KIK Investigations
Many people do not realise that, while Kik Messenger offers certain anonymity features, the application does not offer end-to-end encryption and logs user IP addresses. This means that the police may have the authority to launch Kik investigations where they allege that an individual or group is using the app for illegal purposes.
If you have been arrested or are being charged with an offence following a KIK investigation, it is essential that you seek expert legal advice immediately.
In these situations, getting the right legal support could make all the difference, increasing your chances of being found not guilty if you are prosecuted or minimising the penalties you receive if conviction is unavoidable.
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Why choose JD Spicer Zeb?
- 1000's Cases Dropped
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- 100's Years Combined Experience
- Read all Reviews
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.
JD Spicer Zeb is one of the country’s leading criminal defence firms, with over 45 years of experience. We have strong expertise in a wide range of offences, including those arising from Kik investigations, such as indecent images. We will be able to offer a detailed understanding of your legal position, how these types of charges work, and your defence options.
Our criminal defence team are here for you at every stage of proceedings, from the point of an arrest onwards. We can also advise you before the point of arrest if you have any concerns about a potential charge, such as if you have received a police Kik warning.
How can we help?
Common questions
We always work with the most experienced and best leading UK barristers, KCs (Kings Counsel). We cover all criminal cases 24/7 at the police station and court. Offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester cover cases across England and Wales. We can offer Legal Aid and affordable Private fee agreements. We can see you the same day, including virtually. Our Senior Partners supervise all of our cases.
How quickly do you respond?
We respond quickly even during out of hours. We do not get our work by paying for online adverts but based on the fact that few criminal law firms can match our 45 years of experience. Most of our cases are still from word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients. We are called daily by dissatisfied clients from firms with less experience than us. We respond very quickly to new enquiries. We know what clients seek and so we update clients rapidly.
Can you get cases dropped?
Yes, read about the recent cases we've helped our clients with here.
We always keep you updated and give straightforward advice. We will get cases dropped early where the case is weak or should not be prosecuted. We will be upfront with you about where you can benefit from a good result with an early guilty plea, such as a discount on your sentence. As we work on cases across all levels with clients from all walks of life, we are excellent at giving clear, spot-on advice. As an established firm, we can allocate a whole team to your case often at short notice to secure evidence to minimise the damage to you.
Have you won any awards?
OUR PROFESSIONAL BODY THE LAW SOCIETY AWARDED US IN OCTOBER 2020 WITH THE EXCELLENCE IN CLIENT SERVICE AWARD AND STATED -
"JD Spicer Zeb demonstrated a clear commitment to client service through their work with vulnerable and diverse individuals in what can be severely traumatic circumstances".
Do you offer free consultations?
Where it is possible, we aim to provide an initial consultation to you. If we can speak to you, we can if required inform you about –
- Whether we can take the case on and our relevant experience.
- Public and private funding benefits.
- Assistance in applying for legal aid where we are likely to accept instructions.
- An outline of options in police interview only. We will not advise you on which option to adopt.
- Providing our free written guide explaining the police station process.
- The gravity of routine and day-to-day offences you face.
- Consequences of not attending the court or police station.
- Consequences of interfering with any witnesses.
- Retaining any evidence in support of your case.
- If possible an outline of the elements of the offence that the police or CPS must prove.
- This consultation will normally be by telephone or email and will only be for as long as we deem necessary to establish if we can act for you. If we cannot usefully give you any advice in this manner then we will not continue with the consultation. We will not discuss the case in depth for you to be able to decide on your plea or any significant aspect of the case, as this cannot be undertaken informally.
- Referring you, if possible, to other firms for matters out of our specialism or if we cannot help.
Consultations do not apply to the following cases –
- If we do not intend to take the case on.
- Road Traffic cases, drink driving, drug driving, driving bans, speeding, no insurance, mobile phone use, points etc.
- In all cases where we do not have the capacity to take your case or the availability of suitably qualified staff to provide an initial free consultation. This is applicable in all cases but especially where a more senior lawyer is required because of your personal needs or the complexity of the case.
- Harassment/stalking/ coercive behaviour/malicious communications or road traffic cases and most sensitive cases. These cases are often too complicated to assess in short consultations.
- The locations concerned may be too distant to represent you adequately or it may not be cost-effective for you or us.
- The case is too complicated to assess or raises various charges or facts, complexity, or history to be considered informally or in a short consultation.
- In most Legal aid transfers where legal aid is granted to another firm except in very grave cases, we may assess the case and merits for a transfer.
- If your relationship has broken down with your existing solicitor or several solicitors.
- If you have been released under investigation and have already had a police station attendance.
- If you hold legal aid with another firm and seek a second opinion.
- If you are calling on behalf of the client as a friend or family member unless you have full authority and full facts.
- To businesses.
- Advising whether you were given good advice by your other solicitor.
- Whether to decide to plead guilty or not guilty.
- Whether you have an arguable defence in law or factually complicated defences.
- Any advice you have had after your first court appearance.
- Any advice on appeal on conviction or sentence.
- If we feel we are unable to communicate with you.
- If we are likely to be conflicted or breach our professional rules.
Contact our Kik investigation solicitors today
If you have been arrested for, or charged with an offence following a Kik investigation, you can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week for an immediate free initial consultation, expert legal advice and representation.
Our highly experienced criminal defence solicitors offer:
- 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
- Representation anywhere in England or Wales
- Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
- Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)
- Local offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester
If you have been arrested following a Kik investigation, you can use the emergency numbers below to secure representation by one of our accredited Police Station Representatives now.
Our emergency contact numbers:
Birmingham – 07891 777090
Brent & Camden London – 07836 577556
Manchester – 07798 701339
Why choose JD Spicer Zeb’s criminal law solicitors in London?
