Criminal Law

Criminal Law

 

Introduction

 

We are able to assist you upon all matters involving Criminal Law ranging from the very outset at the Police Station to the Crown Court and even appeal beyond to the Higher Courts.

 

We are experienced in dealing with a wide range of matters including (but not limited to):

Assault (Common Assault, ABH, GBH)

Theft

Burglary

Rape and Sexual Assaults

Murder (including Attempted Murder and Manslaughter)

Criminal Damage

Robbery

Motoring Offences

Fraud (including Benefit Fraud)

Public Order Offences (Riot, Violent Disorder, Affray, Disorderly Behaviour)

Harassment

Drug Offences (including Possession of Drugs, Possession with Intent to Supply, Conspiracy to Supply and Cultivation of Cannabis)

 

Our Approach

 

We understand that it is stressful to be accused of a criminal offence and so we aim to be supportive throughout the process. In particular we seek to explain things to you in terms that will be easily understandable.

 

It is likely that if you are suspected of a criminal offence that you will be interviewed at a Police Station and we will be able to attend with you no matter what time of day or night, or day of the week your attendance at the Police Station takes place.

 

It is likely that we will be able to provide this service at no fee to yourself as Police Station attendances are nearly always covered by the Legal Aid scheme.

 

Our attendance at the Police Station may result in no further action being taken against you or possible alternative disposals such as a caution or a warning rather than a prosecution.

 

Our attendance at the Police Station may also result in your release from custody sooner than otherwise and we may make representations as to bail which will result in no conditions or less demanding conditions being imposed upon you.

 

At Court we will explain the case against you and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you. If you decide to plead guilty we will mitigate to ensure that you get the least possible penalty and if you plead not guilty we will prepare the matter for trial including seeing your witnesses and ultimately will represent you at the trial hearing.

 

As a result of our representation at Court you may be granted bail when the Prosecution have sought a remand in custody, you may be found not guilty at trial, we may successfully persuade the Prosecution to drop or lower the charges against you and if you are found guilty or plead guilty you may receive a more lenient sentence.

 

Should your case proceed to the Crown Court we will thoroughly prepare your case and instruct a Barrister on your behalf who will represent you in the Crown Court.

 

Costs

 

We hold a Legal Services Commission contract.  Subject to a means test and the merits of the case you may qualify for Legal Aid to cover your proceedings in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court if necessary.

 

We have many years of experience in applying for Legal Aid meaning that we are often successful in getting you Legal Aid for your case, so that our fees are met by public funds (the Legal Aid fund).

 

If you are not able to qualify for Legal Aid you should note that if you are successfully acquitted or the charges are dropped then it is likely that our fees would be payable by way of a Defendant’s Costs Order from Central Funds which would again leave you with nothing to pay.

 

If you do need to instruct us on a private paying basis we will keep you up to date with our costs and provide detailed estimates for each and every stage of your case.

The Team

                                         

                      Daven Naghen                                                                    Anita Toal

 

Both Mr Daven Naghen and Mrs Anita Toal are members of the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme and therefore act as Duty Solicitors on the Boston and Spalding scheme. 

 

    Claire Smith

 

Miss Claire Smith a Legal Executive of many years experience who provides the highest level of case management support with Crown Court matters, including the instruction of Barristers.

 

Testimonials

"Dav attended the Police Station with me on an allegation of Dangerous Driving, he intervened during the interview to stop the Police from putting words in my mouth and was a reassuring presence. At Court he persuaded the Prosecution to reduce the charge from Dangerous Driving to Driving without Due Care and Attention and after my guilty plea to the lesser charge, he convinced the Court to give me a fine and penalty points allowing me to keep my driving licence. I was particularly impressed by the way he spoke about me to the Court. As a result I kept my licence and my job. I remain grateful to Dav for helping me when I most needed it and would not hesitate to recommend him to others." MW, Spalding

 

“I found you very helpful, understanding, easy to talk to about my case and I could contact you at ease at any time. You informed me of the facts quite clearly. You were very good the whole way through my case and I felt that Mr Daven Naghen had done all he could and I was found Not Guilty. Thank you very much this was the best possible outcome and I am so grateful.” AM, Spalding

"Dav Naghen was brilliant, so confident in his ability to represent us. We wouldn't hesitate in recommending him. We have always used Maples and found it very easy to contact Maples. You continue to go from strength to strength. Thank you." JS, Holbeach

 

Contact us Now for Assistance

If we can be of assistance to you please contact our offices to speak to one of our team or alternatively if you are arrested please notify the custody sergeant when being booked in that you would wish for Maples to represent you and we will be contacted and attend.

 

Telephone - 01775 722261

Email - or or

Post - Maples Solicitors LLP, 23 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DH