Assisting an Offender

Our expertise with assisting an offender cases

Representation at Police Stations

Anything you say at the police station will be recorded and can be used as evidence against you further down the line – should your case proceed to court.

We always advise people to seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity before a police interview to give your criminal defence solicitor time to review your case and carefully consider all options available to you.

Our dedicated team of expert police station solicitors and representatives have extensive experience managing a wide range of police station matters, including allegations of assisting an offender. 

We are committed to delivering professional legal support and strong representation to safeguard your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Pre-charge bail and released under investigation

If you have been called into a police station under investigation or released on pre-charge bail, expert advice from a solicitor can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. 

If you have been released on pre-charge bail, several conditions may apply, including restrictions on your movement or mandatory visits to the police station at set times. 

Our criminal damage solicitors will review your case and provide expert advice on how to protect your interests going forward.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail and release under investigation, 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?

Having charges dropped

If you are facing criminal charges for assisting an offender, we will work hard to have these charges dropped altogether. 

We are experts in reviewing criminal cases and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution case so that we can provide practical advice on your best options going forward.

We provide a professional and sensitive service and will be available to answer any questions you have throughout the case. 

Legal representation and defence

If you are facing trial for assisting an offender, our skilled criminal defence team is here to provide the strongest possible representation. We will carefully prepare your case, guiding you through each stage of the process while advising you on your rights and available options.

Whether your case is being heard in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, we will work hard to defend your interests and achieve the best possible outcome. From gathering evidence to securing expert reports where necessary, our team will build a robust defence tailored to the specifics of your case.

At JD Spicer Zeb, we have established strong relationships with some of the UK’s most respected criminal defence barristers, ensuring that if your case proceeds to trial, you will receive high-quality advice and representation.

We are also transparent about all potential outcomes, including where an early guilty plea may lead to reduced sentencing. Our primary goal is to protect your interests and deliver the best possible result in your case.

Fees and funding

When dealing with fees and funding, our assisting an offender lawyers will always be clear and upfront about your options.

Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but this depends on the seriousness of the case and whether it will justify 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?

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to assisting an offender, including:

• Serious crime
• Assault and violent crime
• Common assault
• Armed robbery
• Domestic violence
• Grievous bodily harm
• Possession of an offence weapon
• Racially or religiously aggravated offences
• Robbery
• Self-defence as a legal defence

Related cases

• Case Dismissed Assisting An Offender Murder Central Criminal Court 2024
• R v AJ - client acquitted of murder

Common questions about assisting an offender

What is classed as assisting an offender?

Under Section 4 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, assisting an offender is classed as carrying out an act to prevent a person who has committed an offence from being arrested or prosecuted.

In order to be convicted of assisting an offender, you had to have known that the offender committed a relevant offence, which is an offence punishable by more than five years in prison.

What is an example of assisting an offender?

Examples of assisting an offender include:

• Disposing of evidence, such as washing their clothes, removing a weapon or disposing of a vehicle.
• Harbouring a criminal by allowing them to hide on your property and land.
• Providing transport to help them leave the area.

What is the minimum sentence for assisting an offender or perverting the course of justice?

There are no specific sentencing guidelines for assisting an offender, but the law does outline maximum penalties depending on the severity of the original offence.

For cases where the original offence carries a life sentence, such as murder, the maximum penalty for assisting an offender is 10 years’ imprisonment. If the original offence is punishable by 14 years or more, the maximum sentence is 7 years. For offences punishable by 10 years or more, the maximum sentence is 5 years, while for all other offences, the maximum penalty is 3 years.

It’s important to note that these are maximum sentences, and not everyone convicted will receive the maximum penalty. The sentence will depend on various factors, including the nature of the original offence, the level of assistance provided to the primary offender, and the level of responsibility of the individual being sentenced.

What is the sentence for aiding and abetting in the UK?

Aiding and abetting is assisting or encouraging another person to commit a crime in the UK. Sentencing for this crime is unique in that a person accused of aiding and abetting is liable to be tried and punished as if they committed the offence themself.

The Accessories and Abettors Act 1861 states that anyone who aids, abets, counsels, or procures the commission of an indictable offence is liable to be tried and punished as a principal offender.

Therefore, the sentence for aiding and abetting in the UK will depend on the crime you are accused of aiding. It is important to note that sentencing is complex and depends on several factors, including the severity of the crime, the level of participation, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.