FREELANCE SOLICITOR | PREMIER DEFENCE
PRE-CHARGE
Premier Defence, founded by Sohail Bashir, can provide you with the proactive legal advice and representation you need at every step of the pre-charge stage. Sohail has worked for and with some of the largest and most prestigious criminal law firms in the UK and therefore has the legal knowledge and sheer intelligence, and tenacity to, wherever possible, end police matters at the pre-charge stage. If further investigation and prosecution prove inevitable, Sohail will build a robust defence and, in most cases, represent you at trial. He never gives up and uses his formidable experience and expertise to get positive client results.
Sohail understands that being questioned and/or investigated concerning a criminal offence is confusing and frightening, especially if you have never had dealings with the police before. He will ensure you understand precisely what is happening and are available to answer your questions any time of the day or night. You can be confident that Sohail will proactively manage your case, constantly monitoring the police to ensure they act within their legal boundaries and advising you to protect your best interests.
If you have been arrested or asked to come to the police station to answer questions, please email Sohail immediately:
Sohail has a wealth of experience in advising and representing clients on:
Voluntary police interviews under caution
There is no such thing as an informal chat with the police if you have been accused of committing a criminal offence. If you have been asked to attend the police station for a voluntary interview under caution, you must contact us immediately.
Never, ever answer police questions without first having taken legal advice.
Many people believe that exercising their legal right to have a Solicitor present at an interview under caution is an admission of guilt. This is untrue. Sohail will obtain disclosure of the allegations against you and go through them in detail with you. In addition, he will ensure that when conducting the interview, the police do not exceed the scope of their legislative powers and provide you with the advice you need to protect your position and prevent you from inadvertently incriminating yourself.
Released under investigation
If the police do not have enough evidence to charge you they may release you under investigation or on pre-charge bail (with the latter being more common). This will allow them to complete their investigations into the allegations against you. Some people have been left lingering on release under investigation for months or even years. Thanks to his years of experience, Sohail can confidently liaise with the police and take a proactive approach by making representations stating why you should not be charged with an offence.
Pre-charge bail
If you are released on pre-charge bail, the police may impose conditions. By instructing us as soon as you become aware of the criminal allegations against you, you can be confident that you have an experienced legal professional on your side who will negotiate robustly to ensure any conditions attached to your pre-charge bail are minimal. Sohail will also proactively work to minimise your time on pre-charge bail and leave no stone unturned when providing evidence as to why you should not be formally charged.
Search and seizure
Police officers arriving at your home or office with a warrant to search the premises is often the first knowledge people have that they are suspected of committing a criminal offence. If you are subject to a search warrant, the police can search your home and/or workplace and seize any property of the kind described in the warrant.
Always cooperate with the police and never act aggressively. Try to delay officers until Sohail arrives but do not prevent them from conducting their search operation as this could lead to you being arrested.
If the police turn up and resent a search warrant, you must call Sohail immediately. He will check the validity and scope of the search and monitor the police as they examine your premises. In addition, he can analyse the information used by the police to obtain a search warrant from the Court and challenge its validity.
Arrest
If you are arrested, you must take the situation seriously. The police can only take such an action if they have reasonable grounds to suspect your involvement in a criminal offence. You have the right to call a Solicitor once you reach the police station, and you must contact Sohail immediately. Sohail will investigate why you were arrested and challenge the police on their reasons for doing so. He will also look at the circumstances of your arrest and ensure the police did not breach the scope of their powers. Sohail will do everything possible to secure your release and have any investigation/charges dropped as swiftly as possible.
Why choose Sohail?
Sohail is committed to ensuring everyone has access to justice. He never judges clients – his goal is to take away the stress and uncertainty of the situation and tenaciously work to ensure your best interests are protected. He understands the impact being accused of a crime can have on your personal and professional reputation and your family. You can be confident that Sohail has the experience, commitment, and expertise to provide best-in-class pre-charge legal advice and representation. Sohail will therefore keep you regularly updated as to how your matter is progressing.
If you have been arrested or asked to come to the police station to answer questions, please email Sohail immediately:
