Justice For All
Our Country’s Criminal Justice system has an excellent reputation. At its heart is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. It is for the Court to decide on the outcome of a trial. However, history has shown that miscarriages of Justice occur frequently. Freers aim to ensure that all our clients have the best representation to prevent a miscarriage happening to them. We have a strong tradition of excellence in advocacy, litigation, technical legal knowledge and preparation.
Advice & Representation At Every Stage
Being accused of a crime is a frightening prospect and being arrested or appearing in Court can have life changing implications for a client, family, friends and employment. We aim to support every client through each step, from questioning in the Police Station to representation at Trial. Accurate legal advice and representation is paramount. It can make the difference between charge and release from the Police Station or conviction and acquittal at Trial.
Developing Laws
The Law is becoming ever more complex and there is often a very thin line between innocence and guilt. Behaviour that is acceptable today might be criminal tomorrow and visa versa. Laws can be introduced and changed according to public opinion. Ensuring that all the facts are heard before the strict rule of law is applied is often extremely important. But, we are also realistic and inform our clients at the first opportunity when the law is against them and advise where conviction is likely.
Pro-Active Defence
Whilst it is for the prosecution to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt we believe that if a defence is to be advanced it should be done so proactively. We have built up close working relationships with experts in other fields who are able to provide professional opinion that can be used in evidence, where appropriate, to support the case for the defence. Such areas of expertise include:
- Forensic Science, Fingerprints, Glass fragmentation, Fibres & DNA
- Medical, Psychiatric & Psychological examinations
- Computer or Electronic analysis
- Mobile phone & Communications analysis
- CCTV, Photographic & voice analysis
- Mechanical, Automotive & Accident Reconstruction
Experience
We are equipped to represent in cases ranging from the most minor road traffic offences, through the topical; such as Anti-Social Behaviour, to the most serious; Murder, Manslaughter and Rape.
A significant number of our instructions have come in high profile cases that have attracted national media attention. We have experience of high value complex fraud and are regularly instructed in serious indictable only cases involving; conspiracy, drugs, firearms, serious violence, arson and kidnap. Despite this we recognise that to each individual client it is their case that is the most important and we apply the same high standards throughout.
Higher Courts & Appeals
Barristers are usually instructed to represent clients in the Crown Court and Higher Courts. To ensure a high standard of service we have an approved list of Barristers that we regularly use. Our record of picking talented advocates is borne out by the fact that many of the Barristers that we have used in the past are leading QCs and Judges today.
Where appropriate we will appeal a decision to a higher court. Cases in which we have represented have created precedents that have helped shape the laws as they stand today.
Our Team
An arrest or Court appearance is never convenient. Members of our team often have to work at unsociable hours. We have qualified staff to ensure that we can provide the best possible representation 24 hours a day.
Amongst our Criminal Defence Team we have 4 Qualified Duty Solicitors and 5 Accredited Police Station Representatives. We are members of the Criminal Defence Service, Accredited in Criminal Litigation by the Law Society, Members of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association and hold a contract to supply Criminal Legal Services with the Legal Services Commission.
We accept instructions on cases that are funded both privately and by legal aid. All clients are entitled to free legal advice in the Police Station. Legal aid between Police station attendances depends upon financial circumstances. Legal Aid after charge for representation at court is made by application to the court and depends on the merits of the case and financial circumstances. For more information on funding and Legal Aid please contact one of our criminal team.
