Criminal solicitors meet clients at the very start of the process. They attend the police station and provide advice and assistance to their clients when they are at their most vulnerable. For clients that are charged, solicitors attend to represent them at their first appearance at the Magistrates’ Court. They will also represent clients at any further hearings in the Magistrates’ Court, including trials.
Most criminal solicitors further qualify as duty solicitors which means that they can assist clients at the police station and at Court when, for example, they do not have a usual solicitor that represents them.
Solicitors will manage a clients’ case from start to finish and offer support where needed. Solicitors are qualified to deal with all types of cases and clients. This includes those who are extremely vulnerable, committing less serious offences frequently linked with homelessness, addiction or mental health issues. A good solicitor will often offer support to help a client regarding other matters that go beyond their criminal case.
Some solicitors have ‘Higher Rights of Audience’ which means that they can practice alongside barristers in the Crown Court.
Criminal barristers work with the same vulnerable groups of people and deal with the same kinds of daunting situations.
However, their main role is that of an advocate and they appear mainly in the Crown Court where more serious crimes are dealt with. Solicitors will instruct barristers on a case that needs to progress from the Magistrates’ Court either for trial or sentence.
If you require assistance with a criminal case please contact us on 0116 2628596 or email us at crime@dodds-solicitors.co.uk