POLICE STATION ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE
WE PROVIDE A 24 HOUR/7 DAY A WEEK SERVICE TO ANYONE REQUIRING ADVICE AT THE POLICE STATION AS A SUSPECT OR A VOLUNTEER. THIS IS PROVIDED UNDER THE LEGAL AID SCHEME AND IS FREE OF CHARGE.
If you or someone you know is to attend the Police Station either under arrest or as a suspect for a voluntary interview under caution it is of the upmost importance that you/they are adequately represented at the Police Station . All criminal cases start in the police station and advice given at that point can have huge consequences further down the line if you are charged and go to Court. At Morgan Brown and Company we pride ourselves in giving the best quality advice at the Police Station.
When you are interviewed the police will caution you that "You don't have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something that you may later rely on in court"
Our representative will obtain disclosure from the police prior to interview and discuss the allegations with you . They will then advise you regarding your options in the police interview , which may be to answer questions, make no comment or submit a written statement during the interview. Every case is different and the advice provided to you will be tailored to your specific needs.
Following the interview there are four things that can happen;
- You will be charged with an offence and have to attend court
- You will be released without any further action being taken against you.
- You will be released under investigation
- You will be released on bail for a short period and given a date to return to the police station for a decision to be made.
1. I HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH AN OFFENCE AND HAVE TO ATTEND COURT
Once a decision has been made to charge you with an offence the Court must decide on your guilt or innocence. The police may give you bail to attend the Magistrates Court or refuse bail and keep you in custody. If the police intend to keep you in custody we will make submissions to them in support of bail. If you are held in custody you will appear before the next sitting of the Magistrates Court where we will make an application for bail on your behalf.
2. I HAVE BEEN RELEASED WITHOUT FURTHER ACTION
This means that the police have finished their investigation and have found no evidence to support a prosecution and so this is the end of the matter. Please be aware that should new evidence come to light in the future the investigation could be reopened.
3. I HAVE BEEN RELEASED UNDER INVESTIGATION
This means that the police investigation is ongoing and you are still a person of interest. There is no time limit on how long the investigation will take place and should you instruct us to do so we will contact the officer in the case at regular intervals to obtain an update on how it is progressing and whether there is likely to be any further action being taken.
4. I HAVE BEEN BAILED TO RETURN TO THE POLICE STATION
In serious cases rather than release a suspect under investigation the police will obtain permission to place a suspect on bail for a short period of time. This can initially only be done for a maximum of 28 days with one extension. Any further extensions of police bail without charge must be made to the Magistrates Court. This police bail will usually involve the imposition of bail conditions. If you fail to return to the Police Station on the bail date you will commit a criminal offence which can be punishable by imprisonment. This will also affect your ability to obtain bail in the future. If you breach any of the bail conditions imposed you can be arrested and taken to the police station .
FURTHER INTERVIEWS
If you are to be reinterviewed in the investigation we will attend with you to provide you with advice and assistance.
Personal Crimes: These crimes involve direct harm or threat to an individual, such as assault, robbery, murder, or rape.
Financial crimes involve fraudulent activities related to money or financial transactions, such as embezzlement, money laundering, identity theft, or credit card fraud.
Detective Bureau: This is a specialized unit within a police department that focuses on conducting investigations into serious crimes.
Criminal Investigation Division (CID): Similar to the CID mentioned earlier, this division is responsible for investigating criminal cases within a police or law enforcement agency.
Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI): This is often a state-level agency that handles complex criminal investigations, including major crimes and cold cases.
The judge's gavel fell, pronouncing the defendant guilty, sealing their fate. The courtroom was filled with tension as the defense attorney made their closing arguments.
