CP1 Flashcards
When should a suspect arrested of a crime be taken to a police station and who should they be taken to?
Soon as practicable after arrest, unless granted bail
s30(1A) PACE
Custody officer
How long keep / until release suspect from police station?
Expeditiously and released once no longer need to detain
Initial steps of custody officer
Maintain custody record recording:
- Name/address etc.
- Offence and why arrest
-Time of arrest and arrival
- Reason ongoing detention
- Time detention authorised
- Confirm told rights / whether req legal advice
- their property/medical condition
Inform of rights
Maintain detention log
When can custody officer seize suspects’ items?
Could:
- Cause physical injury
- Cause damage
- Interfere with evi or
- Assist escape
FIRST step : who and how do they decide whether to retain detained suspect?
Custody officer.
Ask investigating officer if:
- Sufficient evi to charge for arrest (rare);
- what do if detain further (e.g. interview)
What are the grounds for detention?
Custody officer has:
- Reasonable grounds for believing necessary to detain suspect longer to secure or preserve evidence (e.g. search property)
or/and
- Necessary obtain evi by questioning
Release soon as don’t apply
What conditions must suspect be detained in ? As in conditions of cell etc
Cell adequately heated, cleaned, ventilated and lit
Clean sanitary bedding
Access to loo and washing facilities
Two light and one main meal in 24-hr period
Drinks at mealtimes/request
Brief outdoor exercise
Visited at least each hour
General timeframe for custody officer to do things
Reasonably practicable
What ongoing rights do suspects have?
- Someone informed of arrest
- Consult privately with solicitor (and told free, independent legal advice is available) soon as practicable
- Consult Codes of Practice
- Why arrested/detained
Where suspect sought legal advice, what happens?
(Unless said paying privately) - Police call Defence Solicitor Call Centre
They decide whether call or attend
If in person - must be informed once arrives and asked if want to see them/if prev declined legal advice
Can police delay right to legal advice?
Only if
- authorised by superintendent +;
- indictable;
- max 36 hours from ‘relevant time’
- confirmed in writing soon as practicable
AND
reas grounds believing would
1. interfere with evi 🫰
2. injury to others 🤕
3. alert other suspects; or 🚨
4. hinder recovering property obtained from offence 🛑
When may police delay exercise of right to inform others of arrest?
- Officer +
- Indictable offence
- Max 36 hours
- Orally but writing once pract
AND
Reas grounds believing:
1. interfere evi
2. injury others
3. alert other suspects; or
4. hinder recovering property obtained from offence
(same as for legal advice except officer not superintendent)
(initial) maximum period for suspect detention
24 hours from ‘relevant time’, which will be:
1. Voluntarily attend - time of arrest
2. Street bail (arrested, then must go police station themselves at specified time) - time arrive
3. Arrested away from station - once arrive
When can suspect be detained longer than usual and how long for?
this is separate to legal advice/inform others
(extension is from relevant time - i.e.arrival or arrest if voluntary attend)
(nb: can give for max 36 hours each time, but can be less)
A) superintendent + if reas grounds:
extend from 24 to 36 hours
1. necessary preserve/secure/obtain through Qs evi
2. either-way or indictable-only
3. diligent and expeditious investigation
OR
B). MAGISTRATES (s43) grant warrant for max of a FURTHER 36 hrs
(so if superintendent+ as already approved, would be total 72 hours)
- necessary secure/preserve/obtain evi
- Diligent and expeditous
OR
C) Magistrates again (s44) for further extension
- cannot be longer than 36 hours and must not end later than 96 hours after initial arrest
if above grounds AND
reas grounds for further detention
What happens if detain suspect for longer than authorised?
How are detention periods reviewed?
Tort of false imprisonment
By inspector + who not involved:
- not later than 6 hours after authorised detention
- no later 9 hours after that (and 9 hours after that etc)
6 - 9 - indep inspector
What rights will a volunteer suspect have?
(e.g. willing to help or police not enough evi but asked to attend)
Can leave at any time unless formally arrested
Generally advise to attend voluntarily if given choice
Usually have legal adviser
Can ask for friend or solicitor in interview
Police can arrest if make admission which gives sufficient grounds to arrest
What info should solicitor get from custody officer?
