Solicitor advice

[jimmy]

I was falsely accused of rape last month and when interviewed by police I naively did not take a solicitor into the interview. What I need to know is:

At the end of the taped interview they read a statement back to me that they had written on my behalf. Do the CPS listen to the tape or just read the interview?

If the CPS only receive my written statement is it possible to obtain a copy of it before I’m charged for a solicitor to look over?

I spoke to a legal firm in December who have assigned me a solicitor. He seemed nice enough but I have to admit I wasn’t overly impressed with his knowledge or attitude towards the case. Can anyone recommend a solicitor in the Midlands who specialises in rape?

Thanks for your help

[lawlessone2009]

You may have to wait a day or two as the main person for inside recommendations is away, if I am reading things correctly.

Others of course may be willing to share their recommendations with you but just in case they don't I wouldn't worry as you WILL get a recommendation soon.

I wouldn't worry too much about your statements or written stuff. Did you sign it?

As long as you don't plan on deviating from what you have stated you have nothing to worry about. If there are 'recollections' at a later date then these can be discussed with your legal team and the necessary information assembled in a manner which will not damage your defence unnecessarily.

If you haven't been charged, as you indicate, then you may never be charged. At the moment you will have to endure a waiting game which could be long or could be short. You will not be given much info from the Police and your solicitor won't be much interested at the moment as they have trials to deal with etc. An arrested person released without charge is not one of their priorities but you can generally rest assured that they do become interested as the charges and court cases start.

You could maybe name your solicitor and others could give their views?

I would recommend that you start reading other threads on here to gather the experiences of others, it'll prepare you for the worst so that when something good happens you will instantly get a lift. It will also help guide you through the potential minefield that lies ahead and give you the knowledge you need to ensure you have the best solicitor/barrister and also the best defence should the absolute worst materialise.

Some people state never to talk to the Police. I wouldn't recommend it myself but then I did talk... I had nothing to hide so felt almost compelled too, you may have felt the same. They do twist things and they do play games but then the actual court case is where you can state your side to a jury and thwart/clarify any implied meanings from the prosecution.

[Saffron]

Excellent advice from Lawlessone.
Unfortunately our resident expert on sols and barristers is away for a few days, but I am confident she will reply when she can. Her name is Rights Fighter and she works as client liaison for a sol who specialises in defending false allegations of rape and sexual abuse.
In the meantime, welcome. I am sorry you are here, but glad you found us.

[fighter]

A few weeks ago there was a solicitor (specialist) in the midland recommended by rights fighter; maybe you will encounter it as you read through other threads.

[fighter]

saw this post from rights fighter.. but it is for east midlands:

"Barrister Adrian Langdale works in the East Midlands area. I was impressed when I saw him working at Nottingham Crown court.

I have been recommended these http://www.cartwrightking.co.uk/crim...nce/index.html

I have no personal experience of them though."

hope this helps.

[Saffron]

Nice one Fighter! I am so impressed with the support you give to others whilst dealing with your own nightmare. Thank you so much

[RFLH]

and from me too

[dazedandconfused10]

I second that for fighter the name couldnt be more true, an inspiration to us

[barney]

Sorry to hear your plight but welcome to the forum. I was recommended to never speak to the police unless they interview you but that choice is yours. If you read through some of the threads you will see many solicitors have been recommended but don't get too bogged down by regions as some of them take cases anywhere in the country. I also live in the Midlands but have made contact with the soloicitor on Right Fighters signature and having someone with his experience sitting in the wings in case the wrost happens is reassuring.
I hope you never need to use him and common sence prevails.

[daki]

Hi

Chosing the right team is crucial for you,I was being pushed by my solicitor at the time to plead guilty

this fella is gold works national cases call him or email him say you got given his details on this site he is very understanding

Mr Gerry McDonald (Higher Rights Solicitor)
EBR Attridge LLP Solicitors
436 High Road
Tottenham
London
N17 9JB

Mob: 07779 239708
24hr 020 8808 0774

www.ebrattridge.com

Gerry uses barristers from:
Garden Court Chambers
Lincoln Inn Fields
London

Julia Krish has 18 years experience in the field of historical allegations of sexual offences and allegations of familial child sex abuse.
Google: Garden Court Chambers for list of members and CV's

[Verity]

Hi Daki,

I'm glad you feel safe with Gerry and julia.

I think I should let the forum family know that Hubby and I were introduced to Gerry

by a lady called Dr Jo Bruce (Emergency Medical Registrar) who sadly is fighting

cancer.

It is because of that introduction and her support during the hell we went through,

(and resusitation of me when I went into cardiac arrest in Feb 2010 (diff from a

heart attack) that hubby and I are were we are today slowly recovering and getting

some normality and routine back into ourlives.

I promised Gerry when we said our thanks for all he and Julia did to expose the truth

and get the not guilty verdict for hubby that I would put his details on the forums

and refer innocent victims falsely accused to him.

I assurred him I would give him incontravertable evidence of how common FA's are

by dint of having folks queuing up asking for representation and then he would

realise just how prolific this injustice is and how many lives are being decimated by

it.

Well, as I promised it has come to pass and in his inimitable irish way has texted

that I was right and has encouraged me to keep up the good fight.

To get that sort of acknowledgement from a solicitor is going some and has

motivated me to keep going in what I now do.

So I ask everyone who goes to Gerry to be pro-active with your case, give him

information/material/evidence in an easily readable format:

double space everything.

Put each point in seperate paragraphs.

Highlight points you feel are important or wish to discuss in conference.

Be prompt in getting documents, etc to him.

Be as concise as you can, keep on topic.

Listen carefully, he knows how to play the 'game'.

Follow his instructions re; court appearances.

If something is worrying/concerning you e-mail him rather than phone him during

court time (9;30am-4;15pm). He will get back to you even if it is 10 or 11pm.

Oh, and send him all the best from Mark and the fiesty woman, he will

know who you mean!!!

[daki]

Cheers Verity I had been in consultation with my former solicitor 4 times

he tells me we are in a good situation night before court tells me i havent got

a chance in hell

I was sitting in court in bits waiting to take a plea for something i havent done

and you refered me to Gerry he gives me confidence and I believe I will come through

And once this is over dancing bananas galore

be smart jimmy preparation is key to defence

[jimmy]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and solicitor recommendations. I'll wait for Rights Fighter's recommendations and then make a decision.

[Rights Fighter]

I don't know if Gerry et al of Attridges would be able to cover a publicly funded trial so far from their base as the LSC would not pay travelling/overnight expenses.

Have a look at http://www.glaisyers.co.uk/

If you can afford to pay privately (it doesn't always follow that you will get the right verdict should this matter go to trial despite what some people belive), then www.chrissaltrese.co.uk charges a fraction of what some other solicitors charge and they have a damn good track record with trials. False allegations of sexual abuse is all they do at trial level.

Do not be tempted to go to enquiry agents who set themselves up as the saviours of the falsely accused - one such group charges around £100K with no guarantee of a not guilty verdict.