Solicitor email

[Purgatory]

Hello again everyone,

I posted a while back re. sexual assault case for which I was bailed in September of last year. I have had a few rough months since with no access to my children since and several postponements of bail notifications quashing my prayers for a NFA every time. A couple of weeks ago, the IO rang to say that my new bail date will now be at the end of April. However, I have just now received a letter from my solicitor [who barely had any contact with me over all this length of time] saying the IO spoke to them today asking them to arrange for my attendance at the Police Station in a fortnight instead.

My anxieties have as you could imagine since heightened and I am finding myself scared to even ring the solicitor to find out more about that. I have summoned all my courage and tried a few minutes ago but there were no reply. Does that email definitely mean bad news and that I will be charged? If anyone had a similar experience or knowledge about this, I will be very grateful to know. Thanks

[joe_3178]

I have to say it's very frustrating that the police leave people hanging like this. And why is the solicitor sending a letter and not calling you to discuss... Anyway, it could be that they want to reinterview, I believe others have experienced this, maybe others could advise. Have you got some support from friends/family, or even GP to help you through this difficult time? Keep strong

[Purgatory]

Thanks, yes it has been a very frustrating & difficult time. I meant to say that I received an email from my solicitor & not a letter. It had a subject of 'change of bail date' and notifying me of the police request to attend in a fortnight, but yes, I'm also surprised that they didn't try to speak to me after the police rang them as they have all my details. It's crazy when you find yourself in this situation and your mind is racing of all the bad or worse things, like they may bring even further charges etc. After thinking it through, I just wished that I did not have to wait as long as a fortnight to wait for what they have to say to me. I'll give my solicitors a ring tomorrow & hopefully update it here. Thanks again.

[Purgatory]

Primed to be charged

Hello again,

Since my last post, I contacted my solicitor a few days ago who revealed that charges will be brought against me tomorrow. Understandably, I have been very down since this terrible news. To be honest, I never expected to come to this but maybe I have been very foolish from the beginning. I am trying to psyche myself up but any positive feeling seems to be flippant and temporary before I feel absolutely crappy again.

Anyway, as I have never experienced this horrible situation before, I was wondering what to expect at the police station tomorrow. My solicitor has arranged a time in the afternoon to meet with the OIC who will of course file the charges against me. I would welcome any advise from anyone who has been this unfortunate situation same as me, I know it's a bit late in the day now but there is practically no one else I can turn to right now. Do I need to say anything or do I have to make a plea at that time? Big thanks for any advice if anyone has any.

[Faith]

Sorry to hear of your bad news. However this is now your time to fight the charges.

Your visit to the police station will just be a formality. You will be read the charges and have to sign paperwork. You don't need to make a plea until the plea hearing.

Ensure your solicitor is present with you. Hopefully after you have been at the station, your solicitor may talk you through what's next and advise you on the particulars of your case.

In the coming days your solicitor will be requesting disclosure from the police. Do check they request the unused bundle as well, which contains evidence that the police aren't relying on but which may still help the defence.

[Casehardened]

I can't recollect whether your solicitor is the one you used during your interview i.e. the duty solicitor. but it may be a good idea to review this.

There is absolutely no problem in continuing to use them if you have confidence in their abilities and they have experience in defending false sexual allegation (think of the analogy of a GP who may also have a specialised knowledge of a branch of medicine) However if you wish to change representation this is the best time to do it as I believe that it is much more difficult to do this once the court process has started.

There is a 'Specialist Solicitor' thread in the 'Useful Information' section of the forum with member's recommendations.

[Purgatory]

Thank you Faith & Casehardened. I changed from my duty solicitor after a quick search online many months ago [before I found this site] to Tuckers based in the NorthWest where I live. Not sure what to make of them yet as they did not previously respond to my emails for some queries I had [about my work, bail conditions etc]. I will find out of course a bit more about them tomorrow and make a judgement call then. Also, as I work in the health service, I'm not sure of affordability and/or eligibility for legal aid.

I will scrutinise the Useful Information as you recommended and would also welcome any reliable solicitors anyone has experienced. Cheers.

[Casehardened]

Pre-charge, legal-aid funded solicitors only get paid out for attending interviews, so that may explain the reluctance to get involved with advice/emails etc.

The solicitor will advise on legal aid eligibility but if you want to work it out yourself I found this site:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal...-means-testing


If you need/want private representation, as you're in the NW, the general opinion on here is that Chris Saltrese is excellent.

[Purgatory]

Charged

I have indeed been charged on one count of intentional sexual touching under section 7 of the sex offenders act 2003. It feels like an incredibly harrowing charge to be accused of. And to think that I have photos and videos on my phone of us play fighting and her innocently hugging me on the same day and around the time I am being accused of this damaging charge. My ex-partner who supposedly saw the incident also managed to find the time to go out shopping soon after leaving me therefore alone with the 'victim' and then also texted me & rang me to pleasantly discuss bursary fees of my eldest daughter later on that same night after I have left. Who on earth would do that after supposedly witnessing someone accused of this offence? The police in their 'evidence gathering' never in fact did any investigation as such as they never got in touch with me or search any of my mobile/computer devices. I suppose they are satisfied enough to just have their 'independent' witness to this alleged incident.

The first hearing will be at the end of this month at a magistrate court and then more than likely to crown court. My solicitor was there throughout and he appeared himself to be surprised that they are going forward with a charge. More importantly, he is not sure whether I will be eligible for legal aid. I did contact Chris Saltrese's office early last week due to the good reviews on here and spoke to a rep who was very helpful but unless I come up with some drastic financial measures, it would be very difficult for me to afford them. My current solicitor will let me know in the next few days for definite about the legal aid.