My priority is to avoid going to court, is there any way I can avoid a charge?

The decision to charge an individual with a criminal offence is based on a two-fold test. The first stage of the test involves an assessment of the strength of the evidence in the case. If there is sufficient evidence, the police must go on to consider whether a charge would be in the public interest. At this stage consideration will be given to whether the matter can be appropriately dealt with by way of an out of court disposal. In determining whether an out of court disposal is an appropriate alternative to charge the police will consider the nature of the offence, its seriousness, the impact upon the victim, and other factors such as whether the individual has any antecedents.

Vardags are experienced at putting forward timely and robust representations against charge, including, where appropriate, persuading officers towards an alternative means of disposal such as a caution. There are however important considerations which must be borne in mind before accepting a caution. Firstly, to become eligible for a caution an individual must provide a clear admission of guilt to a criminal offence. Furthermore, whilst a caution avoids the risk of a conviction, it is recorded on the police national computer and may in certain circumstances be disclosed to employers. Therefore it is essential that a person obtains legal advice to guide them through the stages of the investigation and understand the best course of action as the investigation unfolds.