Sexual Assault

[Irishfella]

Yes. My sol will be present with me. Thanks for keeping me updated. I'll let you and all know what happens Tuesday.

[blowngasket]

ok hope all goes well

[NOHOPE]

hi
my husband is going through this as well and he appears in magistrates in mid noc, when you say you get the others statements do you get them on the day.

[blowngasket]

in my case at the first apearance at magistreate to enter my plea of not guilty. i was given the statement made by the accuser and 2 matarial witnesses. i had a copy and my sol had a copy so i could take home and study there is a collection point in the court if your sol goes with you they will pick them up before you go into court

hope that helps

[Irishfella]

Thanks for the advice guys. So if I get the option should I choose magistrates trial or crown court trial. Both are expensive. Magistrates is £1500 + vat and crown is £1750 + vat + £500 per day + vat. This is all a bit much. Plus will my accuser occur similar costs to me? I need to pay the bones of £400 for representation just for entering a plea. Advise would be muchly appreciated here. Thanks.

[Rights Fighter]

The accuser will not be liable to pay any costs as this is not a private prosecution by her.

You are best asking a criminal defence solicitor as to which way to go.

[Irishfella]

Thanks rights fighter. Have spoken to my sol already and she think crown court will be a more expensive but fairer trial for me. That's if I get the option to elect a crown court trial. Magistrates is cheaper and faster but if found guilty could be referred to crown court for sentencing.

[Rights Fighter]

You are stuck between a rock and a hard place. You could be judged by magistrates who may not yet have had their breakfast (or nookie in over a month) or twelve of your "peers" who just might have more than half a brain cell between them.

[RFLH]

chuckles at nookie-less magistrates!!!

[Irishfella]

This is what concerns me. Do the sol fees seem high or do they seem standard?

[largactyl1]

Hi Irishfella, so sorry you find yourself in this situation. Have you discussed this with friends in order to get emotional support - as i would do well to get some support at this horrible time. You are in the right place here for support and advice

Kind Regards
Jen

[Irishfella]

Thanks for reading and replying Jen. Only people I have told have been my brother and my partner. Both are very understanding about the situation. I have my plea before tomorrow and I'm very nervous about it. Have also spoken to another sol and she has re-assured me not to be worried and making myself ill about it but obviously I still am. Will post up tomorrow how it all goes and if I'm allowed I elect a crown trial as opposed to a magistrates.

[RFLH]

I think you'll find that it will go to Crown Court.

[Irishfella]

I hope so. The fact it's literally my word against hers no evidence my sol said I may not be able to elect.

[RFLH]

I'm sure RF will correct me if i'm wrong - but mag's don't deal with these cases they pass them on to CC as they carry higher sentences than mag's hand out.