A question I’m often asked by clients (and in a
roundabout way by people arriving at this blog using searches that ask the
question in a variety of ways), is “how do the police decide whether to charge
or take no further action (NFA)?”
What are the
options?
Let’s have a quick think about what options are available
to the police at the end of an investigation.
First, they can charge or report you for summons to
attend court. Charging means that you
are given police bail and are required to attend court in person. A summons is an order from the court for you
to attend or for you to send a solicitor on your behalf. In many cases where a person is summonsed,
the court will allow you the option of entering a plea by post.
Second, you may be given a caution. These can be a simple caution, which on the
face of it is a warning not to be naughty in future, or it can be a conditional
caution. Conditions could include a
requirement to pay for the cost of damage or compensation, etc. Either…
Never ceases to amaze me how people say - 'I will prove my innocence.' The old golden thread is looking decidedly corroded these days.
ReplyDelete*you're would be better
ReplyDeleteBe fair: at least he could spell innocence
ReplyDeleteI've heard about cuts in the legal aid budget, but have we really got to point were Google is serving as defence counsel?
ReplyDelete