Areas of Expertise
Pre-Charge & Investigation Defence
Strategic intervention before charge is brought. If you are under investigation, invited to a voluntary interview, or released under investigation, the case is already taking shape.
Why timing decides outcome
Under Investigation?
Act Early.
Being under investigation is not a neutral position. Evidence is being gathered, decisions are being made, and the case is developing with or without your input. Many assume that nothing can be done until charge. That is wrong.
Early representation allows us to engage with the investigation at a stage where it can still be influenced. We identify weaknesses, address issues before they escalate, and ensure that your position is properly presented from the outset.
In many cases, this is where the outcome is determined.
Our services
How We Work Pre-Charge
From the moment we are instructed, we assess how the case is being built, what evidence is being relied upon, and where it can be challenged.
- Immediate advice on contact from the police or any investigating authority
- Engagement with the officer in the case to obtain pre-interview disclosure
- Representations to police and prosecutors challenging charging decisions
- Analysis of seized digital material and devices
- Securing no further action where the evidence does not meet the threshold
- Representation at voluntary interviews under caution
- Advice on interview strategy — answer, prepared statement, or no comment
- Early instruction of forensic, digital, medical and accounting experts
- Liaison during release under investigation and bail check-ins
- Seamless transition into trial defence if proceedings follow
Why Chess Law
Why Chess Law Solicitors Pre-Charge
We do not wait for the case to be built against you
Known for stopping cases before charge
Interview strategy decided with full awareness of risk
Pre-charge work feeds the trial defence
Available 24 hours
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been asked to attend a voluntary interview. Is it really voluntary?
A voluntary interview is a formal criminal process conducted under caution. It is not informal and should never be approached without legal advice. We engage with the officer in the case in advance, obtain disclosure where possible, and advise you on the correct approach.
Should I answer questions in interview?
That depends on the facts of your case and the disclosure provided by the police. We advise on whether to answer questions, provide a prepared statement, or exercise your right to silence — and on the consequences of each approach.
What does 'released under investigation' mean?
It means you have been interviewed but not charged, and the investigation continues. There is no automatic time limit. Active legal representation during this period can shape the outcome significantly.
Can a case really be stopped before charge?
Yes. Where the evidence does not meet the required threshold, or where there are clear weaknesses, early representations can result in no further action. Delay limits what can be done.
Why instruct a solicitor before I have been charged?
Because that is when decisions are being made about whether to charge you and on what basis. Engaging once a charge has been brought means working backwards from a fixed prosecution case.
What if I have already attended an interview without a solicitor?
It is still important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. We will assess what has been said, the disclosure provided, and the steps that need to be taken now to protect your position.
Speak to us now.
If you have been contacted by the police, invited to attend an interview, or are aware that you are under investigation, do not wait. Early advice changes what is possible.