- Record/log/basic details
Then from officer/record:
- Alleged offence
- Time authorised detention
- Significant comments by client
- Evi already taken
- Any identification procedure
- Interview?
- Disability or illness?
- Items from search?
- Any detention review records?
Who does solicitor need to speak to and in what order?
- Custody officer (basics of detention)
- Investigating officer (disclosure, any statements and next steps)
- Client
(who they are, details of offence, instructions, next steps, interview prep)
What will/should investigating officer provide solicitor with? Do they have to disclose?
Code C =
sufficient info understand NATURE of offence and WHY suspect as long as not prejudice investigation
Not obliged provide with anything else, but normally:
- witness statements
- any other evi e.g. forensic
If they don’t, should say need to properly advise
What should solicitor tell suspect when first meet? (steps 1 and 2)
- Free independent legal advice
Protect and advance rights
Confidential
But prof conduct reqs - Details got from investigating office
Relevant law and what police need to prove
Once informed of their role and details of offence, what should solicitor acquire from/tell client?
- Their instructions
(version of events and take instructions - note if poss) - Tell what next steps will be
- Prep for interview
(whether to respond to Qs, prep written statement if no comment and hand to police, advise how will be conducted and their role)
Advantages of answering all Qs in police interview?
Where is it esp good idea?
- Version of events on record immediately
- Good where evi burden
- Case may not be pursued
Trial:
- Credibility at trial if consistent
- No adverse inferences at trial
- Mitigation
(^ esp if strong case, no previous convictions/cautions and admitting guilt)
Disadvantages answering all Qs at interview
- maybe incriminating or undermine credibility
- police often trip up
- often play transcript (tone, contradict, implausible)
- confusion e.g. young
- if not full police disclosure, could catch out
- may attack another’s character, allows CPS raise other convictions
Advantages and disadvantages of remaining silent
Advantages:
- Not incriminate/inadvertent disclosure/weak case = don’t give more evidence
Disadvantages:
- Adverse inference - sham defence as could have raised at interview
When should you advise client to give no comment interview?
- Police not disclosed enough (esp imp if interviewed co-assued)
- Think they may reveal new info
- Not sufficient evi atm
- Unfit to interview (late/drugs/upset/drunk)
- Age, immaturity, psych vulnerability etc.
- Complex/long ago (can’t immediately respond)
- No valid defence
- Personal reasons (embarrazzing)
Should a solicitor ever advise a client to give selective silence?
No - comes across badly at trial - appears something to hide.
When should a solicitor draft a written statement for suspect? What must it contain?
Put version of events on record to avoid adverse inference at trial, but concerned perform badly at interview if answer Qs
Contain facts wish to rely on in defence;
and
cover matters may ask in interview/be subject of adverse inference
No more than necessary but update if further police disclosure
When should written statement be handed to police?
Usually at interview or prior to charge
Weak police case - hold back until charge
Unsure on client’s accuracy - retain on file and produce at later date to prevent adverse infs such as inconsistency (
but allows other adverse inference (e.g. that not thought of the defence yet)
Steps of investigating officer to obtain/preserve/secure info re suspect?
- Audibly recorded interview
- Identification procedure
- Fingerprints
- Samples
When should an investigating officer NOT interview a suspect?
At time of interview, appear not to:
a) Appreciate significant of Qs or their answers; or
b) Understand what’s happening bcos of drink, drugs, illness or generally shouldn’t be interviewed
(rare limitations if urgent)
General rule on whether a suspect can be interviewed prior to receiving legal advice?
No
(if indicated want legal advice)
(If initially didn’t want it but changed mind, stop interview)
When is delay permitted so can interview without legal advice?
Which can u draw adv inf for?
- Delay permitted (superintendent + stuff) - no adv inf
- Awaiting solicitor = unreas delay - no adv inf
- Specified solicitor can’t be contacted/declined and refused duty solicitor - adv inf
- Change mind on wanting advice - adv inf
(this is correct.)
‘You do not have to say anything, but anything you do say may be given in evidence.’
Instead of “but anything you do say may be given in evi AND harm defence if later relied on in court”
When is the first one said in interview and why?
- Permitted delay legal advice; or
- Too long to wait for solicitor
Because:
In these instances, can’t draw adverse inferences from remaining silent
(absolute right to silence)
(in contrast - if had legal advice or offered b ut declined, would say may be given in evi AND harm defence if later rely on in court)
What should order of start of interview of suspect be?
