This work covers offences investigated by the police and prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service, from summary matters in the magistrates' court to indictable offences at the Crown Court, and includes regulatory and corporate crime. Solicitors advise at police interviews under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, on pre-charge and post-charge bail, prepare defence and mitigation, manage disclosure under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, draft witness statements, instruct experts and represent clients at hearings, trials and sentencing. Case progression reflects charging decisions by the CPS, Criminal Procedure Rules and Sentencing Council guidance.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
In England a solicitor navigates PACE 1984 rights, s.78 exclusion applications, disclosure duties under the CPIA 1996, bail and custody time limits, and advocacy in magistrates' and Crown Court. They handle charging consultations with the CPS, pre-trial applications, sentencing hearings and regulatory investigations by bodies such as the Serious Fraud Office or the Financial Conduct Authority, where statutory thresholds and timetables determine case strategy.