When Should You Contact a Post-Charge Solicitor?
A criminal allegation can completely upend your existence. You now have court dates to juggle, rigorous bail terms to think through, and the worry of what can happen next. It is critical at this stage to seek legal advice as a short first conversation can make a big impact on not just the case, but the rest of your life.
It is crucial you know when to hire a post-charge solicitor in the UK as those first few days following a charge are often the best time to build your case. As soon as a charge is made, we move quickly at Holborn Adams to protect your rights and your future.
Knowing When to Hire a Post-Charge Solicitor in the UK
Once you have been charged, the criminal process officially begins. That means the case will move quickly to the Magistrates’ Court and, depending on the seriousness of the allegation, be sent to the Crown Court. From that point on, the rules of procedure are strict, governed by the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 (CrimPR) and the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
Having a post-charge solicitor on your side early ensures nothing is missed. They will:
- Review the evidence the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has gathered
- Check that disclosure obligations under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA) are being followed
- Prepare your defence strategy and gather supporting evidence
- Represent you at initial hearings and manage all communication with the CPS and police
Acting without legal guidance or waiting until your first court appearance can limit what can be done to strengthen your case.
The First 24 - 48 Hours After a Charge
The period immediately after being charged is often the most critical. You might receive a charge sheet or a postal requisition outlining the allegations. Your solicitor will review these documents, explain what each charge means, and advise whether to plead guilty, not guilty, or reserve your plea.
During this stage, your solicitor may also:
- Apply for bail under the Bail Act 1976
- Challenge any evidence obtained unlawfully under Section 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
- Begin early contact with the CPS to identify weaknesses in their case
Getting support in the initial few days helps you keep your defence on track and prevent mistakes that are harder to fix later.
How a Post-Charge Solicitor Supports You Throughout the Case
1. Preparing Your Defence
Knowing when to hire a post-charge solicitor in the UK is crucial. They do more than simply go to court. Your legal team will begin gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses as soon as possible to prepare your defence. Expert assistance in areas such as digital forensics, CCTV analysis, and medical reports will also be consulted when necessary.
Before any evidence can be considered against you, your solicitor will make sure it has been properly disclosed. If there are any gaps or missing information, they may be challenged by submitting legal petitions and written requests under the CPIA.
2. Guiding You Through Court Proceedings
Many people find the court process intimidating and difficult to comprehend. From the first plea hearing through the pre-trial review and, if required, the trial, your lawyer will keep you informed of all developments in a clear, calm, and concise way.
They will stand up for you in court, make arguments, and ensure the process is fair. If your case gets to the Crown Court, they will work with a lawyer to make sure your defence is complete and strong.
3. Managing Your Rights and Reputation
After getting charged, you can have trouble at work, on the road, and in your personal life. A solicitor can assist you with things like getting out of jail, talking to the press, and dealing with your employer. These individuals will keep you safe and help to protect your reputation.
When to Hire a Post-Charge Solicitor in the UK
The best time to hire a lawyer is after being charged and before you go to court for the first time. At this stage, you still have time to go over the CPS file, figure out how strong the case is, and do things that could lessen or potentially drop some of the charges.
You should also contact a solicitor right away if:
- You have been refused bail or are facing a remand hearing
- The police or CPS contact you for additional statements or interviews
- You think that additional evidence might affect the case's conclusion
- Your assets or your company may suffer from the charge in some way
Early protection has sometimes led to charges being dropped or greatly reduced before trial. At Holborn Adams, we have seen first-hand how fast action can prevent a case from escalating further.
Common Mistakes People Make After Being Charged
Many people assume that once the CPS has made a decision to charge, there is nothing that can be done until trial. This is simply untrue. With a solicitor involved early, you can challenge evidence, present mitigation, and sometimes stop proceedings before they gather momentum.
Other mistakes include:
- Waiting until the first court date to get advice
- Attempting to deal with the CPS directly
- Discussing the case with others or online (which can backfire)
A solicitor is like a filter and a shield, making sure that all contact passes through the right legal channels.
The Holborn Adams Method
At Holborn Adams, we take a proactive and strategic approach to post-charge matters. We look at all the evidence that we possess as soon as you get in touch with us:
- Review every piece of available evidence
- Identify any procedural or disclosure failings
- Liaise with the CPS and court to stay ahead of deadlines
- Provide straightforward, honest advice about your position
We also understand that these situations are deeply personal. Our team works discreetly, maintaining full confidentiality and treating every case with the seriousness it deserves.
Why Acting Early Makes a Difference
If you wait too long to get aid, your lawyer may not be able to do as much. Evidence becomes less useful, witnesses become harder to find, and CPS case files go forward without any issues. You stay in command when you know when to hire a post-charge solicitor in the UK and do so right away.
Once we receive your instructions, we act right away to preserve your legal and personal rights. We make sure that every chance to defend you is taken, whether that means getting bail, questioning evidence, or talking to the prosecutors.
If you have been charged with a crime or are about to go to court, contact Holborn Adams for private legal help today.