CLS.
Caution. Legal. Signif.
- Caution
(usually includes that if you do not mention harm defence) - Continuing right to free indep legal advice
(even if solicitor present) - Put fwd any significant statements and silences before interview
(capable used in evi or silence under caution may draw adverse inference on)
What is signif statement/silence and when is it relevant?
st or silence made in presence police officer
- signif st = capable used in evi against at trial
- signif silence = fai answer Q satisfactorily under caution so could draw adv inf at trial
After done caution and legal advice
Put to them
Ask if
- confirm
- deny
- add
When may an interviewing officer use oppression in an interview and what is the implication of this?
- Raise voice or shout (checked this)
- Threatening gestures
- In their face
- Stands over/behind
- Threaten detail indefinitely unless confess
- Indicate release quicker if confess
(such evi may be inadmissible)
When can an interview cease (inc when there should be breaks) and implications if doesn’t?
- Satisfied all Qs put to suspect
and given opportunity explain/answer all Qs; - Believe sufficient evi realistic prospect conviction
3.
Breaks approx every 2 hours at recognsied meal times
- Interview over 24 hours, 8 hours continuous rest
^ Code C breach PACE
If not, any confession/evi obtained may be INADMISSIBLE
How should solicitor prepare client for interview (general)?
could imagine legal writing
- Interview will be recorded and will be asked to identify selves 📹
- May be stopped if you require further legal advice and should be informed of this 🚥
- That will be present and able to intervene 🫸
- If remain silence, use no comment phrase 🤐
TACTICS in no comment🤐
- ask seemingly silly Qs 🤪
- try to alienate from solicitor 👽
- warn dangers not answering ⛔️
And to ignore them!
- Keep your cool and not make personal attacks on others
What must solicitor ensure re set up / during course of interview?
Solicitor must ensure:
- client able to sit by them
- able to make eye contact with them
Actions:
- object improper questioning
- give advice (even in private)
What should solicitor do at start of interview?
- Standard statement (role is and may intervene)
- Let know if exercising right to silence
When should solicitor intervene at interview?
- Seating arrangements
- New info - Oppressive
- Inappropriate Qs
- Police threats/legal advice on silence
- Inducements
- Refer prev convictions
- Already sufficient evi to charge - Ask if prepared further procedures before advised
- Concern re conduct / comments
When can a solicitor be removed from interview with suspect? Who must authorise? What must do if removed?
Obstructive (prevent putting Qs / prevent recording / answering on behalf)
Officer must stop, consult superintendent +, decides if continue
If removed, need another
What should solicitor do if suspect confirms guilt but wants to deny at INTERVIEW stage?
Can’t attend interview if deny but could attend if no comment
If false info, decline act and dissuade lying
(woul be misleading court)
How can solicitor avoid conflict when acting for suspects?
What should u do if only realies conflcit after seen both?
Cautious if jointly alleged commit offence - not conflict in itself but could become one
Speak to one of suspects and if obvs conflict, decline act for second and inform police
(don’t say why)
May occur during course (e.g. in defence)
If only realise after seen both, withdraw completely
Only continue if no tension duty confidentiality and disclosure - rare
When can solicitor disclose another client’s confidential info (joint suspects)? What consideration must they maintain?
- Waives (preferably in writing);
- Both put forward consistent instructions; and
- Considers best interests of both clients to disclose
Duty not to mislead
(co-accused may be using to fabricate - so obtain their account before telling what other said)
Can solicitor disclose client’s case to third party?
No (e.g. co-accused’s solicitor)
Unless considers in client’s best interests (but must first explain reasoning to client and obtain authority)
If withdraw from acting for client, what must solicitor do?
- Explain why
- Tell still entitled free legal advice
- Still confidential
- Inform custody officer but not why
Who are classed as vulnerable suspects?
- Juveniles (10 - 17, and who appears under 18)
- Mental health condition or mental disorder (anyone who appears)
- Deaf or blind 🧏♀️👩🦯
- Can’t speak English🏴
Additional responsibility of custody officer if juvenile arrested?
