Perverting Course Justice Solicitors | Expert UK Defence

First Appearance at Magistrates' Court

All perverting the course of justice cases start in the Magistrates' Court. However, because the offence is so serious, it's immediately sent to Crown Court for trial.

At the First Hearing:

• Your case details are read out
• The court confirms your identity
• No plea is entered at this stage
• The case is sent to Crown Court
• Bail conditions are considered

Therefore, this hearing is brief and procedural. Furthermore, our perverting the course of justice solicitors ensure you understand exactly what's happening.

Bail or Custody

The court must decide whether to grant bail or remand you in custody pending trial. Importantly, factors considered include:

Consequently, our perverting the course of justice solicitors prepare compelling bail applications highlighting factors in your favor. Moreover, we oppose custody wherever possible.

Crown Court Proceedings

Your trial takes place at Crown Court before a judge and jury. Specifically, the process involves:

Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH):

• You formally enter your plea (guilty or not guilty)
• Trial date is set
• Prosecution discloses evidence
• Defence identifies issues for trial

Trial:

• Jury of 12 members selected
• Prosecution presents their case
• Our perverting the course of justice solicitors cross-examine prosecution witnesses
• Defence presents your case
• Both sides make closing speeches
• Judge directs jury on law
• Jury deliberates and returns verdict

Sentencing (if convicted):

• Pre-sentence reports prepared
• Our perverting the course of justice solicitors present mitigation
• Judge considers sentencing guidelines
• Sentence imposed

Benefits of Pleading Guilty

If you decide to plead guilty, you receive credit for your guilty plea:

• Up to one-third reduction if pleading at earliest opportunity
• Up to one-quarter reduction if pleading before trial
• Up to one-tenth reduction if pleading during trial

Therefore, even if you believe you're guilty, our perverting the course of justice solicitors can minimize your sentence through expert mitigation.

However, you should never plead guilty without first exploring all possible defences. Moreover, we've secured acquittals for many clients who initially believed they had no choice but to plead guilty.