At Musa Patels LLP Solicitors, we understand that being suspected of a crime, being subject to a police investigation or facing criminal charges, can be a stressful and life-changing moment.
Our expert lawyers are on hand to talk through your case and support you throughout the process working 24/7 to maximise your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.
Our Criminal Defence Solicitors frequently act for individuals who have never faced investigation or prosecution before. We have an excellent track record of successfully representing individuals under investigation and facing criminal charges in Magistrate Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.
No matter how large or small the offence, our team are well equipped to defend your rights. We will explain everything to you and discuss your defence strategy, advising you on the possible outcomes.
Our criminal defence team includes solicitors who hold Higher Rights of Audience. These solicitors, also known as Solicitor Advocates, or Higher Court Advocates. Are qualified to represent clients in Courts at all levels, and can fulfil the role usually undertaken by a Barrister.
If you are facing any criminal charge our criminal defence solicitors can provide advice at any stage. We will apply for legal aid on your behalf and if you would like to pay privately, we can also arrange a fixed fee agreement, where available.
Call our team for a no-obligation quote or a free telephone consultation, on 01924 437 800
Zafar Iqbal
Partner
Our Criminal Specialist can assist you with:
Advising at Police Station
At Musa Patels LLP, we offer a 24-hour emergency call out service, 7 days a week even through public holiday and festive period for representation at the police station, on 07970 151066 and 07966 213165. We are able to provide this extensive cover thanks to our team of highly qualified and experienced solicitors and accredited police station lawyers.
What you say or agree to in a police station will dictate what will happen to you and can easily affect whether or not prosecution is brought and the outcome of your case.
We often find that when clients have not been represented by a solicitor, at the police station they are at a disadvantage if their case goes to court because of what was said, or was not said, when interviewed by the police.
If you find yourself arrested and taken to a police station or voluntarily attend for an interview, upon arrival at the police station you must be told by the police of your right to free and independent legal advice and legal representation. Tell the police that you want to speak to Musa Patels LLP and the police will contact us.
We will ensure one of our specialists will speak to you immediately and assist you during the police station interview. Remember, DO NOT speak to the police about anything until you have spoken to us.
If someone you know has been arrested and needs our help or if you have been asked to attend a voluntary interview at the police station then please make sure your rights are protected by calling us on 01924 437800 or on our emergency call-out numbers 07970 151066 and 07966 213165.
Magistrates Court
If you have received a summons or you are charged by the police to appear at a Magistrates Court then please call us beforehand. All criminal cases will begin in the Magistrates courts where they are heard either by magistrates drawn from the local community or district judge, an experienced lawyer with a majority of them concluding there.
At the hearing, the court will decide whether or not your case is suitable to remain in Magistrates court or whether it will be sent to the Crown Court. You may have the chance in certain situations to determine whether which court you want your case to be dealt with.
At Musa Patels LLP we understand that it can be a stressful time for the individual. If you are pleading guilty we will spend time with you looking at all the features that need to be raised with the court so that you get the lightest outcome possible. We will then argue the case for you in court. If you deny the charge then it goes without saying that you will need to challenge the prosecution and police case in every detail.
The magistrates have a range of sentencing powers from an absolute discharge of offence to fine up 12 months imprisonment. Should they decide to sentence you to a prison sentence or community order, the individual will be interviewed by the National Probation Service.
All our advocates are trial experts and many of them go on to represent clients in the more serious cases in the Crown Court before a Judge and Jury.
Crown Court
The most serious matters will be referred to the Crown Court by the Magistrates where they have greater powers of punishment.
Trials in the Crown Court take place before a Judge sitting with a jury of 12 people selected at random. The Judge is there to advise the jury on the law and procedure while the jury decide any questions of fact. If the Jury decide that you are guilty, it is the Judge who decides your sentence.
We acknowledge your legal right to be represented to the highest standard whichever court hears your case. Should your case be sent to the Crown Court or should you choose to elect the Crown Court to hear your case, we shall appoint one of our solicitors to be your first point of contact and be responsible for the preparation of your case. The majority of our advocates are qualified to appear before both courts and are best placed to advise you about the issues that may arise.
At Musa Patels LLP we understand that facing serious charges is very stressful, not only for you but also for your loved ones. We promise to:
Feel Free to contact us on 01924 437800
Appeals
At Musa Patels LLP, we are experienced and thrive in winning appeal against convictions and sentences for our client. Overturning a conviction or sentence can be difficult and have a drastic effect on your life which is why you should contact our criminal team. We have a proactive team willing to fight your corner both at the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.
A decision of the Magistrates can be appealed by way of an appeal to the Crown Court which should be lodged within 28 days of the sentence being passed.
There is an automatic right of appeal, but an unsuccessful appeal may result in costs being awarded against you.
A sentence in the Crown Court can only be appealed if it was manifestly excessive or deemed wrong in law. A conviction can only be appealed if it is deemed to be unsafe, but not merely because an individual is unhappy with the result.
Our appeals team will explain the process to you in non legal terms and help you every step of the way, providing a realistic assessment for the success of your appeal. We have access to the best Barristers who will fight for the outcome you require.
Youth Court
When an individual under the age of 18 is charged with a criminal offence (unless you are charged with an adult co-defendant), the individual case will start and finish at the Youth Court. The client will be required to attend the Youth Court with a parent or carer, as well as a representative from the local Youth Offending Team.
At Musa Patels LLP we understand that it can be a stressful time for the young person as well as, all those involved or affected by the situation. We work hard to build a relationship of trust and understanding with our clients. Therefore we will obtain a copy of prosecution papers, take your full instructions and advise you on the law, the strength of the evidence against you, any defences available to you and what sentence you could expect to receive if you were to be convicted.
Legal Aid
Musa Patels LLP Solicitors are franchised by the Legal Aid Agency, which means we hold a legal aid contract with the legal services commission and we will advise you as to your eligibility for legal aid and whether you might have to contribute to the cost of your defence.
If you are subsequently charged with an offence or are summoned to appear before the Court, then you may be entitled to Legal Aid if you meet the necessary criteria. Our criminal team can assist you on this matter by completing the application form with you and submit it on your behalf. Should you wish to pay privately for your representation then we can offer you a competitive fixed fee agreement.
Please note that if you give false information on your application form to avoid paying fees, then you are committing fraud. Depending on the information you have submitted and the surrounding circumstances, you could face a prison sentence. It is therefore vital that you submit the correct information and the required documents to support your claims.
71-73 Bradford Road, Dewsbury WF13 2EG
info@musapatels.co.uk
m.patel@musapatels.co.uk
01924 437800
FAX: 01924 488810
DX 23371 Dewsbury
ARRESTED BY THE POLICE?
GOING TO POLICE STATION?
We offer FREE police station advice & assistance on any matter.
Representation offered for the Magistrates & Crown Courts
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS:
Mr Iqbal 07970 151056
Mr Patel 07966 213165
Mr Arif 07973 429856
Mr Ali 07890 862893
