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Charges after 7 months

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Cloud

Member since
May 2021

153 posts

Posted Wed August 18, 2021 8:33pmReport post

I was trying to mentally prepare for a wait of over a year after reading stories on here, but the charges were made 7 months after the knock.

Can anyone advise on whether the wording on the charge sheet is read out in court? The charges involve my address (as location of crime: accessing IIOC) and I'm worried about it being read out and reported.

Cloud

Member since
May 2021

153 posts

Posted Wed August 18, 2021 9:16pmReport post

Thank you Lee. Yes I've got children - I'll make sure the solicitor does what they can.

Chelsea 1

Member since
June 2021

891 posts

Posted Wed August 18, 2021 9:55pmReport post

Hiya.

It could still take a while depending if and when cps take the case and get all the evidence. Could still take months.

Xx

Cloud

Member since
May 2021

153 posts

Posted Thu August 19, 2021 6:54amReport post

Thanks Lee - I'll speak to OiC and see what they say.

As you say they have the evidence - it fits with my partner's story and he's admitted guilt (porn addiction). There are a lot of cat C (thousands) and over 80 cat A.

Magistrates plea date in a few weeks.

Feeling very stressed but it had to happen sometime so at least we'll know.

Blueshoes

Member since
July 2021

24 posts

Posted Thu August 19, 2021 1:49pmReport post

7 months, wow that's quick in comparison to most cases - I hope you're holding up ok? Which area of the country are you in!?

Countrygirl

Member since
July 2021

37 posts

Posted Thu August 19, 2021 9:14pmReport post

Does anyone have any idea of potential costs of a defence case with no legal aid?

Judith

Member since
June 2021

195 posts

Posted Sun August 22, 2021 6:26pmReport post

We are in Scotland so the hearing will be in the Sheriff Court. So far the solicitor's costs have been £2,500 for advice just after the search, then advice at the time of arrest and attendance at the undertaking hearing (bail hearing). The solicitor has made an objection to some evidence on technicalities and supported my husband to plead guilty to lesser charges. We are waiting to hear if his plea is accepted. Might hear by Christmas.

Once the £2500 is spent each hour will be billed at £225 per hour.

Having said this cases will vary. If cases go to the High Court or if folk plead not guilty costs will be higher, especially if a barrister is employed.

It has been really useful having a solicitor with experience in this area of the law so it is worthwhile doing some homework before making a choice of representative, if you are in a.position to do so.

Kind regards

Countrygirl

Member since
July 2021

37 posts

Posted Sun August 22, 2021 6:51pmReport post

Thank you

whyus

Member since
May 2019

56 posts

Posted Mon August 23, 2021 10:49amReport post

With solicitors cost he kind of fell on his feet with it all. He had two interviews with the police, 3 meetings with the solicitors to discuss everything, plenty of time with them working in the back ground liaising with the police/CPS, plenty of phone calls, twice at magistrates court first with a brilliant solicitor and the second time in court was with the owner of the law firm who is a barrister. I can't put into words how amazing he was, I've never seen anything like it when the barrister was in court. I paid the initial £350 after the second police interview and then the owner of the law firm completely wiped the balance for some reason at the end of everything and we just got a letter saying it was nice working with you and have a good life. I have no idea why he did it and a reason has never been given.

Cloud

Member since
May 2021

153 posts

Posted Wed November 24, 2021 5:53pmReport post

To add to original timescale sentencing has now been postponed 3 times taking total to almost a year. And who knows how many more postponements to go