Types of Offence

Michael Carroll & Co have experience of representing those facing a full range of offences, including:

1. Allegations Involving Loss of Life, Serious Injury or Serious Violence

These cases are amongst the most serious in the criminal justice system and require specialist representation from the outset.

We analyse the evidence in detail, obtain expert reports where necessary and provide robust, strategic advice at every stage. We regularly represent clients for very serious matters including:

  • Murder / Manslaughter / Infanticide
  • Grievous Bodily Harm
  • Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
  • Causing / Allowing the death of a child
  • Administration of Poison / Drugs to endanger life
  • Arson
  • Blackmail /Extortion
  • Firearms and Possession of Ammunition
  • Kidnap / False Imprisonment / Child Abduction
  • Robbery
  • Terrorism Offences
  • Other

2. Sexual Offences

Sexual allegations are highly sensitive and often complex.

We provide discreet, specialist advice, challenge unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence and work with expert witnesses where needed to ensure a fair process.

We represent clients facing all types of sexual offences including:

  • Rape / Stranger Rape / Date Rape / Rape of a Child
  • Child Sexual Offences
  • Sexual Communication with a child / Grooming / Entrapment / Honey Traps / Vigilantes
  • Sexual Activity with Person with a Mental Disorder
  • Sexual Assault
  • Historical Sex Abuse
  • Indecent images / Possessing and Downloading indecent images and extreme porn
  • Indecent Exposure / Voyeurism / Upskirting / Revenge Porn
  • Sexual Offenders Orders / Sexual Risk Order / Sexual Harm Prevention Order
  • Outraging Public Decency
  • Other Sexual Offences

3. Allegations of Abuse Within the Family

We act in cases involving allegations made within a domestic or family setting. These matters often involve safeguarding concerns, parallel family court issues and sensitive personal circumstances.

We provide careful, strategic advice to protect your position where there are allegations of:

  • Domestic Violence Assault
  • Non-Fatal Strangulation
  • Child Cruelty
  • Stalking and Harassment / Breach of Stalking Protection Order
  • Coercive and Controlling Behaviour
  • Forced Marriage & FGM
  • Breach of Non-Molestation Order / Breach of Other Orders
  • Other

4. Acquisitive and Property Offences

We represent clients accused of offences involving the taking or damaging of property and acquisitive offences. These cases often turn on identification, intent, financial evidence or CCTV.

We scrutinise the prosecution case, challenge weak or inconsistent evidence and make early representations where appropriate. We can assist with the following allegations:

  • Theft
  • Going Equipped
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Handling Stolen Goods
  • Fraud
  • Blackmail
  • Criminal Damage
  • Taking and Driving Away /Aggravated Vehicle Taking
  • Going Equipped
  • Other

5. Public Order and Weapons Offences

We advise and represent clients facing allegations of disorder or possession of prohibited items. These cases frequently involve issues of self-defence, reasonable force, joint enterprise or mistaken identity.

We will ensure your account is properly presented when representing you when accused of:

  • Riot / Violent Disorder / Affray
  • Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress
  • Stirring up Hatred
  • Possession of knife / Blades in Public
  • Threatening with Weapons / Knives in Public
  • Possession of Firearms (Real and Imitation)without authority
  • Possession of Ammunition without authority
  • Manufacturing /Supplying / SellingFirearms/ Ammunition without authority
  • Other

6. Drug Offences

We act in all drugs-related matters, from large-scale supply to simple possession. These cases often involve issues of exploitation, modern slavery, cellsite analysis, forensics and surveillance. We obtain expert reports where required and challenge unlawful searches, procedural errors or unreliable evidence. We can advise you on all the following:

  • Possession with Intent to Supply Drugs
  • Production / Cultivation of Drugs
  • Import / Export Drugs
  • Simple Possession of Drugs
  • Other

7. Fraud, Financial & Regulatory Offences

Financial and regulatory investigations can be complex, documentheavy and highly technical. We analyse financial evidence carefully, challenge assumptions made by investigators and work with forensic accountants where required.

