Criminal Trial & Defence

Fighting a false case, from charge sheet to verdict

We defend criminal cases from charge framing through to judgment: applications at the charge stage, bail through the trial, cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, defence evidence and final argument. We also appear for complainants conducting a private prosecution.

Charge and discharge

The charge stage is an opportunity that is often wasted. Where the material does not disclose an offence against the accused, we press for discharge rather than letting a weak case run all the way to trial.

Trial and cross-examination

Most criminal cases turn on the prosecution witnesses. We prepare cross-examination around the documents and the contradictions in the recorded statements, because that is where acquittals actually come from.

Points of law

Defective sanction, jurisdiction, limitation, improper investigation and inadmissible evidence can each decide a case. We take these points when they arise, in writing and on the record, so they survive to appeal.

What helps

• The FIR, charge sheet and case diary material supplied
• Statements of witnesses and any recorded confession
• Documents, messages and records supporting the defence
• Names of defence witnesses and what each can say
• Details of any parallel civil or family proceedings

Where it is heard, and how long it takes

Depending on the offence, trial is before a Magistrate or the Court of Sessions, with special tribunals for certain classes of case. Criminal trials commonly run over a year, and longer where witnesses are slow to attend. Bail and the pace of hearing are both things we push on.