Criminal Charges:

When a crime has been committed, the police will be investigating suspects. If you happen to be a suspect for whatever reason, it is always best to cooperate with the police and not cause any trouble to hinder their investigations. If you are subsequently charged, your cooperation will work in your favour. Keeping this in mind, you must also ensure you do not compromise your legal rights during the cooperation.

Ways in which you can cooperate with the police are as follows:

• If the police ask you for identification, provide them with the relevant documents. You do not need to make a scene at being stopped or detained. Stay in control of your language including body language and emotions;
• Do not resist a police officer in any circumstance. There are grave penalties for assaulting police during the execution of their duty;
• Be polite and respectful towards the police officer. However, ensure that you do not consent or agree to their requests without consulting a Criminal Lawyer. When a police officer says they want to ask a few questions, you should remember that generally speaking, you have a complete right to silence.

It is very important that you do not compromise your interests when approached by a police officer. Our Criminal Lawyers have extensive experience in assisting clients criminal charges. They will look after your interests and ensure your legal rights are maintained and protected.

When you are charged with a criminal offence, there are number of rights you are entitled to and should ask for if not given:

1. You are innocent until proven guilty;
2. You may remain silent without any inference that you are guilty;
3. You can contact a legal representative;
4. If you are charged with a summary offence you can ask the police for further information on the offence;
5. The prosecution must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; and
6. If the charge is dismissed, you cannot usually be charged again for that offence.

If it is found that you did not exercise your rights or were not aware of your rights at the time of arrest or at the time of being charged, you may be able to make an argument that you have not been afforded procedural fairness. It is very important to speak to a Criminal Solicitor as soon as possible when charged with a criminal offence. You need to protect your interests and ensure you set yourself up for a fair hearing.