About Us

At Yates Ardern we have a dedicated team that specialises in investigations. We will provide you with advice regarding the investigation, represent you during the interview and assist you to avoid prosecutions where possible. Our team are experienced in interviews conducted at the Police Station, local authorities, the National Crime Agency, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and other investigating agencies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Won’t it cause a delay if I ask for a solicitor?

No. A far more frequent cause of delay is that the police are not ready to conduct the interview. We aim to be present the moment the police are ready to interview. We have a rota of legal advisers ready to attend 365 days a year 24 hours a day.

I haven’t done anything wrong so do I really need a solicitor?

You certainly do. If you are under investigation it is essential that you are represented by an experienced investigations lawyer. We will find out what the evidence is against you and help you present your case properly. If you are unrepresented you may make genuine mistakes that may lead to you being charged and could end up with you being remanded into custody.

If I ask for a solicitor will that make the police be difficult with me?

No. The police are used to dealing with solicitors and will always respect your decision to seek legal advice.

I’m guilty and just want to admit what I did. Do I really need a solicitor?

Absolutely. For one thing many people who think themselves guilty actually may have a defence of some sort. It's also important for you to take advice and make sure your defence is put forward or where you admitting to the allegation that you make sure that any relevant mitigating factors are put forward in a positive manner.

In some cases we are able to arrange with the investigating authority for the client to attend voluntarily for interview. However in many cases the Police arrest without notice and it is essential that you are represented by experienced lawyers who are aware of the Police powers and procedures. You will be interviewed which generally will be recorded and this is where a specialist advisor can assist as to whether you answer questions or remain silent. After the interview the Police will either refuse charge (often referred to as no further action”), bail you to return to the Police Station at a later date to enable further inquiries to be made or lastly to charge. After charge the Police can either bail you to attend at a Court on a particular date or refuse bail so that you appear before the Court in custody. We have a twenty four hour emergency response line on :0161-330-3332 which operates 365 days a year .

All criminal cases commence their life in the Magistrates Court. Most cases are dealt with in local Magistrates Courts where they are heard either by Magistrates drawn from the local community or a District Judge, who is an experienced lawyer.

If you have received a summons or you are charged by the police to appear at a Magistrates Court then please call us beforehand. At each of our offices out team advocates attend court every day and who are highly trained to provide effective representation in order to get you the best result. We will advise you on the evidence against you , your plea and bail.

If you are pleading guilty we will spend time with you looking at all the features that need to be raised with the court so that you get the best outcome possible. This may mean that we obtain expert reports that can assist in the mitigation.

If you plead not guilty then your case will be adjourned for trial. We will assist in the preparation of your case and advise on witnesses, experts and how best to present your defence case. We will challenge the prosecution case in every detail. We have an experienced magistrates team that will assist you through out the case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In the Magistrates who will decide my case?

In the Magistrates the case will be decided by 3 magistrates or a District Judge sitting alone

When do cases go to the Crown Court?

The Crown Court deals with Criminal cases referred to it from the Magistrates. This can happen in various ways:
Indictable offences (those that can only be heard in a Crown Court) - These are the most serious offences, murder, rape, wounding with intent and conspiracies are some examples.

What are ‘Either way offences’?

These are offences which the law says can be heard in either court. The Magistrates will decide if the facts are such that their sentencing powers would be adequate. They will also consider if there are any complex or public policy issues that might mean the case should be heard in the Crown Court. If they decide to keep the case you may still have the right to choose to have your case heard in the Crown Court.

Committed to the Crown Court for sentence - If Magistrates begin to hear your case they can decide that their sentencing powers are insufficient and commit your case to a Judge at the Crown Court to sentence you. This will usually be where they think a sentence of more than 6 months is needed.

Remember also that you may well qualify for free representation through legal aid, if your case is one which meets the criteria in terms of seriousness or complexity and means.

If you are in the position where you require representation in the Magistrates Court we can advise you about whether your case might be sent to the Crown Court or whether your case is best progressed by you electing trial by Jury at the Crown Court.

Our Team are regularly instructed in the most serious and complex Crown Court cases such as conspiracies, fraud, drug offences and murder.

We have a very experienced team of lawyers including Higher Court Advocates. Our lawyers have an enviable reputation for outstanding client service and strategic expertise. Our Team also provide practical advice and assistance in media management ensuring that the high profile cases are kept out of the public eye if appropriate.
Remember the success of your Crown Court case depends on different factors, it is essential that you have a skilful and experienced legal team to help advise on those factors.

At Yates Ardern we only instruct the most able and suitable advocate/counsel for the particular type of case.
Funding your defence:
We offer both legal aid and private representation. Most people are eligible for Legal Aid at the Crown Court but please contact one of our team to discuss your eligibility to receive Legal Aid. If you are eligible for Legal Aid, we will complete all the necessary applications on your behalf. Where Legal Aid is not available, we will discuss private fees including in some circumstances fixed fees.

The Court of Appeal has two divisions, criminal and civil. The criminal division hears appeals from the Crown Court against conviction or sentence.

Our appeal department has considerable experience of dealing with both appeals against conviction and appeals against sentence. We work closely with specialist Barristers in the drafting of grounds of appeal.

Our appeal lawyers also have considerable experience and success in applications before the Criminal Case Review Commission.

If either you or a family member believe that a conviction or sentence is wrong contact our appeal department.