For many people, facing the prospect of criminal investigation or proceedings is a daunting prospect. It is one that can often inflict a heavy toll not just on themselves, but also on their loved ones.
As a result it will be essential that a suspect or defendant ensure that proper professional support mechanisms are in place at an early stage through a considered choice of solicitor.
Seek early legal advice for your criminal case
It is never too early to involve VHS Fletchers in your case, even at the point you are first aware that the police wish to speak to you.
We are always surprised at just how many people put seeking legal advice off until a late stage in an investigation. People might be concerned about the potential cost of a solicitor. As a result, we constantly try to publicise the fact that legal advice will be free in police interview. Other people think that having a solicitor in police interview might be seen as an admission of guilt. It isn’t. An even greater number of suspects may believe that the problem will simply go away. This may be true in some cases, but in many it does not.
VHS Fletchers – The right solicitor for you
It is a trite observation to state that you will want to choose the ‘right’ solicitor for you. We hope that will be VHS Fletchers.
If your case depends on legal aid funding and you believe that you have made the wrong choice of solicitor, this may not be easily remedied. A firm might not be entitled to an additional payment if you change between visits to the police station.
Once proceedings have started, courts will need a good justification to transfer legal aid to another firm. Any reason will go need to go beyond a desire to change.
If, however, you are unhappy with your existing representation then the sooner any transfer to VHS Fletchers is resolved, the better.
How do you decide whether VHS Fletchers are the right solicitors for you?
We hope that there is plenty of information about this firm and its staff on this website to allow you to make an informed decision. You will be able to explore the wealth of experience that this firm can bring to your case, and perhaps find examples of how we have dealt with cases similar to yours.
Once you have made contact with us, you will be able to see the manner in which we will deal with your case.
We will ensure that your initial enquiry is dealt with promptly. We aim to make contact with your lawyer easy, and if they are not available immediately there will be other solicitors or paralegals on hand to deal with urgent queries.
Our lawyers appreciate that along with your legal problems is the potential for a number of personal difficulties. Our staff demonstrate the key skills of empathy and understanding, recognising that these are critical skills and essential to excellent communication.
Clear advice about what to expect at every stage
We know that the law and procedure relating to your case can be complex. As a result, at the end of meeting with you we will make it clear to you what is likely to happen next and the time frame.
In any case there are periods of long inactivity. This might be because you have been released under investigation by the police or because there is a long delay in a Crown Court case before the evidence is served. We know that these delays can cause concern to our clients. Our lawyers will outline the legal process and ensure you are kept fully informed at all stages. We will regularly chase the police on your to ensure that we find out what stage the investigation of your case has reached.
As a result we are confident that you will leave any meetings reassured and comfortable, understanding the advice that has been given and what will happen next. We aim to deal with any concerns you have immediately, in order to resolve any understandable anxieties.
If you are unhappy with your current solicitor can you transfer legal aid?
In the first instance, you should raise your concerns as soon as they arise. This ensures the best chance of resolving them. Often concerns arise due to misunderstandings. These can be quickly and easily remedied.
If concerns remain then consult the firm’s complaints procedure and escalate the matter to more senior staff.
If you cannot resolve matters to your satisfaction or believe that the relationship is beyond repair, then it is essential to contact VHS Fletchers without delay to see whether you can transfer legal aid.
How can we assist?
We do not encourage potential clients to seek a transfer of legal aid and representation lightly. This will only arise where a client’s needs are not being properly addressed. Then we will support a transfer of legal aid.
But, you do get only one chance to get it right.
Contact VHS Fletchers solicitors for expert advice in criminal matters
We care passionately about the service we give to every client, so if the time has come to switch solicitors and transfer legal aid, get in touch, and we can provide further advice on the procedure and whether you have grounds for a transfer.
For a confidential and private consultation, please contact the office most convenient to you or use the contact form below.
