Crown Courts
Being the subject of criminal court proceedings can be daunting. The outcome of these proceedings could have adverse effects on you, your family, career and social life.
Ervaid Law will plan all the way to the end, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles and twists in the case.
Ervaid Law works with reputable barristers considered to be excellent advocates and master strategists. We work with barristers to ensure that you will receive independent tactical advice and a practical approach tailored to your case.
It is important to put the work in during the early stages of criminal proceedings to put you into the best possible position before the trial begins.
General Information
The crown court hears trials on indictment before a judge and jury. The crown court also hears appeals from the magistrates’ courts.
Both magistrates and judges have a number of sentencing powers:
- To imprison those convicted of a crime, if the offence is serious enough.
- To order a community punishment (community order or suspended prison sentence).
- To impose a restraining order.
- To impose a fine.
- To impose a conditional or absolute discharge.
Sentencing
The prospect of going to prison or being sentenced in any other way can be a daunting one.
Preparing and presenting a strong mitigation package is essential for securing the best possible sentence.
The court may order a Probation Officer to prepare a Pre-Sentence Report (PSR). The report will assist the judge in determining the appropriate sentence to pass.
Your lawyer will not be present when you are interviewed by a Probation Officer. It is essential to fully prepare for the interview and bring important mitigation material with you to the meeting with the Probation Officer. Ervaid Law will assist you with this.
It is important to know that when preparing a report, the Probation Officer will consider:
- The impact that a prison sentence will have on you.
- The prosecution case papers / case summary
- A list of your previous convictions, if applicable.
- Your education, training and employment history and prospects.
- How you manage your finances and income.
- Whether you have any alcohol / drug misuse issues.
- Whether you suffer from any mental health issues.
- Your thinking and behaviour skills.
- The risk of serious harm and the likelihood of re-conviction if you were given a sentence to serve in the community.
Appeals from the crown court will go to the Court of Appeal or even the Supreme Court.