Whether you are at the police station or are in court, it is vital that you receive that right legal advice and support from specialist criminal law solicitors at the earliest opportunity.
When arrested or interviewed under caution, you are entitled to free legal representation. If at this stage you choose a duty solicitor, they will have some degree of criminal law experience, but may lack the specialist expertise in the offence you are suspected of committing following the Kik investigation.
If you choose your own legal representative, you will be able to select a criminal defence solicitor who has specialist expertise in dealing with the types of charges you are facing. This will give you the best chance of securing a positive outcome for your case.
Our dedicated criminal law solicitors are ready to act in your defence if you are accused of a crime following a Kik investigation. Offering round the clock support, including on weekends and bank holidays.
We have extensive experience representing clients in both Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, so can effectively support you at all levels of court proceedings. Our team includes a number of accredited police station representatives, allowing us to provide 24-hour police station representation.
As a firm, we have also been accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation, recognising our expertise and commitment to providing the best possible service to our clients.
Our solicitors work with leading digital forensics provider Cyfor who can offer efficient, face to face expert advice on the initial forensic aspect of a police Kik investigation. This can cost from around £500 plus VAT.
With our support, you will stand the best possible chance of reaching a positive outcome, which may include seeing the police drop all charges.
Funding your legal defence for Kik investigations
Funding police station representation
You are entitled to free legal representation at police stations when you are arrested or interviewed under caution. This can be from a duty solicitor, or one of your choosing.
Funding your legal defence if you are prosecuted
If you are charged with an offence following a Kik investigation, you can have some or all of your defence costs covered by a Representation Order, commonly known as ‘legal aid’. How much you can claim depends on where a prosecution takes place.
Magistrates’ Court prosecutions
To qualify for legal aid for a Magistrates’ court prosecution, you will need to pass two tests:
- A means test – To show that you need help with funding your defence.
- A merit test – To show that it is in the interests of justice for you to have legal representation.
Crown Court prosecutions
To qualify for legal aid for a Crown court prosecution, you will only need to pass a means test because having legal representation for your defence will automatically be considered to be in the interests of justice.
Private fees
If you need to self-fund some or all of the cost of your private legal representation, our solicitors will explain the costs involved and our fee structures. Whether you receive legal aid funding or not, the contribution you make towards your legal costs will be refunded if you are found not guilty.
For more information, you can take a look at our guide to funding your criminal defence.
Common questions about Kik investigations
Can Kik messages be monitored?
There is a misconception that messages on Kik cannot be monitored. However, this is not the case. The messaging app does not have end-to-end encryption, and also logs user IP addresses. This means that it is possible to track suspicious activity, such as where users deal with messages involving indecent images of children.
Where a Kik user is spotted acting suspiciously, details of the user will be passed on to the National Crime Agency or local Police Enforcement Agencies.
Is Kik monitored by the police?
The police in the UK have become very aware of the way Kik is used for illegal purposes, which means they are now adept at monitoring what takes place on the app. Police on Kik may be able to trace back an IP address without the need for a report to take place. This could lead to a police Kik warning, or more serious action, depending on the circumstances.
What activity does Kik report to the police?
Kik will likely submit a report to the police where they find any instance of suspicious activity that would be considered illegal. The most common example of the kind of activity Kik would submit to the police centres around indecent images.
How long does it take to investigate Kik case?
The time it takes for a Kik investigation to take place will depend heavily on the circumstances of the case and what allegations are being put forward by the police. During these types of investigations, the police will need to obtain a warrant to search an individual’s address and seize all electronic devices to be examined by digital forensic specialists.
Prior to any interview you may be asked to attend by the police, it is absolutely essential that you enlist expert legal representation as soon as possible.
What happens if you are arrested following a Kik investigation?
When you are arrested, the arresting officers must tell you:
- That they are police officers
- That you are being arrested
- What specific offence or offences you are believed to have committed
- Why it is necessary for you to be arrested
- That you are not free to leave
They must also use the words:
“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
When arresting you, police have the power to:
- Search you
- Use ‘reasonable force’ if you resist arrest, try to escape, or become violent
- Handcuff you if the arresting officers feel this is appropriate
Following an arrest, you will normally be transferred to a police station, held in custody (in a cell) and then interviewed.
Following a police interview, one of the following will happen:
- You are released with no further action
- You are released under investigation
- You are detained in custody
- You are charged with a specific offence
If you are charged with an offence:
- A hearing date will be set
- You will either be:
- Released on bail
- Kept in custody until your court hearing
If you are released under investigation, or with no further action, you can still be rearrested or summonsed to attend a court hearing at any time.
Contact our criminal defence lawyers today
For a free initial consultation, urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about an arrest or charges related to a Kik investigation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You can contact our dedicated criminal defence 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 Kik investigations
We are available to represent clients all over England and Wales at any time, so please contact our Emergency Numbers:
Birmingham – 07891 777090
Brent & Camden London – 07836 577556
Manchester – 07798 701339
How can we help?
Useful Information
- How can I get the CPS to drop the charges against me?
- How can I get the police to drop charges against me?
- How can I get the police to caution me?
- Police Stop and Search UK
- Pre-charge bail - What You Need to Know
- Read our Police Station Advice Guide
- Recovering Your Property From The Police
- Released Under Investigation - What You Need to Know
- Types of Evidence used in Law
- Voluntary Police Interview - What You Need to Know
- What is a 'No further action' letter?
- What to expect in Police Custody
- Why Choose a Private Solicitor for a Magistrates' or Crown Court Case?
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- Umar Zeb
- Senior Partner - Head of Private Client Crime
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- Lisa Nicol
- Managing Partner - Head of Crime & Serious Cases
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- James O'Donnell
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- Sanjay Cholera
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