Criminal Investigations

Proactive lawyers acting for those under investigation in relation to criminal allegations

What sets Olliers apart from many criminal defence firms is the proactive approach we adopt during a criminal investigation. We understand the stress and anxiety a criminal investigation can cause. The work we undertake for clients during this stage of the criminal process goes way beyond a police station attendance. Prior to and following an interview under caution, our team will do everything it can to minimise the likelihood of a client under investigation being charged with a criminal offence.

‘Pre-charge engagement’ and the Director of Public Prosecution’s Guidance on Charging 2020

The concept of ‘Pre-charge engagement’ between defence lawyers is contained within the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure, which came into force on 31^st December 2020. The same day also saw the publication of the ‘Director of Public Prosecution’s Guidance on Charging 2020’. Now for the first time there is formal recognition of the process for engagement between defence lawyers and investigators. There is also detailed Guidance on the way in which investigations are conducted and the manner in which material is presented to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The police want to speak to me. What should I do?

Meticulous preparation for a police interview is crucial. There are now greater opportunities to prepare for voluntary interviews because prior notice of the interview is given and disclosure of a summary of the allegations can be provided to the defence. We will advise as to the best way of dealing with the interview whether in the form of a ‘no comment’ interview, through the use of a ‘prepared statement’ or with our client answering all questions.

I have been released under investigation. What happens next?

Following an interview, we will look to take stock and consider all questions put to our client. This involves considering whether points not dealt with by our client in interview can be addressed in the pre-charge stage. Much is said of ‘representations against charge’. Indeed, we have published a number of features on the subject. Whilst many firms adopt a passive approach to this stage, we do not. We will look at early pre-charge engagement with investigating officers.

How do the CPS make the decision to charge someone with an offence?

Throughout an investigation, at the forefront of our minds is the Code for Crown Prosecutors, particularly the ‘charging standard’.  A prosecution should only be brought if there is a ‘realistic prospect of conviction’ and it is in the public interest to prosecute. We never lose sight of this during  dialogue with investigators and when making representations to either the police or other prosecuting authority.

Since the publication of the DPP’S Guidance on Charging 2020 we ensure compliance with the Guidance on the part of investigating officers at all times considering the existence of undermining material.  

We rarely encounter hostility from investigators; generally they welcome a proactive approach and so they should. The 2018 Code for Crown Prosecutors and relevant sections of the Attorney General’s ‘Review of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Disclosure in the Criminal Justice System’ both make it clear that there should be greater defence involvement in this stage of the process. Click here to read more. The formal recognition of ‘pre-charge engagement’ at the end of 2020 was the final piece of this jigsaw

What can Olliers do to prevent a prosecution?

The pre-charge team at Olliers is known for its proactive approach in criminal investigations. We place great emphasis on bringing cases to an early conclusion, without a client having to face the stress, trauma and cost of court proceedings.

Pre-charge engagement refers to any voluntary engagement between parties to an investigation after the first interview under caution.  

It may involve (amongst other matters):

• Giving a suspect an opportunity to comment on further lines of enquiry
• Establishing whether a suspect can identify other lines of enquiry
• Asking a suspect whether they can provide access to digital material
• Discussing ways to overcome barriers to obtaining evidence
• Agreeing key word searches of digital material
• Obtaining a suspect’s consent to access medical records
• A suspect identifying and providing details of potential witnesses
• Clarifying whether expert or forensic evidence is agreed.

We may not always be able to make formal representations against charge; however we will always look to provide the police or other investigators with sufficient material so as to prevent our client being charged. This may involve drawing their attention to material that supports the defence case, including the following:-

• Texts, emails and other electronic communication
• Social media activity
• Enquiries into CCTV
• Internet and other research
• Medical evidence
• Preparation of timelines and chronologies supportive of the defence
• Tracking down and speaking to witnesses who will support the defence case and subsequently invite the police to speak to these individuals.

On occasions we may draw to the attention of investigators information that sheds light on why a complaint has been made.

Relevant articles

For further information in relation to the investigative pre-charge stage of a criminal investigation see the following articles.

• Pre-charge representations
• Representations against charge
• Voluntary police interviews
• Voluntary police interviews – do I need a solicitor?
• Pre-charge engagement between the police and the defence

Some frequently asked questions

Contact our criminal investigations solicitors

If you would like to discuss how we can proactively assist you in relation to your case at a pre-charge stage, contact us by telephone on 0161 834 1515, by email to info@olliers.com or complete the form below and we will contact you.

Manchester Office

London Office