Criminal Law

• Summary Offences: These are less serious offences, such as minor assaults or motoring offences, and are typically tried in the Magistrates’ Court.
• Either-Way Offences: These can be heard either in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court, depending on the severity of the case and the defendant’s preference. Examples include theft and burglary.
• Indictable Offences: These are the most serious crimes, such as murder or rape, and are always tried in the Crown Court before a judge and jury.

1. Investigation and Arrest: The police gather evidence and may arrest a suspect if there are reasonable grounds.
2. Charging Decision: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decides whether to formally charge the suspect based on the evidence and the public interest test.
3. Court Proceedings: The accused will be summoned or remanded in custody to appear in court. The type of offence determines the venue and procedure.
4. Trial and Verdict: In court, the prosecution and defence present their cases. The judge or jury will then deliver a verdict.
5. Sentencing: If found guilty, the defendant will receive a sentence that could include imprisonment, a fine, or other penalties.

• Police Station Representation: 24/7 advice and representation during interviews under caution.
• Court Representation: Experienced advocates for Magistrates’ and Crown Court hearings.
• Appeals and Post-Conviction Support: Assistance with appeals against conviction or sentence.

We wish all our Clients and Colleagues a very happy Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Our offices close on 22/12/23 at noon and re open on the 02/01/24 at 9.00 am.

We are available for any emergency needs for example Police Station Attendances over the holiday period or important issues that may arise in relation to your case that need immediate attention.

We will also be available for any Criminal Court hearings over the festive period which will include the 26th through to the 29th of December 2023.

Please call 07793464380 and we will deal with your issue.

Kind regards

Seasons Greetings

IMSLAW

We at IMSLAW would like to reassure all our clients and contacts that we are, and will remain committed, to providing you with the best possible service during this difficult and challenging time.

To keep our clients and communities safe and in line with the government guidelines, we have closed our practice on Corporation Street in St. Helens but are continuing to work remotely. We are working diligently to ensure the minimum possible disruption to our services and your case. You can still contact us on our usual telephone number 01744 612 549 to discuss any personal injury or criminal cases.

Are personal injury claims still going ahead at the moment?

In relation to our personal injury cases, the wellbeing of our clients is paramount; we have therefore temporarily placed on hold all ongoing physical and psychological therapies for our clients. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will consider changing to remote treatment where it is appropriate for our clients needs.

Any medical appointments that are scheduled for future dates are also being monitored and, in-line with medicolegal considerations, we are considering remote examinations. We will judge the suitability of this  options for each client on a case by case basis.

Are criminal cases still progressing during lockdown?

In relation to criminal matters, a significant amount of court dates have been adjourned and we will update any client whose court hearing has been rescheduled. A network of priority courts are continuing to operate and hearings are taking place with the use of telephone, video and other conferecing technology to ensure as many hearings are able to go ahead as possible.

However, some hearings will remain on hold and we can advise that all new jury trials are being postponed. If you require more information about your particular case please contact us and will provide further information. We can advise that we are providing ongoing client updates and are contacting them about their individual circumstances via post and telephone.

If you require further information about court matters and COVID-19 please view the government website here.

Can I still get access to legal advice during lockdown?

Our working practices are flexible and allow easy engagement on a non-face-to-face basis. Regardless of where our teams are working they remain fully accessible by telephone and email and we will continue to support you in our usual dedicated and proactive way.If you wish to discuss a new criminal or personal injury matter we are available to advise you and take new instructions by phone or email.

If you would like legal advice during lockdown, speak to a member of our team to discuss any aspect of our services please on 01744 612 549 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.