Family and Friends Forum

Finding a solicitor

Notifications OFF

Josephine

Member since
February 2019

30 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 9:14amReport post

We’re starting to think about finding an expert solicitor rather than relying on the duty solicitor who was present at by partner’s arrest.

How did everyone go about finding a good one? We looked on the Law Society website but there doesn’t seem to be any solicitors specialising in this kind of offending in our area.

Thank you. x

Jaded

Member since
December 2018

202 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 9:52amReport post

Hi Josephine,

its a difficult one not knowing what part of the country you live in and I’m not sure LF would allow recommendations on here. However many solicitors will claim to be your best representative, you’ve got to go on your instinct I guess unless you use one of the more renowned companies like Chris Saltrese (neither a recommendation or not LF, just that it’s a well known company dealing with sex offenders)

We changed solicitors 3 times, bit by accident, bit by choice and finally found an ok one. What we did though was research independent forensic computer examiners, this is they key to any chance of unveiling the truth of what’s actually gone on. Be aware though, they won’t dress it up, they say good and bad but put everything into context. The examiner we found gave a completely different picture to the police and it had a massive impact on the court outcome. The case was dropped before trial.

It’s the barrister and forensic computer expert that makes a difference at trial, not so much the solicitor. But solicitors are key in police interviews, make sure your partners solicitor doesn’t roll over and want a quiet life.

Good luck!

Josephine

Member since
February 2019

30 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 10:45amReport post

Thank you so much. Didn’t even think we could employ a forensic examiner.

J x

Jaded

Member since
December 2018

202 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 11:08amReport post

Yes you can. This would be after charge though. Dependent on the charge and your partners acceptance of the charges your solicitor will advise you if it’s an option worth going for. Even where there’s a guilty plea if there’s any dispute about the level of activity an independent forensic examiner can help to clarify this, this could impact on sentencing.

Big sigh

Member since
December 2018

244 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 12:39pmReport post

Jaded, I have already been researching computer forensics as I know this will be key about whether my partner gets convicted or not (if he does get charged). I had already come across the one you mentioned the other day which had up to date details of people where charges dropped or found not guilty due to their evidence. I am presuming that looking for something like “expert witness” mark is the type of thing I should be looking for ? So companies used to preparing reports for court?

our solicitor says that if he does get charged they would only use a barrister with 10+years experience

Jaded

Member since
December 2018

202 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 9:24pmReport post

Hi Big Sigh, yes you need to find someone or a company who have proven court experience and who are recognised as an expert witness in court, I’m not sure if there’s some kind of register for that?

We used someone who I found online with a proven track record in computer forensics and an accepted expert in his field. He is now retired. Does your solicitor know anyone? I’m sure your Barrister (should it get to that) would know someone or a company with experience, great to hear you’ll get someone with 10+ years of experience. I’m glad to hear that.

I’ve got no connection to the website I mentioned, I just found it refreshing to see cases that had proved successful for the defence. When my husband went through it there were very, very few NG outcomes recorded.

Jess

Member since
September 2018

24 posts

Posted Tue February 26, 2019 9:35pmReport post

Our solicitors were BCL in London. They were excellent, and so was the barrister, Christopher Stimpson. But expensive. My husband received a suspended sentence which was a massive relief.

Lee38

Member since
March 2019

4 posts

Posted Fri April 12, 2019 8:11pmReport post

Lee38

Member since
March 2019

4 posts

Posted Fri April 12, 2019 8:13pmReport post

https://www.mowbraywoodwards.co.uk/

They spealist on sex affenders and counseling