Mental Health and Crime

Duncan Lewis Criminal Defence Solicitors – Mental Health and Crime

A criminal charge involving a defendant with a mental health condition requires a criminal defence solicitor with expertise in both criminal law and mental health law.

Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitors are able to call on the firm’s mental health department to advise on mental health issues when preparing a case for the Magistrates’ Court, youth court or Crown Court.

As well as a successful criminal law department, Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services to vulnerable people.

This combined expertise ensures that defendants with a mental health condition will receive the best representation from Duncan Lewis’ criminal defence lawyers, who understand how issues of mental health may affect a trial – and how best to help support a defendant facing a court hearing or trial.

From the initial stages of a case – including representing clients with mental health conditions at a police station – Duncan Lewis crime lawyers will be able to offer defendants with a mental health condition expert advice on their rights under the law, as well as liasing with police and other agencies to ensure a client receives an appropriate psychological assessment and is not detained unnecessarily or held in custody without reasonable cause.

In the initial stages of a criminal case it is vital that a client receives effective legal representation, to avoid errors in defence which may prejudice the outcome of a case at a later stage.

Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitors have acknowledged expertise in defending clients with mental health conditions and will prepare a case thoroughly to ensure the outcome of a criminal charge is in a defendant’s best interests.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers also have a successful track record in defending cases on the grounds of insanity.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Defence Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases, including highly technical and complex road traffic cases, as well as serious crime and criminal charges involving defendants with mental health conditions.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious matters such as murder and rape.

Duncan Lewis is the largest provider of Legal Aid mental health service sin the UK – and our specialist mental health lawyers are registered with the Law Society as Mental Health Panel Members.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Defence Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide across England and Wales – and a criminal defence solicitor from Duncan Lewis can usually reach a client at a police station or Magistrates’ Court within 45 minutes to advise on criminal charges.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients with mental health conditions who are facing criminal charges, from the pre-investigation stage of a charge onwards – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice on criminal law.

For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

For expert legal advice on mental health law and detention under the Mental Health Act, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Defence Solicitors – When to contact us

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly attend police stations and hospitals to advise on mental health law and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis advises clients who may be facing criminal charges or allegations to contact us a soon as possible – it is possible to advise on criminal law even before a charge is brought, or when there is a possibility that allegations will be made or a police investigation will take place.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers – Legal Aid & Private Client – Mental Health and Crime

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services –Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.

Clients with mental health conditions are usually awarded Legal Aid.

Duncan Lewis will advise further on Legal Aid funding at the initial client meeting.

If a client is not eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis crime lawyers also offer competitively-priced fee levels for private client representation at a Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

In some criminal cases, after the event insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

Call Duncan Lewis Criminal Defence Solicitors to discuss our crime and mental health services on 020 7923 4020.