Criminal Law – Frequently asked questions

Created on October 30, 2020

We know how stressful it can be if you’re facing investigation or being prosecuted.  We also know how confusing the Criminal Justice System can be to anyone who doesn’t work within it every day, as we do.  In an effort to clear up some of the confusion and, hopefully, to lighten the stress levels, we have prepared answers to some of the questions we, as criminal defence lawyers, are asked on a regular basis.

Whether your question relates to a police investigation,  court procedure, different types of sentence or simply why and how we do our job – hopefully this page will provide you with some answers

• What will happen if I’m prosecuted for a criminal offence? 
• What happens if I’m arrested by the police?
• Why do I need a solicitor if I’m going to be interviewed by the police?
• What can I do while I’m on bail? 
• What’s Your Success Rate?
• How will my defence case be funded?
• What sentence will I get? 
• What’s the difference between a Solicitor and a Barrister?
• How can you represent someone when you know that they’re guilty? 
• Does going “No Comment” make me look guilty?
• Should I answer questions in police interview?
• Is it a criminal offence to breach Health & Safety law?
• Indecent images – 10 things you need to know
• What does being Released Under Investigation (RUI) mean?
• What can I expect if I pay privately for my defence?
• Can I remove a Restraining Order?
• County Lines – What are they and why do I need to know about them?
• Is it lawful to hit a child?
• Can I contest a Sexual Risk Order?
• Can I appeal against a Crown Court sentence?
• What are Confiscation proceedings?
• What might happen if I say I wasn’t the driver?
• How to represent yourself in the Magistrates’ Court
• How does a jury decide on a verdict?
• What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order?
• Can I apply for my licence back early?
• Can my sentence be increased?
• Can I apply to be removed from the Sex Offenders’ Register?  
• Can I appeal against a conviction in the Magistrates’ Court?
• What can I expect if my child has to attend court?
• What do you want from your lawyer?
• What is a Defence Statement?
• What will happen if I’m convicted of a sexual offence?
• Where will my case be heard?
• How do I drop a case?