We act in cases involving:

  • Fraud by False Representation / Failing to Disclose / Abuse of Position
  • Possession of Articles for Use in Fraud
  • Bribery / Insider Dealing
  • Benefit fraud
  • Identity fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Tax Evasion
  • False Accounting
  • Trading Standards Offences
  • Health & Safety
  • Other

8. Cybercrime & Online Offences

Online offences are increasingly common and often involve digital evidence, device analysis and communication records. We can scrutinise the digital evidence and ensure that any investigation has been conducted lawfully and proportionately.

We have staff qualified to Masters’ Degree Level in Systems and Data Communication.

We represent clients accused of:

  • Hacking
  • Unauthorised Access with Intent
  • Online Harassment / Online Stalking
  • Revenge Porn
  • Malicious communications
  • Internet-based fraud
  • Making and Supplying Malware / Phishing Scams
  • Identity Theft
  • Other

9. Driving & Road Traffic Offences

We represent clients facing a wide range of driving offences, from minor road traffic matters to serious allegations involving risk to the public.

These cases often involve technical evidence, procedural requirements and strict time limits.

We provide clear advice on the strength of the case, potential penalties and the best strategy to protect your licence and your record. [see Motoring Section]

We Can assist with the following:

  • Speeding / Mobile Phone / No Insurance / No Licence / Careless Driving
  • Drink or Drug Driving
  • Dangerous Driving
  • Causing Death by Dangerous Driving
  • Fail to Stop after an Accident
  • Other

10. Harassment & Communications Offences (Non-Domestic)

We act in cases involving harassment and communications outside of domestic context.

These cases often involve social media, online interactions or disputes between including neighbours, colleagues or acquaintances.

We provide clear advice on defences, evidential issues and the proportionality of prosecution, including for offences of the following:

  • Harassment
  • Stalking
  • Putting People in Fear of Violence
  • Malicious Communications / False Communications
  • Improper Use of a Public Communications Network
  • Threatening and Abusive Messaging
  • Cyber Flashing
  • Other

11. Court-Related Offences

We act in cases involving allegations involving courts. . These offences can carry serious consequences and we can help you with the following allegations:

  • Contempt of Court
  • Perjury
  • Perverting the Course of Justice
  • Witness Intimidation
  • Bail Offences / Failing to Surrender to Court / Breach of Bail Conditions
  • Jury Intimidations / Interference / Other
  • Breach of Restraining Order
  • Breach of Injunction
  • Breach of Non-Molestation Order
  • Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order
  • Breach of Criminal Behaviour Order
  • Breach of Other Orders
  • Other

12. Animal-Related Offences

We act in cases involving allegations of animal cruelty or dangerous dogs. These matters often involve expert veterinary evidence, witness accounts and assessments of risk. Sometimes the cases are prosecuted by the Police, CPS, or others, such as specialist prosecutors from RSPCA. We provide clear advice on the evidence and the potential consequences, including destruction orders or disqualification.

We can assist with the following allegations:

  • Causing Unnecessary suffering / Failure to meet Welfare Needs
  • Animal Fighting / Mutilation
  • Dangerous Dog / Banned Breeds
  • Other

13. Immigration & Identity Offences

We represent clients accused of offences involving false identity documents, facilitating unlawful immigration or breaching immigration bail. These cases often involve cross-border evidence, expert reports and complex legal issues. We ensure that your rights are protected throughout the investigation and any court proceedings.

We can help with the following matters:

  • Illegal Entry / Overstaying / Assisting Unlawful Immigration / Sham Marriages
  • Possession of False ID  /  Making or Supplying False Documents
  • Identity Fraud
  • Other

We do not undertake Immigration Advice, but can endeavour to direct you to appropriate providers.

14. Other Offences

We also represent clients facing a wide range of general criminal allegations. We provide clear advice on the strength of the evidence, possible defences and the best strategy for your case. We can assist those accused of the following:

  • Public Nuisance / Breach of the Peace
  • Wasting Police Time
  • Misconduct in Public Office
  • Other