Solicitor advise, feeling out of my depth
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Our son has his plea hearing in just under 3 weeks, we decided to stick with the duty solicitor, but they didn't attend for his charges as they said there was not point as it wasn't a 2nd interview, just factual charges, and they let our son know that someone will be in touch closer to the plea hearing.
Our son then messaged letting them know the court plea date and that we are happy to pay for there services and would like full disclosure to us, his parents.
This was over a weeks ago now and we haven't heard anything back, is this normal as the next step is just a plea hearing? ( He will be pleading guilty)
We just want the best representation for our son for mitigation, as there is a lot involved with him such as a physical disability and autism.
Should I be looking elsewhere for specific representation, and if so where?
Just feeling totally out of our depth at the moment, and starting to panic as his plea hearing is drawing closer, any advice is most welcome, thanks.
Our son then messaged letting them know the court plea date and that we are happy to pay for there services and would like full disclosure to us, his parents.
This was over a weeks ago now and we haven't heard anything back, is this normal as the next step is just a plea hearing? ( He will be pleading guilty)
We just want the best representation for our son for mitigation, as there is a lot involved with him such as a physical disability and autism.
Should I be looking elsewhere for specific representation, and if so where?
Just feeling totally out of our depth at the moment, and starting to panic as his plea hearing is drawing closer, any advice is most welcome, thanks.
Since most duty solicitors will not be specialists, it might be worth checking for any online reviews in your area to see if they mention it as one of their "specialities"
On the other hand, these cases are now so common that most high street solicitors will have experience of providing mitigation and will know what to do.
The specialist autism solicitors tend to be very expensive and are not always local. If you have the money, and particularly if pleading not guilty, then it might be worthwhile, but for a straightforward guilty plea, a high st one should be enough.
On the other hand, these cases are now so common that most high street solicitors will have experience of providing mitigation and will know what to do.
The specialist autism solicitors tend to be very expensive and are not always local. If you have the money, and particularly if pleading not guilty, then it might be worthwhile, but for a straightforward guilty plea, a high st one should be enough.
We are just a few weeks ahead of you in this process.
We stayed with the duty solicitor. We contacted them once we'd received charges and asked for a meeting to discuss and to get further details about the images found. We were led to believe that this was unusual but we had a million questions we needed answers to, included details about what would happen on the day.
The additional information helped my person to decide how he was going to plead (guilty). I don't know how anyone could have reached a decision without the additional details.
Good luck x
We stayed with the duty solicitor. We contacted them once we'd received charges and asked for a meeting to discuss and to get further details about the images found. We were led to believe that this was unusual but we had a million questions we needed answers to, included details about what would happen on the day.
The additional information helped my person to decide how he was going to plead (guilty). I don't know how anyone could have reached a decision without the additional details.
Good luck x
Thank you both
We have had the charges and our son will definitely be pleading guilty, all of our concentration is now on getting our son the continued help and therapy he is getting and to try and keep him out of prison.
The police have said that they don't think he will go to prison, as it's his first offence, but I've also heard from here, that it could all come down to how the judge is feeling that day, so we just want a good solicitor to present mitigating.
I think we will leave it another week then try and contact the solicitor.
We have had the charges and our son will definitely be pleading guilty, all of our concentration is now on getting our son the continued help and therapy he is getting and to try and keep him out of prison.
The police have said that they don't think he will go to prison, as it's his first offence, but I've also heard from here, that it could all come down to how the judge is feeling that day, so we just want a good solicitor to present mitigating.
I think we will leave it another week then try and contact the solicitor.
If you have specialist solicitors locally worth exploring whether they can support and some do have legal aid available if he's eligible. I think you're likely to get more tailored support than with duty solicitors who can be great but very hit and miss from what I understand.
my person had a duty solicitor in interviews and plea hearing and i think they weren t great tbf. i found a solicitor and barrister for sentencing (crown court) and that was worth the money in terms of advice and shpo mitigation.
it was hampshire area, happy to share contact via dm
it was hampshire area, happy to share contact via dm
Not quite at the same stage but currently waiting on CPS decision but getting the similar lack of response for solicitor. Maybe it all kicks into to action once you make a plea.
I recall your other post last week and think I'm in a similar position to you with an asc son. Certainly is a rollercoaster of emotions. Keep strong and happy for you to message if I can be of any support to you over the next few weeks. One day at a time.
I recall your other post last week and think I'm in a similar position to you with an asc son. Certainly is a rollercoaster of emotions. Keep strong and happy for you to message if I can be of any support to you over the next few weeks. One day at a time.
