Legal Representation

Newtons’ legal representatives act on your behalf at the police station and in court, advocating for your interests and protecting your rights.

What Is Legal Representation?

Legal representation means having a qualified legal professional act on your behalf in legal proceedings, such as when you have been accused of a crime. Your legal representative can provide expert legal advice throughout the interrogation and judicial process, including presenting your case in court, drafting documentation and negotiating with prosecutors or opposing parties to reach settlements or plea bargains.

Everyone has the right to free legal advice and criminal case representation. This is a basic, universal safety net that is typically provided through a duty solicitor scheme or legal aid. While pro bono legal representation ensures that no one goes undefended in the UK, many individuals choose to instruct a private solicitor for more complex or high-stakes cases.

Types of Legal Representation

As legal representative lawyers, we support clients throughout their prosecution, guiding them through every stage with honest sensitivity and fierce loyalty.

Police Station

You are entitled to legal representation at the police station whether you are under arrest or under caution. If you are arrested, you must be informed of your right to legal advice and may request a solicitor at any time. In most cases, once you have requested legal representation, the police cannot question you until your solicitor arrives. Under certain circumstances, the police can question you before you receive legal advice, but only when a senior officer agrees and only for a maximum of 36 hours (48 hours for suspected terrorism).

At the police station, Newtons’ legal representative lawyers will help you understand police procedure and how you should be treated while in custody. They will also ensure the police uphold the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) codes of practice and challenge unlawful actions. Once arrested, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to defend your position and begin building your case should you later need to appear in court, whether in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court.

Magistrates’ Court

You will likely attend a Magistrates’ Court for summary or either-way offences, where several magistrates or a district judge will hear your case. Depending on the nature and severity of the alleged crime, a Magistrates’ Court can pass single or combined sentences, including:

• A fine
• A ban
• A community order
• Up to six months in prison for summary offences
• Up to 12 months in prison for either-way offences

If you are summoned to a Magistrates’ Court, your Newtons legal representative will prepare your case, including gathering evidence and advising you on the strength of your defence. In the courtroom, they will speak on your behalf and cross-examine witnesses to present your version of events to the magistrates or judge. Following your hearing, your criminal case representative will explain the outcome and, if necessary, help manage the appeals process.

Crown Court

You will likely attend a Crown Court for more serious charges or when appealing against a Magistrates’ Court sentence, where a district judge and a public jury will hear your case. Again, depending on the nature and severity of the alleged crime, a Crown Court can impose a range of sentences, including community orders and time in prison.

Just as in a Magistrates’ Court, if you are summoned to a Crown Court, you will need to find a legal representative. Choosing Newtons means accessing specialist legal advice and expertise so that you can reach your best outcome with dignity and confidence. Whether you decide to plead guilty or not guilty, we will present your case in the best possible light.

Appeals

If you are unhappy with a decision made by a court, you can challenge it or request that it be reviewed. This typically involves pursuing an overturned conviction, a retrial or a different sentence. It is possible to appeal a Magistrates’ Court decision or a Crown Court decision, though circumstances differ widely. If you are convicted in a Magistrates’ Court, you are entitled to appeal; if you are convicted in a Crown Court, you must be granted permission.

The law surrounding appeals is complicated, and potential appellants will need specialist UK legal representation to stand the best chance of succeeding. At Newtons, our local criminal defence lawyers work with you to achieve the best possible result for your future.

Legal Representative Lawyers

Investing in private legal representation with Newtons means having a dedicated team that meticulously prepares your case from day one. With an uncompromising focus on your future, we will fight for your best outcome and protect your interests and legal rights.

Our defence solicitors are highly specialised in criminal case representation and operate throughout the North of England. To find your local criminal defence lawyer, please contact us today. If you require urgent assistance, please call 0800 038 5500.