CASS+ works with defence solicitors

CASS+ works closely with everyone inside the Magistrates’ Courts in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro. Local defence solicitors send people our way so that we can deal with the root causes for being at court.

CASS+ works closely with defence solicitors

Court ushers, security, social workers, probation, magistrates, solicitors and judges are constantly looking out for anyone in need of practical advice and emotional support. As a result, defence solicitors send them to us when they can see they need a helping hand.

We caught up with Christopher Nicholls from C Nicholls Solicitors, one of our local defence solicitors. As he’s been doing this vital role for 48 years, we were keen to interview him:

Which courts do you work at?

All Magistrates’ Courts in South West and Crown Courts.

What does a defence solicitor do day-to-day?

A Criminal Defence Solicitor helps someone who is suspected or charged with a crime, ensuring that their legal rights are upheld and that they are given a fair trial by presenting their case in court.

Although a Criminal Defence Lawyer role is extremely varied, typical duties include:

Representing defendants at all stages of a criminal prosecution, from police investigation to presenting their case in court as an advocate.
Providing advice to clients via telephone and in person.
Reviewing documentation related to an offence and the case. Examples would be witness statements, police reports, forensic reports, and medical records.
Researching, planning and investigating matters.
Visiting prisons and police stations to liaise with defendants.
Drafting legal documents.
Establishing a complete, accurate and compelling defence for the accused.

This means that I travel across the South West to attend at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, mitigation and trials. I also represent defendants in the Crown Courts.

As part of this, I also make visits to prisons, I brief counsel, join video conferences, and see defendants to take instructions.

What are the issues people going through the Justice System are facing?

Right now, we’re dealing with a lot of mental health issues, and, I’m very sorry to say, but debt and homelessness are on the rise.

Tell us about a time when you saw the difference CASS+ made?

There are so many needs, from getting the bus to the court, to housing, paying the rent, debt and the many other matters that impact their lives. I’m so relieved that we have CASS+ plugging the gaps as these people may not have had opportunities in life.

The people I work with need CASS+ right from the start. However, it’s so important that defendants are not left ‘hanging’ after sentencing. This is another way that CASS+ steps in.

What would have happened if CASS+ had not been there?

Without CASS+, many defendants would reoffend as they may not have reached the right agency to give them the support or treatment they need, or to resolve pressing issues like debt management and housing.

The Probation Service does an excellent job in managing community sentences with decreasing resources in wo/man power and finance. However, CASS+ can focus on ‘lost souls’, pointing them in a new and productive direction and ensuring available help is not missed in and around their sentence.

Why do you think we need CASS+ inside court?

We need someone to plug the gaps and stop defendants from falling between two stools. Mental health issues are a rising concern and I can see that the team will need to support people with issues like depression and anxiety as they try to improve the lives of people going through the Justice System.