You have done that; does not mean you are guilty

• We fully understand the impact of a criminal investigation and trial on our clients, who can expect our support from the outset, including pre-charge advice.
• We exclusively defend and are committed to providing the highest quality advice and representation in every case.
• We are approachable and offer practical, sensible advice.
• We are renowned for setting the highest standards in courtroom advocacy.
• We prepare cases meticulously, ensuring that we have a total grasp of the detail.
• We work to win cases at an early stage wherever possible.
• We are a diverse and progressive set. We pride ourselves on our ability to represent clients of all backgrounds.
• We are local, and that is our strength.
• We know each and every investigating officer and prosecutor, so we know how to protect you from malicious prosecution.
• We know every court and every address.

If you are accused of a criminal offence

• Contacting us as soon as you become aware of a police investigation increases the opportunity to resolve the matter quickly and discreetly.  We will seek to avoid an arrest and protect you from the resulting potentially damaging consequences, such as oppressive bail conditions and restriction on your current or future travel.
• We know that the police interview is often the most significant aspect of a criminal case.  Getting the right advice at this stage is crucial.  Our experienced police station advisers will carefully guide you through this challenging process.
• For cases that go to court, we examine every detail to ensure the best possible outcome.  Working alongside expert witnesses, we ensure that every legal or evidential point is carefully considered. This approach has seen our clients enjoy a high acquittal rate. Where a conviction cannot be avoided, we ensure that mitigation is advanced to maximise the chances of the most lenient sentence.

Cyber crime is an area of growing legal complexity. Our team of cyber crime lawyers have vast experience of the law in this area and defending those accused of cyber crime, as well as those affected by it.
 

WHAT IS CYBER CRIME?

Cyber Crime is any criminal activity carried out using computers and/or the internet and covers much more than many realize. In essence, it falls into two broad categories:

1. Offences where a computer is the object of the activity. These include such activity as hacking, phishing, spamming, deployment of viruses and denial of service attacks.
2. Offences where a computer is the tool by which the activity is carried out. Many substantive offences are unrelated to computers or the internet but technology is being used in their commission. Obvious examples include fraud, possession / dissemination of indecent images of children, identity theft, illegal downloads, cyber stalking, and hate crimes.

In many cybercrime cases, there is a grey area between freedom of expression and abusive communications.  In others, most notably hacking cases, there are legitimate differences in opinion as to what constitutes unlawful activity. The technical nature of some of these offences may mean that private individuals and companies may be unwittingly caught up in an investigation without realising that their actions have given rise to potential criminal liability.

Our dedicated team has the technical, legal and tactical experience to advise you at every stage of your case.  Whether you are facing a criminal investigation or prosecution or have found yourself the target of such activity and need to take control of the situation, we can help. 

For those new to the criminal justice system, the structure and proceedings at court can be opaque and intimidating. Our team, who are experienced in dealing with matters at all levels of the court structure, can guide you through the process.  

How we can help you

If you find yourself charged with an offence and facing the prospect of a court appearance, or need representation or guidance in relation to court proceedings which are already in motion, please contact a member of our criminal litigation team. Wherever you are in the court system, we will be able to advise you.

Private Prosecution

Which criminal offences can be privately prosecuted?

Subject to certain exceptions, private prosecutions can be brought for a wide range of offences where the police has not initiated criminal proceedings or do not cooperate to bring your version on record or even otherwise you are not satisfied with case making of investigation officer and prosecutors. Private individuals have the power to bring a prosecution and punish offenders for many offences. We can act for a private individual who has been the victim of a criminal offence, including the following:

What are the advantages of a private prosecution?

A private prosecution has advantages over a public prosecution:

• Individuals can bring a prosecution where the prosecuting authorities are unwilling. A victim can exercise greater control over the investigative procedure and subsequent prosecution. For instance, more resources or highly specialist investigators and lawyers can be employed which are not ordinarily provided for in a public prosecution. The private prosecutor can control the investigation rather than rely on police.
• The version of the complainant/victim and its evidence can be directly submitted to the court without interference of police officers, especially in case of influential criminals.
• If there is no need of recovery of weapons or anything, private prosecution can save a lot of time and effort.
• Private prosecution keeps the complainant at liberty to submit the evidence of his choice and witness of his support.