A criminal solicitor is able to advise on a wide range of offences. Whether you have been involved in a road traffic incident, you are accused of supply or possession of controlled drugs or you find yourself involved in a murder or manslaughter case it is important that you contact your criminal solicitor immediately to prevent any further complications and to limit the effect this may have on your life and your loved ones.
A criminal solicitor has the knowledge and expertise to advise an individual if they are under suspicion of any of these criminal activities and assist them throughout the process including representing them in court.
Types of criminal offence
There are three different categories of criminal offence here in the UK depending on the nature of the crime, and varies in sentence period for committing such crimes and where the case will be dealt with.
Summary offence
The majority of criminal offences are summary offences which are the least serious types of crime dealt with in a court of law. Summary offences include dealing with issues such as theft and burglary, minor road traffic incidents And being drunk and disorderly. Summary offences usually result in a ban, community service and either a penalty of up to £5000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months. These are dealt with in a magistrates court.
Indictable offence
Indictable offences are the most serious criminal offences and are dealt with very severely in court. Indictable offences include crimes such as rape, manslaughter, murder, possession of firearms, crimes against children and other similar violent crimes. These offences are dealt with by a judge in a crown court and can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Either way offence
An offence triable either way are crimes which may either fall into a summary offence or an indictable offence. There is a wide range of crimes which fall under this category and include criminal activities such as fraud and deception, supplying possession of illegal substances, dangerous driving and other criminal activity where the consequence may be minor or devastating depending on the circumstance. If the nature of the crime and the consequence of the crime is minor then it will be dealt with in a magistrates court however if it has serious implications then it will be dealt with by a judge in a Crown Court. An offence triable either way can result in a maximum of six months imprisonment or can result in a lifetime imprisonment.
The difference in sentencing between the types of offence is life changing and therefore it is vital that you have an experienced and professional criminal solicitor representing you from the very beginning of whichever type of criminal offence you are being accused of to make sure that you are dealt with fairly and that you are within your legal rights at all times and to make sure that you do not to implicate yourself any further than you may have already done so.
Speak to a criminal solicitor immediately to build up a strong defence and help achieve a positive outcome for you.
