Pre-Charge Engagement - What is it and why you need it?

The Police Interview is not the only part of an investigation process.  The purpose of the interview is to give the suspect an opportunity to either admit or deny their involvement in a criminal offence (if they so wish) which will assist the Police with their investigation.  After the interview the Police are required to continue their investigation to reach a satisfactory conclusion based upon the evidence they have gathered.

Pre-Charge Engagement is a useful tool that any suspect and their Solicitor can use to engage with the Police to assist disprove their involvement in a criminal offence by providing further lines of enquiry.  This is a voluntary process which may include providing the Police with additional witnesses, video footage, emails or screenshots of messages along with any other reasonable lines of enquiry which may tell another side to the story.  A solicitor will coordinate and submit the additional evidence along with a statement which may be key to clearing the suspect’s name.

Pre-Charge Engagement can be used in a variety of different ways to support the suspect.  For example, where the suspect is guilty, a Solicitor may draft a letter of representations to the Police advocating why the suspect should be considered for an out of court disposal such a Caution or Community Resolution. 

Where a charging decision is inevitable, it is useful for the suspect to engage with their Solicitor at the earliest opportunity in preparation for court. Taking background statements, obtaining character references for mitigation purposes are key to positive outcomes.  Also, after the Interview and before charge is a good time to undertake counselling or some other form of rehabilitation which may demonstrate to the Court that the suspect is taking their offending behaviour seriously. 

If the suspect is unhappy with the Solicitor they had for their initial interview, it is also a great time to find a Solicitor you are comfortable working with for the foreseeable future. 

If you believe you will benefit from Pre-Charge Engagement with Kelly Blake Legal, please contact for a chat and no obligation quote.