Accused of a Crime

What happens if you're accused of a crime?

What will happen if you are accused of a crime largely depends on the exact nature of the allegations you are facing. If the police suspect you of committing a crime, they will usually invite you for a voluntary interview, also known as an interview under caution.

You should be mindful that, while it is described as a ‘voluntary’ interview, it is extremely important you attend and have legal representation by your side. Anything you do or do not say or agree to while being questioned at a police station can have serious consequences and play a decisive role in the outcome of your case.

Following a voluntary interview, the police could decide to arrest you, release you on pre-charge bail, put you under investigation, or drop the case altogether.

Can you be fired for being accused of a crime in the UK?

Your employer cannot automatically dismiss you if you have been accused of an offence. To take any sort of disciplinary action, there must be a genuine connection between the offence and the nature of your employment. Please note that we do not specialise in employment law and cannot provide advice in this area.

What if you're falsely accused?

If you are falsely accused of a crime, it is still vital that you receive expert legal guidance to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome for your case and limit any potential damage to your reputation.

Pre-charge bail

After being interviewed by the police in relation to an offence you are accused of, you may be released on pre-charge bail. This is more commonly referred to as simply being released on bail.

While you are on pre-charge bail, you will be subject to several bail conditions. Common conditions include restrictions on movement or being required to visit the police station at designated times.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail, please use the links provided below:

• Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
• On Bail But Not Charged - What Does It Mean?
• How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Fees and funding

We are committed to providing clear information regarding out legal fees.

If your case proceedings to court, Legal Aid may be available, but whether this is the case will depend on the seriousness of the case and whether it justifies the grant of public funding.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service
• Will Your Private Legal Costs Increase?
• Do We Offer Free Consultations?

Contact our criminal defence solicitors now

If you have been accused of a criminal offence, are due to attend the police station for interview, or require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office:  0121 614 3333
• City of London: 0207 624 7771, our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation

For urgent representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the assistance you need.