Crime
If you are looking for a tenacious and reliable criminal law team in Sunderland, the North East or further afield, you should call Scanlans Solicitors. We undertake all aspects of criminal law in the North East and more serious criminal cases around the country, with experience in handling drug, terrorism and complex crime. We are able to undertake means tested legal aid case work and have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency to also deal with VHCC work (Very High Costs cases) for the most serious and complex cases. We cover all police station interviews whether at the police station or at home which are free of charge to you. We are available 24/7 to attend these interviews no matter the location. Our newly appointed Solicitor Advocates allow us to take your case from police station to the Court of Appeal, providing consistent legal assistance throughout.
Heather Bolton is the Head of the Criminal Department. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and is a Director at the firm. She is a Duty Solicitor and specialises in all aspects of Criminal Defence Law and is the Crime Supervisor. Richard Copsey, who is a Solicitor Advocate and Duty Solicitor, qualified in 1987. He obtained Higher Rights of Audience in 2003 and has vast experience in criminal law. Annalisa Moscardini is our newest member of the team. She qualified in 2010, became a Duty Solicitor in 2011 and gained her Higher Rights of Audience in 2015.
If you do not qualify for legal aid then we can undertake work on a privately payed scheme using a fixed fee.
For more information, please call us on 0191 5652565
or send an email to enquiries@scanlans.co.uk.
Police Station
Being arrested can be a frightening experience and it is essential that you ask for a solicitor when you are interviewed - there is absolutely no cost to you. Police are increasingly conducting interviews outside the conventional station meetings, with house visits and convincing people to attend the police station in a seemingly casual manner. However, it is extremely important that you always ensure you have access to a solicitor.
You will be advised on the strength of the evidence and whether you should answer questions during the interview. The answers that you give in an interview can be used in court and therefore legal advice is essential at this early stage in an investigation. We attend the police station and anywhere the police wish to conduct an interview with suspects 24/7. In an emergency, please feel free to call us on 07850 233 832.
Magistrates
All cases start in the Magistrates Court. If you have to appear there, you are going to want to have the best possible legal representation. Whatever you have been charged with, we will be fully committed to representing you. As experts in criminal law, we have been involved with thousands of cases over the years ranging from minor public disorder matters to large scale fraud, murder, sexual offences and conspiracy to supply drugs to name but a few. If you are due to appear at court please contact us so that we can start preparing your case immediately. Ask us for further details about available legal aid, and if unavailable we can provide a reasonable fixed fee quote.
Youth
When a person under the age of 18 is charged with an offence they appear at the Youth Court and the case will remain there unless the alleged offence is deemed to be a Grave and Serious Crime. If that is the case the matter will be sent to the Crown Court. Youth work is a specialised area of law and our lawyers are trained and experienced to deal with all aspects of youth work. Legal aid is available in almost all youth court cases.
Crown Court
Appearing at the Crown Court can be an overwhelming experience. Your liberty could be at stake, so you are going to need a legal team who will stand side by side with you in court and fight. We have access to experienced barristers and will arrange an early conference so that you can meet your legal team and case preparation can start early. We have experience in representing people in Crown Court cases from affray, assault and burglary to murder, serious sex offences, large scale theft, drug conspiracies, “crash for cash” cases and Proceeds of Crime. We have a VHCC contract allowing us to undertake the most complex of cases and have dealt with many Crown Court cases around the country. Our in house solicitor advocates conduct crown court cases, or you have the choice to be represented by a barrister.
Serious And Complex Crime
Our knowledge and expertise in serious and complex crime is renowned in both the North East and elsewhere nationwide. We prioritise case preparation and will arrange meetings with your legal team straight away to begin planning your case. We have substantial experience defending serious crimes, from analysing mobile phone data including cell site, calls logs and attribution to considering complex medical and computer evidence. We have access to specialist barristers and QCs nationwide, and are able to attend police stations across the country. Specialist work we have undertaken has included organised crime, county lines drugs cases, sexual offences and "crash for cash" cases. Legal aid is available in some cases, otherwise we provide a reasonable fixed fee.
Office Opening Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed
Saturday - Remand Court Cover
24 hours for emergency advice and police interviews
Contact Information
Address
23 John Street, Sunderland. SR1 1JG