Out of Court Disposals

Avoiding Prosecution: The Importance of Early Intervention 

Olliers Solicitors is recognised as one of the UK’s leading criminal defence practices. With offices in Manchester and London, our specialist team of 27 solicitors is consistently ranked in Tier 1 by both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and we are seven-time winners of the Manchester Legal Awards Crime Team of the Year. 

What sets us apart from other firms is our focus on the pre-charge engagement stage of a case – a crucial window of opportunity where early, strategic intervention can prevent a case from progressing to a prosecution.  

We work tirelessly to ensure our clients are not charged. We will always look to argue that there is not a ‘realistic prospect of conviction’ or that a prosecution is not in the ‘public interest’, these being the requirements of the Charging Standard contained within the Code for Crown Prosecutors. 

When arguing that a prosecution is not in the public interest we will look at every available out of court disposal. The last thing we want our clients to see is the inside of a courtroom. 

The Public Interest Test: A Vital Opportunity to Stop a Case in its Tracks 

We work closely with our clients, the police, and prosecution authorities to argue that a prosecution is not justified, particularly in cases involving first time offenders, low level or non-violent allegations, cases involving young persons, those with mental health problems or particular vulnerabilities. We will also look at cases which may be better resolved through restorative justice or rehabilitative outcomes. 

By engaging at the earliest possible stage, we give our clients the best possible chance of being prosecuted. 

Understanding Out-of-Court Disposals 

Out-of-court disposals can be formal or informal mechanisms used by police and prosecutors to resolve cases without the need for court proceedings. They are particularly useful where the public interest in prosecuting is low, and a person is willing to engage with alternatives. An effective defence representative needs to have a thorough understanding of all the available options. 

Below is a summary of the main options available, as well as those expected to come into force shortly: 

1. Community Resolution

A Community Resolution is an informal agreement between police, the offender, and sometimes the victim. The offender must take responsibility for their actions, which may involve a written apology, or some kind of restitution, or reparative work. It is suitable for minor offences where remorse is shown – and it does not result in a criminal record.  

An admission of guilt will be required, so in some cases it may be necessary to go back to the police, for example if an admission was not made during an interview under caution. 

2. Simple Caution for Adults

The Simple Caution is available as a formal warning issued by the police to an adult who admits an offence. It is used where prosecution may not be in the public interest but the conduct should not go without consequence. It avoids court and the potential consequences of a conviction. 

3. Conditional Cautions for Adults

Conditional Cautions are similar to simple cautions but contain conditions that the individual must comply with – for example paying compensation or attending rehabilitation. It is possible for a defence representative to suggest conditions. If conditions are complied with, no further action is taken. If the conditions are not met, then the case may proceed to prosecution.  

4. Diversionary and Community Cautions (not in force as at May 2025)

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 introduced a new two-tier cautioning framework that will replace simple and conditional cautions referred to above: 

• Diversionary Cautions: these are for more serious offending and contain mandatory rehabilitative conditions. 
• Community Cautions: apply to less serious matters with optional conditions. 

It is not known when these will come into force but they reflect a will on the part of the last government to standardise out-of-court disposals, promote early resolution, and prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. 

5. Deferred Prosecution

A Deferred Prosecution involves an agreement between the police and suspect to delay prosecution while the individual complies with certain terms, such as attending counselling or engaging with a treatment programme. As long as the terms are fulfilled, prosecution is avoided altogether. Again, this approach reflects a trend towards restorative justice and rehabilitation and keeping individuals away from the criminal justice system. 

6. Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Community Protection Notices are civil orders intended to prevent individuals from engaging in anti-social behaviour. Whilst not part of the criminal process, breaching a CPN can lead to criminal sanctions. So, they provide an opportunity to address behaviour without an immediate prosecution. 

7. Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse Notices (DVPNs and DVPOs)

Domestic Violence Notices and Orders provide immediate protection in domestic abuse cases. In the first instance a DVPN is issued by the police. It must be followed by an application to the magistrates’ court for a DVPO. Orders can prevent contact or remove someone from a property temporarily without the need for criminal proceedings. They can run contemporaneous to an investigation but a prosecution need not automatically follow. 

8. Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs)

Penalty Notices for Disorder are fixed fines which are issued for low-level anti-social or nuisance behaviours. Accepting a PND does not amount to an admission of guilt and does not constitute a criminal conviction.  

9. No Further Action (NFA)

Clearly the best outcome, NFA is where there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction or prosecution is clearly not in the public interest. At Olliers this outcome is frequently achieved through effective pre charge representations against charge. 

Why Early Representation Matters  

At Olliers we believe that the police investigation or pre charge engagement  stage of a case is where the greatest impact can be achieved. 

Without proper representation, suspects under investigation may find themselves sleepwalking into a prosecution. Individuals risk missing opportunities to prevent charges, losing control of how their case develops, or being unfairly prosecuted when better alternatives are available. 

Our experienced team of criminal defence specialists at Olliers has successfully prevented thousands of prosecutions by intervening early, making detailed written representations, and negotiating out-of-court resolutions that avoid the stigma and consequences of criminal court proceedings. 

Contact Olliers – Experts in Pre-Charge Representation 

If you, or someone you know, are under police investigation, don’t wait until it’s too late. 

Contact Olliers Solicitors today and speak to one of our award-winning, pre-charge specialists.  

We will: 

• Assess whether your case is likely to meet the CPS charging standard 
• Identify opportunities to divert the case away from prosecution 
• Work to secure an out-of-court disposal or argue for No Further Action 

We understand that facing a criminal investigation is stressful and overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you, protect you, and fight for the best possible outcome and most important of all – keep your case out of the courtroom. 

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.