questions which are recorded and used as evidence.
If you are asked to attend a voluntary interview, you must seek legal advice immediately. Do not go alone. We provide specialist voluntary interview advice to ensure you do not incriminate yourself. We also negotiate bail terms and bail conditions on your behalf. Please contact our emergency team on 07767 268 607 before agreeing to a date.
A voluntary police interview (often called a "Caution Plus 3") is a trap for the unprepared. Do not be misled by the word "voluntary." It is a formal police investigation.
If you agree to attend a voluntary interview, you will be cautioned, and a police officer will ask you to answer questions under recording. This evidence can be used to prosecute you. You have the exact same rights as someone under arrest, including the right to seek legal advice and have a solicitor present.
Do not go alone. We act as your buffer, advising you on whether to answer or exercise your right to silence. We also ensure that no restrictive bail conditions are imposed on you unnecessarily. Please contact our emergency team immediately if you are contacted by the police.
Yes. We are experienced legal aid solicitors. We can assess your eligibility for government funding for criminal defence (police station attendance is free) and certain family or housing matters. If you do not qualify, we offer transparent private rates.
Access to justice is a fundamental right. As experienced legal aid solicitors, we hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency to provide government-funded defence.
- Police Station: Everyone, regardless of income, is entitled to free legal assistance at the police station. This is a statutory right.
- Court Proceedings: For Magistrates' and Crown Court matters, Legal Aid is "means-tested" (based on your income) and "merits-tested" (based on the seriousness of the case).
- Family: Funding may be available for specific cases. Please call us on 02036202288 or email us at info@centralchamberslaw.com to discuss your eligibility.
During your initial consultation, we will assess your eligibility. If you do not qualify, we provide expert legal advice on a private basis with transparent, fixed fees so you know exactly where you stand.
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