Gills Solicitors

established in 1985

About Us

 

 

Gills have been in practice for nine years and have served the local payment protection claim community with both pride and excellence. We have introduced a Criminal Law Division into the company

Criminal Defence


We provide the full range of Defence service in Criminal cases. Whether it is a Traffic Offence or Assault or Theft we can provide you full advise on the Law and Procedure and the likely sentence the Court might impose in case of conviction.

We have substantial liquidation advice experience of representation at all levels in Magistrate Court and the Crown Court. Legal Aid may be available to assist with your Legal Costs.

Every case where the Crown Presentation Service (CPS) decides to prosecute the alleged offender starts in the Magistrates Court. Indeed the vast majority of criminal cases start and finish in Magistrate Court which represents the classic system of judgement by one's pears because the Magistrates are not Judges or Lawyers but ordinary lay people who administer Justice.

There are however some cases which can be tried either in the Magistrates Court or in the Crown Court. These "either way" offences are the more serious ones and the Defendant is given a choice of where he wishes to be tried. The most serious offences are tried in the Crown Court. Appeals from the decisions of the Magistrates Court are to the Crown Court.

It is important for Defendants to instruct a Solicitor at the earliest opportunity so that their case can be prepared properly. Defendants should have their Solicitor with them at the interview at the Police Station, which is recorded on tape: this will ensure that the interview is conducted in a fair and non-oppressive manner. Once a Defendant is charged with an offence, the Solicitor may need to apply for Legal Aid, which can take between 4 to 6 weeks to assess. The Defendant will at the time of the charge be given a date for his first appearance in Court and it is important that the Legal Aid is authorized by that date.

Generally Criminal cases, though prone to constant adjournments, do usually proceed much more quickly then Civil Cases. This is because the adjournments are usually for short periods of 2 to 4 weeks.