Extradition, inquests and appeals

Extradition

We can act for individuals who are being sought by other countries in relation to criminal allegations or to serve sentences if they have already been convicted. We can advise at all stages of the proceedings, from advice at the police station on arrest and representation at the Magistrates’ Court and High Court.

Members of our team work as duty solicitors in the specialist extradition court at the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court (where all those facing extradition proceedings must appear) and we have conducted appeals against extradition at both the High Court and the House of Lords.

To discuss an extradition matter, please contact Shila Kesvari or Natalie Raphael for a prompt response to your enquiry.

Appeals

We have a first class reputation in relation to appellate work and our Senior Partner, Edward Preston, is rated as a “star individual” by Chambers and Partners, is a leader in this field. He is described as being “in the premier league” of UK lawyers and has successfully represented many defendants in relation to appeals against conviction or sentence. The firm had conduct of the majority of cases that came to be known as the “Rigg Approach” cases, in which defendants had their convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal following an exposure of extensive corruption of police officers based at the Rigg Approach branch of the Flying Squad. The firm referred a number of cases for review before the Criminal Cases Review Commission, ensured that the cases were returned to the Court of Appeal and, subsequently, that our clients were awarded significant compensation for the time they had spent in custody as a result of the fabrication of evidence by the police.

We generally accept instructions to act in relation to criminal appeal cases on a privately paying basis. In certain circumstances, for those who cannot afford their own legal expenses, we may be able to provide advice and representation if legal aid is available. Please contact us to discuss the funding options available to you. If there are grounds to suggest that a serious miscarriage of justice has occurred then considerable work may need to be undertaken including in some cases gathering new evidence.

Inquests

We can assist you if you are asked to be a witness at an inquest or if you are a family member who needs advice in dealing with the investigating authorities following a death. We can ensure that you are represented by experienced advocates during the inquest and, if required, we can advise on the need for independent expert evidence. Legal aid may be available in some cases and if you need advice then contact Edward Preston at our offices.