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Warning: These articles were originally published as brief newspaper articles. The articles are not intended to be definitive advice on any particular set of circumstances. The authors and the firm of Nicholson Portnell accept no liability for any use of these articles. Specific legal advice should always be sought in all cases for any actual transactions or matters.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent - May 2010

Catherine Little

It is a fundamental principle of the English legal system that every person accused of committing or charged with a criminal offence, will be presumed innocent until proven guilty. In reality however, it may feel very different. If you are arrested or charged with a criminal offence, it can seem like everyone is against you. Whether it is your first time at the police station or court or not, it can be a worrying and distressing time. You may feel that you are presumed guilty until you prove that you are innocent, but it does not have to be that way.

At Nicholson Portnell we believe that everyone should be presumed innocent until they are proven guilty. We are committed to ensuring that our clients’ rights are upheld and that they obtain a fair hearing. We have experience in all aspects of criminal work up to and including murder.

The criminal investigation starts at the police station. If you are at the police station and are to be questioned by the police you should always ask to have a legal representative present. We have seen many people who are unrepresented in the police station and fail to do justice to their case. At Nicholson Portnell we offer representation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We represent clients in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court on a daily basis. If you are charged with an offence we can advise you, arrange for you to be represented in any Magistrates or Crown Court proceedings and let you know whether you are eligible for Legal Aid. If you are convicted of an offence and are disappointed or frustrated, we can advise you on whether you have any right of appeal.

We offer a no-obligation 20 minute free initial appointment. If you would like advice in relation to these or other related legal matters please contact Catherine Little.

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