What is involuntary manslaughter?

Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone’s death is caused by an unlawful or grossly negligent act. So one person is killed by another but with no intent to kill or cause GBH.

What is an example of involuntary manslaughter?

The unintentional death of another person could include situations like discharging a firearm, operating a fairground ride which is unsafe, it may also include food hygiene cases where the death is as a result of an allergy.

Is it legal to kill in self-defence in the UK?

Anyone can use ‘reasonable’ force to protect themselves. In England and Wales, householders who act ‘honestly and instinctively’ from an intruder can avoid prosecution. It would not be right to say that it is legal to kill in self-defence, it would be necessary to show that the force used was reasoanble and proportionate to the risk that was percieved, in certain extreme cases, this could provide a defence to a charge of murder.

Home > Pre-Charge Representation Solicitors London

Pre-Charge Representation Solicitors London

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Expert legal representation before a charging decision is made

If you have been interviewed by the police and released on bail or under investigation, the legal process is not over. While you wait, the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) actively review your case to decide whether to bring formal charges. This post-interview period is a critical window for Pre-Charge Representation (PCR). Early, proactive legal intervention can influence the charging decision and, in many cases, prevent a criminal prosecution from reaching court entirely. Do not wait for a charging decision to seek legal advice.

What is pre-charge representation?

Pre-Charge Representation consists of specialist legal actions taken by solicitors between a police interview and a formal charging decision.

Unlike standard reactive legal advice, pre-charge representation involves proactive communication with investigators to provide context, highlight evidential flaws, or submit new evidence. The primary objective of this work is to secure a “No Further Action” (NFA) result before a case is registered with the court system.

What’s the difference between pre-charge representation and pre-charge engagement?

The two are closely related but not the same. Pre-charge representation is the broad term for all the proactive work a defence solicitor carries out during an investigation, before a charging decision is made; gathering evidence, advising on bail, and putting your case to the police and CPS.

Pre-charge engagement is a more specific, formally recognised process: voluntary communication between the defence and investigators or prosecutors after the first interview under caution, conducted within the framework of the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure

In other words, pre-charge engagement is one of the tools used within a wider pre-charge representation strategy, and at Lawtons we use it where it is tactically advantageous to do so.

Why instructing a solicitor immediately is crucial

Many individuals are advised by duty solicitors or police officers to “wait and see” after an interview. At Lawtons, we carefully consider whether this is the correct advice or whether your case demands a more proactive approach.

The interval between a police interview and a charging decision is when the prosecution’s case is most susceptible to challenge. Once a formal charge is authorised, the legal momentum shifts toward a public court appearance, narrowing the opportunity for a case to be dismissed. Instructing Lawtons during the investigation phase ensures your defence starts building while the CPS is still evaluating their evidence.

Our pre-charge representation strategy

Independent evidence gathering

Where possible Lawtons solicitors secure witness statements, digital forensics, and CCTV footage independently of the police to support a client’s account.

Formal written representations

We submit detailed arguments to the CPS based on the ‘Full Code Test’, arguing that a prosecution lacks a realistic prospect of conviction or is not in the public interest.

Engage directly with investigators

Our team engages with police investigators to request disclosure and ensure all investigative leads that favour the suspect are pursued under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA).

Continuous legal advisory

Clients receive direct access to their designated solicitor, providing clarity on bail conditions, investigation timelines, and potential outcomes.

Under investigation or on bail? Contact Lawtons 24/7 for specialist pre-charge representation.

Do written pre-charge representations help in every case?

Not always. Written representations are most effective where there is a genuine weakness in the prosecution’s case to highlight, or where new evidence can be put forward — for example, material that undermines a complainant’s account or points investigators towards another line of enquiry. In these situations, a well-prepared submission to the CPS can be the difference between a charge and a “No Further Action” decision.

In other cases, making representations too early, or disclosing your position before it is tactically sound, can do more harm than good. This is why we assess every case individually before deciding whether, when and how to make written representations. The decision is always based on what gives you the best chance of a favourable outcome.

Contact our specialist pre-charge representation lawyers

If you have been interviewed and released under investigation on bail, the time to act is now – not after a charging decision has been made. Our specialist team can review your case, advise on the strongest course of action, and engage with investigators on your behalf while the prosecution is still weighing its evidence.

Contact Lawtons 24/7 on 033 577 0522 or make an enquiry online to speak to a solicitor about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pre-charge representation worth it?

Yes, in some cases, pre-charge representation is the most effective way to prevent a case from reaching court and avoid the reputational damage of a public trial. We offer a bespoke service and recognise that each case is unique.

When should I instruct a solicitor?

You should instruct a solicitor immediately after a police interview to ensure time-sensitive evidence like CCTV or digital logs is preserved.

Should I wait for the police to contact me?

Waiting allows the police to build a one-sided case. Proactive representation ensures your version of events is considered by the CPS during the decision-making process.

How much does pre-charge representation cost?

Lawtons provides transparent fee structures based on the complexity of the investigation. We provide a clear cost estimate during the initial consultation.

Can you get legal aid for a pre-charge engagement?

In some circumstances, yes, legal aid may available for pre-charge engagement. Advice and representation at the police station, including interview under caution, is free and not means-tested, so you are entitled to it regardless of income. However, as pre-charge engagement happens after the first interview, the funding position differs. Since 2021 defence solicitors can be paid through legal aid for this work – though it’s subject to conditions and means tested and is limited. Many people choose to fund pre-charge engagement privately instead, as this allows a more proactive approach, with time to gather evidence and prepare detailed representations at the earliest stage. If you are unsure which applies to you,. It is best to speak to a solicitor.