In the United Kingdom, you have a right to professional legal advice from a solicitor when you are arrested for any crime. Your best choice of solicitors is one who has experience in the area of the law related to the crime for which you have been arrested. Thus, if you are facing a motoring offence, particularly anything to do with drinking, you should contact a drink driving solicitor. Similarly, if you have been charged with or are suspected of fraud, assault or any other crime, you should have the advice of a criminal solicitor.
Criminal charges and convictions can affect your life for years to come. A conviction for drink driving can result in withdrawal of your licence for periods ranging from a few months to 10 years. That may mean losing your ability to get to work or even may mean imprisonment. If you are convicted of assault or fraud, the charges will remain on your record and may prevent you from getting employment. Here's what you should know about legal representation for criminal cases in London, Chatham, Kent and elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
Fraud
There are many types of criminal fraud with which you may be charged. If you are facing allegations of fraud, a criminal solicitor can provide you with advice while you are being questioned and defend you in court against the charges. As with any legal matter, your best legal representation is from a solicitor with experience in handling these types of criminal cases.
Assault Charges
Assault can carry grave penalties. The sentencing guidelines for assault vary according to the seriousness of the offence and mitigating circumstances. An assault conviction is serious, so it's vital that you contact a criminal solicitor the moment you know you may be facing charges. At the very least, you should contact a criminal solicitor as soon as you are taken to the police station. Your solicitor can and should be present to advise you any time you are interviewed by the police.
Motoring Offences
Many motoring offences are considered criminal offences and may carry stiff, life-altering penalties. In particular, the penalties and consequences for drink driving can follow you for the rest of your life. That's why it's vital that you engage the services of a drink driving solicitor from the moment you know you may be facing those kinds of charges.
Paying for Legal Representation
When you are brought into the police station for questioning or placed under arrest, you have the right to free legal advice. That advice may be provided by the duty solicitor, or you may request your own solicitor to advise you and your solicitor's charge will be covered by the Legal Services Commission as long as he or she holds a current contract with the LSC.
While the public defenders who participate in criminal legal aid will provide you with a defence to the best of their abilities, there is no guarantee that the solicitor who is next on the rotation will have the experience and expertise to handle your case.
Whether you need a drink driving solicitor or a criminal solicitor, it is nearly always to your advantage to request your own solicitor at the police station. It's the only way you can be certain that the legal advice you receive will be the best, most relevant advice available.
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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