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SPECIALIST LEGAL HELP ON CRIMINAL MATTERS - 24 HOURS A DAY
The Crime department at Jackson & Canter Solicitors in Liverpool was established as long ago as 1960. Our specialist criminal lawyers have extensive knowledge and expertise in most criminal matters. We are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
With around 50 years experience of dealing with criminal matters, you can rest assured that you will benefit from a first class professional service.
Q. What criminal matters can you help me with?
Jackson & Canter can help you with most criminal matters - from simple road traffic incidents to benefit fraud to serious crimes. We offer a complete legal service from arrest through to trial. This includes:
- Police station advice
- Magistrate's Court representation
- Crown Court representation
- Criminal Appeals (but generally only if we have represented you in the earlier proceedings).
- We can also advise you in respect of interviews where the police are not involved such as interviews at the Benefits Office and other Government Agencies. In particular it is important that people are represented at an early stage in interviews regarding potential benefit fraud as it is essential to emphasise any defence at an early stage. We have a specialist Welfare Benefits department that can advise you on your entitlement. Legal Aid is available for these interviews but depends on means but even if you have to pay it can be well worth it in the long run.
Q. What should I do if I am arrested?
First of all you are entitled to free legal representation at the police station or if the interview is conducted by the police. This applies if you have been arrested or are voluntarily attending an interview. If you are arrested, tell the Police your solicitors are Jackson & Canter and one of our specialist criminal law advisors will be happy to help. Remember, we are on call 24 hours a day. The good news is that, legal advice and assistance in the police station is free, no matter how much money you have.
Q. How long will my case take?
Courts work quickly these days. If you plead guilty in the Magistrates Court, you could be dealt with in a few days but certainly within 3 to 4 weeks. If you plead not guilty, your trial in the Magistrates Court is likely to take place within 3-6 months. If your case goes to the Crown Court, it can take up to 9 months or longer.
Q. What happens if I am convicted?
Our experienced criminal lawyers will advise you if you should make an appeal. If so, we will take the appropriate action on your behalf if you wish.
Q. And if I am acquitted?
If you are acquitted, we will refer you to our specialist Actions Against the Police department. They will then advise you on the merits of a civil claim for compensation.
Q. How much will it cost me?
Legal Aid in police interviews is free.
Legal Aid in other pre charge interviews is means tested.
Legal Aid for cases in the Magistrates Court is now means tested and also depends
on the merits of your case.
In order to apply for Legal Aid we need your National Insurance Number
and details of the type and amount of benefit you receive.
Documentary
evidence of this may be required.
If you work we need your most recent wage slip. If you are married or live with a partner, we need this information from them as well.
If you pass the means test legal aid is free but if you do not pass the
means test legal aid will be refused.
Legal Aid in the Crown Court is not means tested as such but you do have
to provide details of your means and at the end
of the case the Court will consider whether you have to pay some or all of
your legal costs. Means testing is likely to be introduced in Crown Court cases in the near future.
You may always be ordered to contribute towards the Prosecution costs of
bringing the case if you are convicted.
This is now much more complex than it used to be and we will try to make it
as simple as possible for you.
Q. What if I do not get Legal Aid?
You will be advised of the likely costs of pursuing your case if you wish us to act on your behalf.
Q. What if English is not my first language?
We can provide an interpreter for most languages. Please tell us that you need this service when you first contact us.
Q. What if I have hearing difficulties?
We can arrange for a sign language interpreter to help. Please give us plenty of notice to arrange for this service.
Q. Where can I come and see you?
Our Criminal department is based at the Princes Road office in Toxteth. If you have mobility difficulties, you can visit our Church Street office in Liverpool city centre.
Q. Who is in the department?
Stephen J. Rogers (Partner & Head of Department); Philip Lieb (Solicitor); Anna Leaker (Solicitor); and Darren Holt (Accredited Police Station Adviser).
