Just accused. help!

[AnonMale]

Hi,

I've just received an allegation of rape made against me by my ex girlfriend. I received a call from The London Met Police Sapphire division requesting my attendance to an interview.

If anyone can point me to a decent lawyer based in Lancashire who will work under legal aid I would be very welcome. I called Chris Saltrese based in Southport today, but I feel they will only work privately, which is a bit of a shame. I really feel my case requires a specialist, as to me, in my eyes it's quite technical, but relying on word of mouth. I promise you all from the depths of my soul, I didn't rape the girl.

Thanks in advance.

[Faith]

Im sorry that I cant reccommend a solicitor who works on legal aid but someone may come along who can

In the meantime, read our sticky thread: Falsely Accused? What to do Now.

Under no circumstances must you attend that interview without legal representation.

[Rights Fighter]

Solicitors are now paid by the case not by the amount of time they put in. This is why solicitor Chris no longer undertakes legally aided work. It would be like asking a plumber to install a boiler and only paying him to put a washer on a tap.

Try Stephenson's in Wigan - Correna Platt is my solicitor of choice from there.

[AnonMale]

Hi, thanks for all the kind advice. It's a great place here. I especially felt more in control of my roller coaster emotions after reading Chris Saltrese's web pages. Really good to know someone so intelligent and dedicated is there. I'm going to discuss with my parents this weekend, and hope they can help me with the fees. Thanks.

I'll leave this thread open another day, then close it, as I'm not comfortable with the internet being so open, and it plays with my mind and fears.

Thanks again.

[So angry and hurt]

So angry and hurt

I am so sorry for you , I do hope that everything works out quickly for you, it's the waiting that is so hard I find, I do know what you mean about the site but if you are careful not to identify too many details you should be fine. I have to say that this has been a life saver for me,try to keep busy and keep talking to somebody if you can. We all hope and pray that the truth wins . Good luck

[AnonMale]

one day to go

One day to go until I have the interview and I'm physically shaking now. I've been on and off for the last three weeks. I have a solicitor who will be attending with me, but I'm so terrified I'm so scared that I don't think I'll even be able to speak.

[Casehardened]

Hopefully, like lots of things that happen to us in our lives, both good and bad, you will find that the anticipation doesn't live up to the reality.

If it's the first time you have been involved with the police, it is frightening, but remember that a habitual criminal will take these interviews in their stride, they have no fear of the system, after all the interviewers have to go by the rules and can't physically or mentally torture you.

In fact if you can't speak this is probably good, the commonest error is to say too much in reply to the questioning; as per the caution: anything you say may be used against you.

The good cop/bad cop scenario is still prevalent: you will feel that one of the interviewers has some sympathy for your predicament and you may want to pour out your heart to him, but try to treat it as a business meeting with equals. Be brief, honest, and factual in your replies, look at whoever asked the question when answering. Don't get flustered or angry whatever they may ask you or suggest to you, they are just doing their job and their job is to get a quick confession out of you then on to their next case.

[Boys don't cry]

You will find that the anticipation doesn't live up to the reality.

If it's the first time you have been involved with the police, it is frightening

In fact if you can't speak this is probably good, the commonest error is to say too much in reply to the questioning; as per the caution: anything you say may be used against you.

Casehardened is right:listen to your solicitor ,be brief but honest to the police.

[So angry and hurt]

So hurt and angry

I can't give you any legal advice but I just want you to know that you really are not alone, and I know everyone will be thinking of you, and try to be strong, take things slowly you might feel a bit better when you've had a chance to put your side down, make sure you don't start rambling on and on ( I think we can sometimes do that when we get stressed.) And remember hold you head up high,
you haven't done anything wrong!

[fighter]

Anonmale,
you must have been through the interview by now.. I hope it went smoothly and not so scary as you expected.
Hang in there!

[RFLH]

I hope all went well and that you are coping.

[AnonMale]

Hi everyone I just received confirmation of NFA.

[AnonMale]

...And now i'm crying.

[Angry and frightened]

Congrats, Anonmale. All the best to you in the future!

[0990]

congrats , glad it all went well for you