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Being Charged with a Crime

If you have been charged with a crime, it is vital that you understand your rights and what your next steps should be.

Regardless of your circumstances, expert legal representation is essential to securing the best possible outcome.

At JD Spicer Zeb, we have a team of specialist criminal defence solicitors with comprehensive expertise in handling the full range of crimes you could potentially be charged with. With over 45 years of experience, we have substantial experience in both minor and serious cases, offering guidance at all stages of a criminal investigation.

From representation at the police station through to appearing at court, we will work with you to build the strongest possible defence against the charges you are facing.

The types of crimes you may be charged with that we can support you with include:

  • Offences Against the Person (common assault, battery, ABH, GBH and more)
  • Murder/Manslaughter
  • Drugs Offences
  • Sexual Offences
  • Offences against children
  • Theft Offences (including shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and theft from your employer)
  • Serious Fraud
  • Benefit Fraud
  • Money Laundering Offences
  • Public Order Offences
  • Communications Offences
  • Weapons Offences
  • Road Traffic Offences
  • Criminal Damage
  • Arson
  • Interfering/perverting the course of justice
  • Animal offences (including dangerous dogs)
  • Terrorism
  • White Collar Crime
  • Conspiracies
  • Cyber Crime
  • Youth Crime
  • Human Trafficking
  • Serious Crime
  • Extradition
  • Breach of Court Orders

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Why choose JD Spicer Zeb?

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Recent Cases

There is limited recourse for you if you are falsely accused. Click a selection of the cases we have covered. The best thing you can do is to instruct an excellent solicitor from the outset.

Read more cases

If you are charged with a crime, our focus will be to ensure you avoid a conviction. If this is not possible, we will always be clear about your options and will take every possible measure to ensure that any penalties handed out are proportionate. Depending on the crime you are charged with, this might include taking actions such as securing a police caution or community resolution order. 

Our highly experienced solicitors provide:

  • 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
  • Representation anywhere in England and Wales
  • Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
  • Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)

What does it mean to be charged with a crime?

If you are charged, it means that a decision has been made to prosecute you for a crime.

There is often some confusion between being charged and being convicted. Being charged does not mean that you are considered to be guilty of committing a crime, only that you will be required to attend court for your case to be heard.

What happens when you are charged with a crime in the UK?

When you are charged with a crime, you will be issued with a charge sheet. A police charge sheet sets out the details of the crime you are being charged with.

Depending on your circumstances, and the crime you are being charged with, you could receive notice of a charge in a number of ways.

What is the police charge procedure in the UK?

If you have been previously released under investigation or attended an interview under caution, you will likely receive notice of a charge via a postal requisition.

If you are in police custody when being charged, the police will decide whether to retain you until you are taken to court for a hearing, or if they will release you on bail until the court hearing.

After being charged, it is essential that you pay close attention to the information regarding the court you will be attending and the time and date a hearing will take place. Failing to attend court in relation to a criminal charge could lead to a warrant being issued for your arrest.

Does charged mean guilty?

Being charged is not the same as being found guilty of a crime. You can only be found guilty and convicted after a court hearing.

Do I have to tell my employer if I am charged with a crime in the UK?

If your employment contract states that you need to disclose any criminal charges received during your employment, failing to do so could amount to a breach of contract and result in your dismissal.

Pre-charge bail

After the police have interviewed you but are yet to make a charging decision, you may be released on pre-charge bail, which 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 might include restrictions on your movement or being required to visit the police station at designated times.

You could still be charged at a later date after the pre-charge bail period comes to an end.

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

Fees and funding

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

If you have been charged to attend 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:

Contact our criminal defence solicitors now

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, are due to attend the police station for interview which could lead to a charge, 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 defence solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

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.