(NOT same as appropriate adult)
Identify person responsible for welfare:
1. Parent or guardian;
2. If in care, the individual appointed for welfare; or
3. anyone who has assumed resp
And inform that person soon as practicable that arrested, why and where detained - cannot delay
If juvenile is subject to form of monitoring (eg supervision order), reasonable steps to tell parent/guardian
Additional steps where suspect doesn’t speak/understand English or hearing/speech impediment
Interpreter or someone able assist with communication
Additional steps if suspect blind/visual impairment?
Custody officer ensure someone independent who likely interest in welfare to help check any docs
(e.g. solicitor, appropriate adult)
Who can have an appropriate adult and who can be one?
under 18 or ‘vulnerable’ person - inc mental health condition/disorder
(may also be someone w physical if deemed vulnerable)
- relative, guardian or care/custody; or
- experience dealing w vulnerable; or
- some other responsible adult
Order for contacting appropriate adult?
- Parent, guardian or local authority carer
- Not available, ask a social worker
- Still not, another resp adult and independent (e.g. aunt) (18 and over - just turned 18 may still consider not)
Who can never be an appropriate adult?
Solicitor
Police
Interest party (e.g. co-suspect)
Suspect has admitted to (ie told guilty )
(if suspect objects) Estranged parent
Role of appropriate adult?
a) support, advise and assist suspect
b) ensure understand and help uphold rights
c) observe police acting properly, fairly and respectfully
d) assist communication
(custody officer should repeat rights and any caution in presence appropriate adult)
Role of legal representative in relation to appropriate adult
Ensure understand role and not there to help police
Shouldn’t answer Qs on behalf
Should intervene if think not understood a Q
What must police inform AA at interview?
When can they get rid of them?
What happens if get rid?
Purpose of their presence
independent superintendent +, or inspector + if not avail.
who will:
- remind can’t obstruct proper Qs
- give AA opp to respond
- deicde if interview should continue w/o AA
If get rid, usually must get another AA
(there are exceptions but not given in textbook)
What out of court disposals are available for juveniles?
- Community resolution
- Youth cautions
What is a community resolution?
Informal agreement between parties.
Out-of-court for juveniles (non-statutory).
Minor offence or anti-social behaviour.
Usually for first offence where admitted guilt and considered V’s views.
Not form part of criminal record.
When could a youth caution be offered and circumstances?
- sufficient evi to charge;
- admits guilt (!)
- police not consider in public interest to prosecute/conditional caution
If 17 or under, in presence of AA
(nb 16 if youth conditional caution because more serious)
Requirements for youth conditional caution?
- sufficient evi convict;
- ADMITTED guilt
-
effect explained
- warned failure comply may = prosecution original offence 💬
- if 16 and under, in presence AA - offender sign doc containing consent etc 📄
A youth caution is a formal out of court disposal.
Youth conditional cautions are a caution with conditions attached. If a child does not keep to YCC could be prosecuted for the original offence.
(nb, unlike standard ycc - where sufficient evi, guilt, not PI, 17 r under)
Advantages of accepting a youth caution or youth conditional caution?
- Avoids being charged and attending youth court
- Not criminal convictions
Disadvantages for client (juvenile) accepting youth caution / youth conditional caution?
- Record retained by police (inc fingernails etc)
- May appear criminal records check
- Caution may be considered in deciding how deal w future offences
- May need to disclose future employer
- Must refer to Youth Offending Team - assess and rehabilitation programme
- Failure comply can = prosecution original offence
- Caution itself and failure participate rehabilitation may cite criminal proceedings
- Potentials sex offenders register
What does solicitor need from investigating officer when arrive?
- Sufficient info re nature and offence (disclosure)
- Signif statements or silence
- Intended next steps (e.g. interview? bail?)
Which court do all criminal cases start in?
Magistrates
Under 17 usually youth court (type of magistrates)
Key principles of CJSSS - re mags
- common presumption
- if enter guilty plea and to be sentenced in mags, expected ____
- if plead not guilty in mags, expect trial date fixed for ___
- CPS should provide what at first hearing
- is a common presumption that a plea entered at first hearing
- guilty plea sentenced in magistrates = expected sentenced same day unless detailed report required
- non guilty - expected trial issues identified and date fixed 6-8 weeks
- CPS should provide sufficient info at first hearing
Three classifications of offences
Those triable on:
1. Indictment only
2. Either way
3. Summary only
What are indictable-only offences?
