Criminal Law
Julian Tanikal is the Head of the Criminal Department and is a qualified duty solicitor. Victoria Latham is an Assistant Solicitor and is also a qualified duty solicitor. Between Julian and Victoria, they have nearly 20 years experience working in the criminal justice system.
We offer advice both on a private client basis and under the terms of our public funding (legal aid) contract with the Legal Services Commission.
The Criminal Department has held a Legal Services Commission franchise since 1999 to undertake public funding (legal aid) work at both the police station and court. In February 2009, Julian and Victoria were awarded one of the highest Legal Services Commission audit ratings granted to a criminal department in the U.K.. This Legal Services Commission audit rating confirms that we offer some of the best quality advice and assistance to our clients.
We undertake a variety of work at all levels in the criminal defence field including assistance with:-
- Police Station investigations
- Magistrates Court proceedings
- Crown Court proceedings
- Appeals against conviction and/or sentence
- Prison Law matters
- Public Law investigations and prosecutions:-
- Health & Safety Executive
- RSPCA
- H.M. Customs & Revenue
- Department for Work & Pensions
- Road Traffic matters
- Courts Martial matters
We also have a number of specialities.
Road Traffic Law
Both Julian and Victoria are experienced Road Traffic Advocates. The increasing use of speed cameras and Vehicle Registration Cameras by the Police and Local Authorities means that Road Traffic Law is becoming inreasingly important to a wider audience. We offer a wealth of experience in the Criminal Department to secure your licence. Exceptional hardship arguments and special reasons are often over-looked by those representing themselves, but are becoming ever more relevant to clients, especially in the current economic climate.
Courts Martial Representation
Julian is an experienced Military Courts Martial Advocate. Julian has defended service personnel at the interview stage through to Courts Martial hearings all over the UK and Europe. Army Legal Aid is widely available throughout the process from investigation through to and including Trial. Harland & Co provide a legal help clinic at Imphal Barracks in York, the details of which can be obtained through welfare services or by contacting us direct.
Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
Victoria is an experienced ASBO Advocate. We have represented a number of clients facing applications for ASBOs across the country. We appreciate that the process can be a stressful one, not only for the client, but also for friends and family as a result of the restrictions that can be created by the terms or prohibitions of an ASBO. The ASBO procedure can be long-winded and complicated, making detailed legal advice absolutely vital to assist those facing such an application.