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When to appoint solicitor

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Caggie164

Member since
October 2023

275 posts

Posted Fri October 6, 2023 7:52amReport post

My OH has to go back to answer bail in December. It's only been a short while since he was arrested and is on pre-charge bail. He doesn't know when or if he should get a solicitor yet. Also the duty solicitor on the day he was arrested told him to give the police nothing in regards to passwords for devices. Surely this will just slow the process down. Not sure what to do next!

Caggie164

Member since
October 2023

275 posts

Posted Fri October 6, 2023 9:58amReport post

Thanks for replying. I don't think he qualifies for legal aid as he has savings.

Lonely & Bewildered

Member since
October 2023

66 posts

Posted Sat October 7, 2023 11:29amReport post

I also have this question, I had the 'knock' 10 days ago. My hubby had already left for work so had to deal with the police on my own. He was arrested at his place of work, when interviewing he declined the duty solicitor and told them everything. He has a date when to go back to the police station, a couple of days before Christmas. When should we think about getting a solicitor and how do you find one who specialises in this area. X

Caggie164

Member since
October 2023

275 posts

Posted Mon October 9, 2023 8:31amReport post

Dear lonely and bewildered

So sorry you are going through this too. My OH was told not to pay for any legal advice until he knows what he's dealing with when he goes back in Dec. That doesn't mean he hasn't started looking but we live in quite a small town so as soon as he put what it was for they all disappeared from the search engine. Nearest to us were the cities which are 40+ miles away. Someone on here will point you in the right direction I'm sure. Good luck in your journey x

TryingtoKeepHope

Member since
June 2023

61 posts

Posted Mon October 9, 2023 10:08amReport post

Hi Caggie,

From personal experience I'd say hire a solicitor as soon as you can. My OH had a duty solicitor when he was arrested and while they were ok during the interview, except for the part where they said to my OH "they're near certain it won't be a prison sentence", trying to get contact with them ever since has been next to impossible- wouldn't suprise me if that's why the police go with them.

Admittedly we're still waiting for the 2nd interview which bail has been extended to twice now, but talking to his newly hired solicitor she said there's a huge backlog of devices so there's a chance it'll be extended again- of course never heard anything like this from police.

I think a proffessional solicitor can give you much better info, especially the legal sides of things to better help support & defend you, that and I think sooner the better as they'll be up to date and prepared for future interviews or anything else.

not much in advice but hope it helps xx

Lonely & Bewildered

Member since
October 2023

66 posts

Posted Mon October 9, 2023 12:43pmReport post

Dear Caggie164

Thank you for your kind words, I wouldn't want to wish this journey on anyone. Xx




Hi Lee2.0

Trying to find a solicitor is a nightmare as not sure what we should be looking for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you xx

Blue Sky

Member since
February 2023

205 posts

Posted Mon October 9, 2023 1:26pmReport post

Post deleted


Edited Fri January 12, 2024 4:16pm

Caggie164

Member since
October 2023

275 posts

Posted Mon October 9, 2023 3:40pmReport post

Thanks all.

Blue sky

Could you give a rough estimate of what you've paid or solicitors rates etc. My OH has enquired with one so far but obviously needs to look into things more. He just used the duty solicitor on the day he was arrested in September and as I said in a previous post he isn't due back until Dec to answer bail. He has savings so we know he won't qualify for legal aid.

Thanks

Daffodil

Member since
March 2022

965 posts

Posted Wed October 11, 2023 6:50amReport post

Post deleted


Edited Tue October 24, 2023 9:12am

Numb and scared

Member since
May 2023

21 posts

Posted Wed October 11, 2023 9:49amReport post

I'm totally in the dark about how to appoint a solicitor..... Never had cause before! Daffodil, were your solicitors local? Or a firm who you comminuted with online? I am nervous about my oh using a local firm because of being recognised. But presume that solicitor travelling costs are high! How did you find a solicitor who was suited to these specific needs?