Private Prosecution

Private Prosecution is a complicated and cost-intensive matter. With Private Prosecution, it requires an experienced and well-established Lawyer.

A member of the public can bring a private prosecution for any offence unless the offence is one for which the consent of the Attorney General (AG) or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is required before a prosecution can take place. S.6(1) of the PROSECUTION OF OFFENCES ACT 1985 (POA). 

After discussing the issues with an experienced clerk. We have a number barristers who will be able to asses your situation. Provide you with an initial consultation then work towards your bringing your Private Prosecution to the initial stages.

Below are some questions that you may have:

Do I need to privately prosecute?

After the initial assessment, one of the barristers will be able to give you insight into this. Barristers are procedural experts

Who will represent me? 

A team of barristers depending on the complexity will be required. The entire team will be spearheaded by a QC barrister.

Why do I need a barrister?

A barrister is a procedural expert. They will be able to provide an assessment of the merits and the best method for moving ahead with the Private Prosecution.

Will I win? Why do I need advice?

After the initial consultation. The QC barrister will need to review the entirety of the case. This would mean instructing the barrister to provide an opinion on the prospects of the Private Prosecution.

Why do we need to Privately Prosecute?

Watch this video to learn more about private Prosecution:

Stephen Harvey QC – The Benefits of Direct Access for SMEs

How much will it cost?

This all depends on the whole process. As you know with Barrister Direct, we offer fixed fee or fair fees.

Where ever possible we will aim to maintain cost budget. We will work to work within in your budget.

Please see the link below for more information:

https://www.privateprosecution.org.uk

Further information:

Private prosecutions are not a new concept however, they are becoming increasingly more widespread to seek swift outcomes and as an alternative or alongside civil proceedings, particularly where there is a growing strain on government agencies and already a lack of resources there are considerable advantages in mounting a private prosecution. Advice from lawyers who are experts in this field should always be sought before embarking on this course of action.

If you are looking for more information you can also visit: https://www.shensmithbarristers.co.uk/legal-practice-areas/private-prosecution/

Contact us now on 0203 6037 914