Crime & Defence

Fosters' nationally recognised Crime and Defence Team offers a full criminal defence service. Solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide legal advice to all of our clients. All of our police station advice is free of charge and Legal Aid may also be available for any Court proceedings.

Police Station Advice

All legal advice that Fosters provide at police stations is free to our clients.

Being arrested is an extremely pressurised and stressful experience. Everyone is entitled to free legal advice, and if you are interviewed by the police, you are entitled to have a legal representative present. Interviews are recorded on tape and the way you approach the questions is crucial.

Fosters' Crime and Defence Team can attend on you at the police station. The decisions we can help you with will shape the future of the case. With Fosters with you at every stage you can be assured you are making the right decisions.

To access the free expert advice you need at the police station, all you need to do is ask for Fosters when arrested by the police. They are required to notify a Central Call Centre that holds all of our details, and who notify us as soon as the call is received.

Court

It may be that you are required to go to Court. Fosters can help you find your way through this process, and Legal Aid may be available.

It is important you receive the correct advice as to whether you should plead Guilty or Not Guilty, as the case progresses and the outcomes are all affected by the decisions you make.

Our Defence experts are experienced in all areas of Criminal Defence work. We will provide the advice you need, and conduct the hearings on your behalf, achieving the best result possible.

Praise for the Crime Team

We understand how important it is for you to trust your Defence Solicitors. You don’t just have to take our word about the service we provide, as below are the comments that matter to us the most – written feedback from our clients:

"Sympathetic, listened to my point of view and situation, very professional."

"Excellent, reassuring and good advice."

"You have made everything clear and easy for me, you are the best."

"Brilliant service, not much more I can say apart from excellent. Thank you for all your help.

"Kept us up to date on progress at all times and in a way that was easy to understand."

"I can find no fault and thank you for your good service."

"First class service with an outstanding result."

"I would just like to say thank you to all your staff, I was treated with great dignity and respect."

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I entitled to have a solicitor at the Police Station?

2. If you are arrested and detained at the police station, or attend voluntarily for an interview, one of your rights is to have a legal representative of your choice present to represent your interests, and to advise you. We are funded by the Criminal Defence Service, and therefore all representation at the police station is free of charge, irrespective of your means, or the nature of the offence for which you are at the police station.

3. What happens if I am arrested outside normal office hours?

4. Our solicitors are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If you are arrested, when you are taken to the police station you will be asked whether you want a solicitor. When you ask for Fosters, or one of our solicitors by name, we will automatically be contacted, and will contact the police station, and you immediately. If you have a pre arranged time to attend at the police station, by contacting our office we can make sure one of our team is there to meet you upon your arrival, and advise you throughout the process.

5. Do I need a solicitor at the police station?

6. Yes. The actions you take at the police station can have huge implications on how your matter progresses. Our team can advise you on the police procedures, strengths or weaknesses of the police case, and how to approach your interview. We can also make representations on your behalf in relation to cautions, bail, fixed penalty notices and the amount of time you are detained at the police stations. All of our team have undergone years of training, and numerous qualifications to enable them to provide the best possible advice to you.

7. I did not have a solicitor when I was arrested, and have to return to the police station, can I have a solicitor this time?

8. If you were not represented initially, you are able to arrange for a solicitor of your choice to attend with you when you answer your bail at the police station. This can be pre arranged by contacting our office, or when you arrive at the police station you can ask for Fosters to be contacted.

9. What happens if I get charged with an offence?

10. If you are charged with an offence you will be given a date to attend Court. One of our solicitors can attend Court with you and represent you throughout your case. The first hearing normally involves entering a plea. Our solicitors would be able to advise you on the strength of the prosecution case, likely outcomes, and the best course of action for you.

11. Will I get Legal Aid at Court?

12. Legal Aid is available for many cases, but is dependant upon your means and the nature of your case. Our team will be able to advise you whether you qualify for Legal Aid, and will complete the necessary forms with you.

13. How much will it cost if I do not qualify for Legal Aid?

14. The cost of the representation will depend upon the nature of your case, as some cases can be concluded in one hearing, others take months of work to complete. Our team will be able to give you a preliminary indication of cost, and in some cases agree a fee with you to undertake your case. We will not charge you any amount without first seeking your approval and agreement to do so. If you are acquitted we will apply for as much of your costs to be reimbursed to you as possible.

15. How long will it take for my case to be concluded?

16. Each case is different. Some straightforward cases, where a person wishes to enter a guilty plea, could be concluded at the first hearing. Other cases, where a not guilty plea is entered, then a trial set can last longer. It will depend upon the nature of the case, plea entered, and also whether the matter is dealt with in the Magistrates or Crown Court. Our solicitors will be able to advise you of the timescale in your case as the matter progresses.

17. Do you deal with motoring offences?

18. Yes. Our team are highly experienced in defending the whole spectrum of motoring offences, from speeding, drink driving and tachograph offences. We appreciate how important driving licences are, and ensure that every issue is carefully considered, and that you are fully advised of the relevant law in relation to your case. We will do everything possible to ensure that you retain your driving licence.

19. What sort of case do you usually deal with?

20. We have specialised solicitors who deal with all aspects of criminal law, from murder, rape, robbery, drugs conspiracies and burglary, to first time youth offenders. We have built a strong reputation for complicated cases, especially those involving ‘cold case‘ reviews and complex pathology issues.

    We also have expertise in prosecutions by the Health and Safety Executive, and Trading Standards, together with the full range of motoring offences.

The Crime Team