Most serious offences which must be dealt with by Crown Court
(still start in Magistrates)
What are either-way offences?
Can be dealt with by magistrates or crown.
Makes first appearance in magistrates
Not guilty plea: magistrates may decline jurisdiction (too serious); or
D elect trial in Crown Court.
Guilty plea: can commit CC for sentencing
What are summary offences ?
Least serious. Only magistrates.
e.g. road traffic accidents
What type of offence is criminal damage?
Over £5000 - either/way
£5000 or less - summary offence UNLESS caused by fire
(fire = either-way)
these stats defo right x
What value for low value shop lifting?
What is the maximum penalty?
£200 and under
Inc combined value if stolen multiple things
Summary
(over is either way)
6 m custody
What is a ‘general criminal contract’?
Firm solicitors contract with Legal Aid Agency which allows to obtain public funding for clients without sufficient means
Are solicitors paid for initial advice at police station?
Always free to client
Solicitor claim as fixed payment under Police Station Advice and Assistance Scheme
(generally same fee regardless how long etc)
What is the duty solicitor scheme? Are they paid?
Magistrates court (NOT police station)
(police station is Police Station Advice and Assistance Scheme so can tell what it is)
Claim costs from Legal Aid Agency’s Advocacy Assistance Scheme.
What tests must a defendant satisfy to apply for legal aid in magistrates court?
- Interests of justice test (aka merits); AND
- Means test
who auto passes IoJ
- CC unless appeal to CC
What factors are considered for the INTERESTS OF JUSTICE test re legal aid in mags?
regardless guilty/not guilty plea:
- likely lose liberty
- livelihood
(e.g. bus driver in road traffic accident) - currently on suspended bail for different offence
- statutory presumption that will activate earlier sentence and so go to prison
Not guilty plea only:
- reputation (eg vicar)
- substantial Q of law relevant
- eg CPS evi disputed (Turnbull, adv inf, hearsay etc) - unable understand proceedings
- interests of another
eg inappropriate for D to cross-examine - Witnesses may need to be traced or interviewed on my behalf
(eg expert witness)
(eg expert cross examination required cos complex) - Cross-examination of CPS witness (expert or not)
-
‘any other reasons’
e.g. likely to receive a demanding community sentence
NB: Crown Court and u18’s - automatically passed
(try to expand on specific examples and see prep 2 in workbook)
what to inc in “other reason” legal aid
- demanding community sentence
- examination-in-chief of D
- state if entering not guilty plea
anything can’t cover in the other headings
When will defendants AUTOMATICALLY pass the means test for legal aid at magistrates?
- Universal credit, job seekers allowance or income support
(not working tax credits) - Under 18
How will a defendant pass means test for legal aid if don’t automatically qualify?
(criminal)
- Complete form and send evi:
e.g. pay slips, rental agreements - ‘Rudimentary’ assessment
- divide gross annual income if got children/partner
- produces ‘ADJUSTED income’
^ £12,475 or less: eligible (CC/Mags)
over £12,475 - less than £22,325: full means test (CC/Mags)
£22,325+: ineligible mags / full means test CC
- FULL MEANS TEST
- calculate disposable income
- e.g. deduct tax, housing, childcare, maintenance and adjusted annual living allowance
Mags: disposable income must be £3,398 or less
- CC: if more than £3,398 and less £37,500, may allow but only if contribute towards legal fees from income or capital
NB: considers income only and not capital (e.g. any pending inheritance)
Can an applicant for legal aid in magistrates appeal against refusal of legal aid on grounds of means test?
No
BUT if can show genuinely cannot fund own defence, may ask entitlement reviewed on grounds of hardship by completing a form
How does legal aid differ for Ds in magistrates and crown?
Magistrates
- either fully free or not available
Crown
- may be available subject to D paying contribution
- no need to satisfy IoJ test
What is a representation order?
Granted if D successful application for criminal legal aid
(ie satisfies IoJ and means tests)
Sent to solicitor
When will representation order cover ALL funding?
Will appeals be covered?
summary-only or either-way dealt with in mags: covers all mags work
^ MAY cover an appeal to CC
Either-way and mags decline or D elects CC: extend automatically to CC work.
Indictment-only: covers mags and CC work.
