Criminal Department
24 HOUR HELPLINE
Our Criminal Department consists of specialist solicitors and court staff
who have handled recent high profile cases. Headed by Andrew Havery, our aim is to give
you the best possible advice and representation at all stages of the criminal process. Our
advocates are all trained to the high standard needed to retain our Legal Services
Commission Franchise and Contract.
The department has a large client base of individuals, many of whom instruct us on their
behalf time and time again.
We operate a 24 hour helpline and we will attend police stations to represent you and
offer expert advice in respect of interviews at any time of the day or night and obtain
Legal Services funding for you where possible.
Road Traffic Accidents
We are able to offer you professional advice as to whether you have a defence to a
particular charge. If not, we can advise on how to avoid disqualification or reduce the
penalty.
We can attend court or write letters on your behalf in litigation.
Penalty points and totting up
Most road traffic offences carry penalty points which are endorsed on your licence. If you
receive 12 or more points within a three year period the Court MUST disqualify you from
driving for at least 6 months. However, it maybe possible to obtain a reduced
disqualification or no disqualification at all if you can show that it would cause
exceptional hardship. This is not specifically defined but includes loss of employment,
illness or disability for yourself or a relative who rely upon you for transport.
It is always worth instructing a solicitor to act on your behalf where disqualification
may arise.
Drinking and Driving
If you are found guilty of drinking and driving ( or failing to provide a specimen at a
police station) you MUST be disqualified from driving for at least 1 year.
Usually the higher the alcohol level the longer the disqualification period. A second
conviction within 10 years carries a minimum disqualification of 3 years. The only
exception is when the Court finds special reasons not to disqualify. Such special reasons
are very limited.
We can advise you whether or not there is a special reason in your case.
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