falsely accused family member - barrister query

[terrible_time]

Hello, im in the horrible position of having a family member thats been falsely accused by a disgruntled ex partner. This has been going one over the past few months and he has been interviewed. I have done my research as best I can and we were hoping that we would get to no further action but unfortunately this isn't the case and we have found out the case will be going to court. This is a massive shock to our whole family as we know the circumstances around the accusation are all complete lies and we are all unsure how to proceed.

My family member has up until this point been dealing with a local solicitor who I believe to be a duty solicitor but we have also found (via a friend) a specialist solicitor in Manchester that deals with high profile cases and has a great reputation. Clearly this level of representation comes with a very high price tag and after having a meeting with them they mentioned they could get a barrister or a qc to represent him in court. We are just at bit of a loss. Clearly we want to do everything we can to ensure that justice is ensured and my family member is cleared but unfortunately this could be at the result of bankrupting the entire family. Any advise as to whether we should pay the big money and go with this firm who can get a QC to represent him or consider other options would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou

[Rights Fighter]

Before you commit yourselves to a particular solicitor, do some shopping around. There are other private client solicitors who are equally as experienced who may well charge a lot less that what you might have been quoted.

Chris Saltrese is based in Southport and usually instructs Tania Griffiths QC and her costs comes in with the quote.

[falseaccused9390]

Hello, im in the horrible position of having a family member thats been falsely accused by a disgruntled ex partner. This has been going one over the past few months and he has been interviewed. I have done my research as best I can and we were hoping that we would get to no further action but unfortunately this isn't the case and we have found out the case will be going to court. This is a massive shock to our whole family as we know the circumstances around the accusation are all complete lies and we are all unsure how to proceed.

My family member has up until this point been dealing with a local solicitor who I believe to be a duty solicitor but we have also found (via a friend) a specialist solicitor in Manchester that deals with high profile cases and has a great reputation. Clearly this level of representation comes with a very high price tag and after having a meeting with them they mentioned they could get a barrister or a qc to represent him in court. We are just at bit of a loss. Clearly we want to do everything we can to ensure that justice is ensured and my family member is cleared but unfortunately this could be at the result of bankrupting the entire family. Any advise as to whether we should pay the big money and go with this firm who can get a QC to represent him or consider other options would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou

Hi

I am very much just starting this journey myself and have exactly the same dilemma .. the way myself and family are looking at this is whatever the costs we have to do it -- we will have to remortgage the house but paying something for 20years is better than being locked away for 5yrs+ and on the SOR for life for something I didn't do

I know its not fair but have to do whatever it takes ... one day, the law will change and pay people back for whatever legal costs they have incurred but until then its self preservation and survival.

I only joined this site a couple of days ago and its full of useful information and support ...

Keep us all informed of the progress and we are all in this together ...

I myself am meeting with Chris this week, although I have a very good local solicitor .. but this is specialist stuff and needs a specialist approach...

[can it get worse]

Hi - Sorry that you're having to find this forum but welcome.
To have a solicitor who is experienced in this field is so important. It is hard to consider that one person's word can land someone in this situation. It indicates how crucial it is to have good legal representation.

My partner used Chris Saltrese and Tania - they were fabulous. Both lovely people and skilled at their job.

As Rights Fighter advises .. please shop around. Also refer to the link on this forum in which recommendations are made.
I believe Eleanor Laws QC could be based in Manchester - she has a very good reputation.

[Lucky]

can't go wrong in the midlands with the ppl recommended

make sure you have a meet with your barrister. its important you connect with them.

[terrible_time]

Hi, firstly thanks for the advice to everybody. We will definitely do some shopping around and may be contacting Chris as he seems to come recommended. The solicitors we have been dealing with and the one that we are leaning towards are called Lewis Hymanson Small in Manchester if anybody has heard of them? It is difficult as this has all come out of the blue and currently trying to sort our financial situation out so that were are in the best position to afford costs.

Best of luck to you falseaccused9390 its an impossible and cruel situation to be in.

Thanks

[Rights Fighter]

I've not heard of Lewis Hymanson Small solicitors but that doesn't mean they aren't ok.

Speak with Chris though as he really does know what he is doing and he CARES too.

[This man]

I've not heard of Lewis Hymanson Small solicitors but that doesn't mean they aren't ok.

Speak with Chris though as he really does know what he is doing and he CARES too.

Hello terrible time

I know what you and your family are feelinh, I too was accused from a disgruntled ex girlfriend who has done everything she can to destroy my previous relationship and she succeeded

She has now gone the other way and made numerous lies about me over fraud and theft and criminal damage, firearms etc there is nothinh that this creature will do to break me and my family

She fabricated aload of lies over theft and fraud to get the police around to arrest me on anal rape and included her 2 so called friends I was on bail for 13 mths before the cps charged me on consent

I'm also from Manchester and my day in court is February next year to fight this evil and corrupt system which i have put my trust in from day one I now no different

I have a excellent solicitor and barrister who are helping me with this, I've gathered fb evidence, phone evidence and numerous other stuff which undermines her credibility in court, you also need to do this and fight all the way to clear your name

If you need advice on sol and barrister pm me and I will try and help anyway I can or if you need to chat

[Aidy]

Hello there, very similar position to myself!
I am also in Manchester...
Ok so first off...Even though I myself am not using Chris Saltrese, having spoken to him several times very early into my ordeal, he is genuinely one of the warmest (and knowledgeable) blokes I have ever spoken with!
It was actually Chris who recommended Louise Straw @ Burton Copeland to us!
Such an amazing lady...smart, warm and again very knowledgeable!!
My court case is early next year...my barrister is a gentleman called David Temkin!
He is possibly the nicest man you could ever wish to meet....calm, cool yet his attention to detail is second to none!
I managed to claim part legal aid, so it's definitely worth questioning it because I didn't think I would be eligible for it!

I wish you all the very best....and if you ever need to chat x

[Mr B]

To TT & all those in the same position. Whilst I cannot advise first hand of the Midlands, may I wish you all the best in your search for solid reliable & experienced representation.

May I say a sad welcome to this excellent forum. Please do search long & hard here. It will help. Painful, but it will help. Remember someone purposely alleged against you. Fight it. Just fight.

Kindest regards
Mr B