Case gone to CPS

[Mr3]

So I found out my case has gone to the CPS (no one told me!). It's actually changed my state of mind to be a bit disappointed but more relieved - because that's one last hurdle before the next.

The police have had it sat doing nothing for so long I'm glad there's only one more pile left for it to sit on.

As for what the CPS will do with it - that's anyone's guess. Sometimes I wonder if they just flip a coin with these cases. Which is a good metaphor for my view of UK justice after this.

I'm hoping for the best, and weirdly not fearing court right now. I'd quite like the opportunity to put this to 12 ordinary people.

My one concern though is legal aid. I earn reasonably well (30K+) but I have absolutely no savings and no assets worth anything over a few thousand pounds. This leaves me unable to pay for what I understand the costs to be. Does that entitle me to legal aid still? Otherwise I can't defend myself. Although if I'm charged there's always a chance I'll lose my job and won't have to worry about that 30K (looking on the bright side).

When it comes to picking a solicitor who does legal aid, is it wise to pick someone locally? Frankly I'd rather go outside of where I am because there's no one here who specialises.

I hope everyone else here is well :-)

[lawlessone2009]

So I found out my case has gone to the CPS (no one told me!). It's actually changed my state of mind to be a bit disappointed but more relieved - because that's one last hurdle before the next.

The police have had it sat doing nothing for so long I'm glad there's only one more pile left for it to sit on.

As for what the CPS will do with it - that's anyone's guess. Sometimes I wonder if they just flip a coin with these cases. Which is a good metaphor for my view of UK justice after this.

I'm hoping for the best, and weirdly not fearing court right now. I'd quite like the opportunity to put this to 12 ordinary people.

My one concern though is legal aid. I earn reasonably well (30K+) but I have absolutely no savings and no assets worth anything over a few thousand pounds. This leaves me unable to pay for what I understand the costs to be. Does that entitle me to legal aid still? Otherwise I can't defend myself. Although if I'm charged there's always a chance I'll lose my job and won't have to worry about that 30K (looking on the bright side).

When it comes to picking a solicitor who does legal aid, is it wise to pick someone locally? Frankly I'd rather go outside of where I am because there's no one here who specialises.

I hope everyone else here is well :-)

http://www.daftmoo.org.uk/mooforum/s...ist-solicitors

Link may assist with finding a solicitor.

As for Legal Aid... You may qualify or you may not.

You could try:

https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid


I wouldn't worry too greatly about your file being sent to the CPS. More an additional dirty mind game than anything to really worry about.

[myhome]

Really sorry to hear that your case has gone to the CPS. (Mine has too).
Whether you get legal aid or not, you must get a defence team which specialises in your type of case. As one member said, "We only get one chance at this..."

[Bluenikky68]

Hi MR3

If you can't find a recommended local solicitor on the link provided by Lawlessone2009, please post a rough idea of your area (or where the trial may take place if it comes to that); somebody may be able to advise on who to use if not already in the list.

All best wishes, BN68

[Mr3]

Thanks all - I've taken a look at that page and found a few nearish where I am that seem to come well recommended.

I'll start making some calls in the week. No harm in being prepared, even though it may still not go to court :-)

[Southwestaccused]

Good luck. I have my fingers crossed for you. How did you find out your case had gone to the CPS, does this come from the solicitor or did you have to do some chasing?

[myhome]

How did you find out your case had gone to the CPS?

I found out be email from my solicitor who'd had emails from the police officers who had interrogated me saying the tapes were blank and the case had gone to the cps anyway.

[Mr3]

I had to chase it - it had probably been with the CPS for days or weeks.

[Southwestaccused]

I hope both of you get the NFA soon. Surely having no interview tapes can only weaken the case. It's been said before but it's worth saying again, keeping people waiting like this is inhumane, it is a sentence in itself.