Either-way, failed mags means test, passes CC test: only covers CC work
Either-way offences where D failed means test and case goes to Crown Court - when does funding commence and what will it cover?
Day AFTER the hearing (which sends to Crown Court)
ONLY work in Crown Court and ONLY if satisfies means test in Crown Court
Order of first HEARING - summary offence?
- D enters plea
- Guilty plea:
- CPS tell facts/prev convictions
- D’s sol mitigation plea
- Magistrates sentence or adjourn
(e.g. require reports/CPS facts disputed) - Not guilty:
- Fix date for trial
- Issue case management directions
Order of FIRST hearing - either-way offence?
-
Charge read out to D by court’s legal adviser, checks D’s solicitor received IDPC
(^ differs from summary only)
2 Court’s legal adviser asks indicate how plead if proceed to trial and that if guilty, treated as such
A) Guilty plea
- Adjourn if CC or need pre-sentence report needed to sentence
(CC if insufficient powers)
B) Not guilty
- determine which court
Procedure for first hearing in offences triable only on indictment (i.e. indictment-only)
- Preliminary hearing at magistrates
- Adjourned whilst magistrates determine bail or custody before hearing
- Crown Court for either trial or sentence
What must Magistrates Court always determine if sending case to Crown Court?
Custody or bail until next hearing
Role of solicitor in first hearing at magistrates?
- obtain any LAA funding
- details from CPS of case
- statement from client
- advise client on CPS strength and plea
- either-way and not guilty, inform may be dealt with by magistrates or crown (and impact)
- make any bail application
What happens to a suspended sentence of imprisonment if you are CONVICTED of another offence?
(Likely) automatically activated
Examples of indictable-only offences
Robbery, aggravated burglary, blackmail, kidnap, conspiracy, s 18 GBH wounding with intent, murder, manslaughter
Examples of either-way offences
Theft, fraud, most burglary (NB not robbery), handling stolen goods, going equipped to steal, INFLICTING GBP/wounding, assault = ABH, sexual assault, affray, threats to kill, criminal damage, dangerous driving, offensive weapon, intent supply, supply drugs
What is an IDPC? (include what offences applies to and who sends it)
Prosecution to defence
Applies to all offences
Access digitally
Contains certain info which CPS will rely on and D entitled to consider before trial
(includes but not just unused material)
What must IDPC include?
How does it differ where defendant was in custody before first hearing in magistrates?
If in custody for that offence immediately before first hearing:
- Summary of circumstances of offence; and
- D’s criminal record, if is one.
^ no requirement statements/CCTV (but CPS will need to ensure any info give to court still made available to D)
What must IDPC include in cases where D not in custody before first hearing in mags?
(nb there’s more stuff CPS must disclose if D on bail and doesn’t anticipate guilty plea - sep card)
- Summary of circumstances of offence
- Account given by D in interview
- Material witness statement or exhibit
- D’s criminal record if any
- Any victim impact statement
If D released on bail and CPS do not anticipate guilty plea, what should IDCP include?
(as well as summary offence/record/victim impact statement etc on previous card)
- Statements and exhibits CPS think imp, inc CCTV/forensic report
- Indicate medical or other expert evi CPS likely to adduce
- Any info re special measures, bad characater or hearsay
What matters must solicitor discuss with client when advising on plea (after receiving IDCP)?
- Response to prosecution case
- discuss CPS witness statements/is it disputed?
- check interview e.g. admissions, anything can exclude - Strength of CPS case
- Any further evi for D required?
- Either-way - which court?
Why would D want Crown Court over Mags?
- Statistically acquittal more likely
- Better procedure for challenging admissibility of prosecution evidence
- absence jury
(if refused, never hear)
- unlike mags - More time to prepare case
- good if complex evi
Factors in favour of Magistrates for Defendant?
- Likely lower sentence
- BUT may commit to CC if turns out more serious - Speed
- Stress
less formal e.g. first time - Prosecution costs
- contribute if convicted and usually higher CC - Defence costs
- if funding, cheaper.
- if legal aid, may have to contribute in CC. - No obligation to serve defence statement
- less detail CPS
- reduces defence costs
- element of surprise !
What should solicitor tell client re pleading guilty?
Reduced sentence
(if told that guilty but want to plead not) - prof limitations of them continuing acting