In the United Kingdom, if you've been accused of or arrested on suspicion of drink driving or another crime, you have the right to be represented by a solicitor. In England and Wales, whether in Kent, Chatham or London, there is a system in place to guarantee you representation. This is true even if you can't afford to pay for your own drink driving solicitor or criminal solicitor. These brief answers to frequent questions can help you understand the basic rights to which you are entitled and how to access them.
What Are My Rights to Legal Aid Representation?
If you find yourself detained at a police station, you are entitled to free legal advice from a solicitor, no matter what your monetary resources are. You have the option to consult with the Duty Solicitor at the police station or to call on a solicitor of your own choice. As long as the solicitor you contact has a 2010 Standard Crimes Contract, the fee for your advice at the police station will be covered with criminal legal aid funds.
If your case proceeds to court, you may or may not be eligible for free aid from a criminal solicitor. At some Magistrates' Courts and Youth Court hearings, you may be able to get free advice from a duty solicitor. You may also qualify for criminal legal aid from your own criminal solicitor paid for by the Legal Services Commission under certain circumstances. You may also qualify for free legal aid in the Crown Court if your situation qualifies you for financial assistance to guarantee you a defence.
When Should I Have Representation?
If you have been accused of a crime or if the police are asking to see you about a crime, you should seek the advice of a criminal solicitor before you speak to the authorities. It is always advisable to get legal advice from solicitors before speaking to the police so that you understand what you may and may not be asked and how you should respond, and so that your solicitor can accompany you to the police station to continue advising you throughout questioning.
How Do I Find a Criminal Solicitor?
You can avail yourself of the services of the Duty Solicitor for specific legal advice, but that may not prove satisfactory for many people. If you don't know a solicitor you can contact for help, you may be able to get recommendations from a friend who knows one or ask the Citizens Advice Bureau to supply you with names and information about local solicitors. You may also be able to find a criminal legal aid solicitor by searching online or checking directories. You also may find helpful information and advice at the Legal Services Commission website.
When you are facing serious charges, including assault, fraud and drink driving, solicitor representation is vital. The legal system is complicated and heavily weighted against the accused. Protect your rights to a fair and just disposition of your legal case by contacting a skilled solicitor as soon as possible.
Author Resource:
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
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