Being questioned by the Police and accused of a crime is one of the most stressful things a person can experience. But however terrible that might feel, the period of time after you leave the police station can be far worse, as you wait months or even years for a final outcome for the investigation.
Many of my clients and their families describe feeling completely powerless to do anything during this wait and that can really take a toll on your life. The Police continue with the investigation or worse still it sits on a shelf somewhere whilst other cases are dealt with first.
However, you don’t necessarily have to wait. Our Criminal Law department specialises in the area of pre-charge engagement. This is the process of a defence lawyer engaging with police on their client’s behalf to suggest potential witnesses, lines of enquiry or even submitting evidence themselves that may have been missed.
In a recent case we were able to trawl through doorbell footage and identify clips that demonstrated the true nature of a couple’s relationship. In another, we located an independent witness who was able to provide the police with crucial information about what they had personally observed while living with the couple. In both cases, the allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour were ultimately dropped.
Too often, people under investigation feel they have no option but to wait and hope for the best. Pre-charge engagement can change that. By proactively assisting an investigation and ensuring all relevant evidence is considered at an early stage, it is possible to bring the investigation much earlier and with far less stress.
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