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CALL US 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK 03300 536 786

Perverting the course of justice is the act of doing something which interferes with the justice system, such as fabricating or disposing of evidence, or intimidating or threatening a witness, juror or judge. It is related to perjury, which is defined as a wilful act of swearing a false oath or falsifying the truth, either verbally or in writing. Any of these activities are criminal offences and, if you are accused of a perverting the course of justice offence, you should seek expert legal advice at your earliest opportunity.

The expert solicitors at Tyler Hoffman are experienced in representing clients accused of criminal offences in their dealings with the police and during court proceedings. This means that we thoroughly understand how the legal process treats perjury and perverting the course of justice, and can offer expert legal representation to those who are facing these charges. Perverting the course of justice carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, so it is vital to mount the strongest possible defence from the outset of a case.

Whether you are accused of a perjury or perverting the course of justice offence alongside other charges or not, this is a grave offence on its own that is treated harshly by the judicial system if you are found guilty. The experts at Tyler Hoffman solicitors can represent you from the police station to the Magistrates or Crown Court, and support you through police interviews, evidence gathering and any legal proceedings. We will mount a robust defence on your behalf, and present mitigating factors to help you avoid the maximum penalty

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Why choose us?

 

Expertise: Our solicitors specialise in criminal law, with a specific focus on cases pertaining to perjury or perverting the course of justice. We have a deep understanding of the legal nuances and complexities surrounding these charges.

Experience: With years of experience representing clients in cases pertaining to perjury or perverting the course of justice, we have honed our skills and developed effective strategies to protect our clients' interests.

Personalised Approach: We recognize that each client's situation is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Our solicitors provide compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process.

Track Record: Our firm has achieved numerous successful outcomes in cases pertaining to perjury or perverting the course of justice. We are dedicated to fighting for the best possible result in every client's case.

Integrity and Confidentiality: At Tyler Hoffman, we prioritise integrity and confidentiality in all our interactions. You can trust us to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Please Note: We do not deal with victims of crime or civil matters.

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What is perverting the course of justice?

Perverting the course of justice is a serious offence. It occurs when someone commits an act, or a series of acts, that have a tendency to, and are intended to, interfere with the administration of justice. The offence covers conduct that could mislead the police, prosecutors, courts or juries, thereby obstructing justice.

There are several types of conduct that can fall under this type of offence and result in a prison sentence or other severe penalties. Activities that may result in a charge of perverting the course of justice include:

  • Fabricating evidence.
  • Disposing of evidence.
  • Intimidating witnesses or jurors.
  • Bribing witnesses or other key figures in the case.
  • Making false allegations to the police or wasting police time.
  • Interfering with investigations, such as providing false information or creating a false alibi.
  • Helping someone evade arrest or prosecution.

If the police suspect during an investigation that you have attempted to mislead them in any of the ways listed above, you may face a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Is there a minimum sentence for perverting the course of justice?

There is no minimum penalty for a conviction of perverting the course of justice under the Perjury Act 1911. The court can, in theory, impose a non-custodial penalty such as a suspended sentence or community order. However, the most common approach is to issue a prison sentence, with more severe infractions resulting in longer sentences.

What is the maximum sentence for perverting the course of justice?

Perverting the course of justice is one of the most serious common law offences because it strikes at the foundation of the legal system. There is no maximum sentence set by statute, as the sentencing powers of the Crown Court are unlimited. However, prison sentences for the most serious offences have rarely exceeded seven to ten years.

Minor acts or lies to the police may attract a short custodial sentence of a few months or, in very limited cases, a suspended sentence. Activities such as disposing of evidence in a criminal case or making false allegations that waste police time could result in anywhere from a six-month to three-year custodial sentence. Serious cases including fabricating evidence in a major trial, lengthy campaigns of lies, or conduct that nearly causes or actually causes a wrongful conviction will result in the longest sentences.

There are several factors that courts take into account when assessing sentences for perverting the course of justice, including both the defendant's personal circumstances and the facts of the case. The relevant factors that will be taken into consideration are:

  • The seriousness of the underlying matter. Interference in a murder trial is more serious than in a minor driving offence, for example.
  • The impact on justice. If the defendant's actions led to wrongful imprisonment, significant police resources being diverted or public confidence being undermined, this could be an aggravating factor.
  • The level of planning.
  • The defendant’s role and motive.

It is essential in these cases to seek expert legal advice at an early stage of the proceedings. Your solicitor will present mitigating circumstances with the aim of preventing you from receiving the maximum sentence. The team at Tyler Hoffman will always work towards the best possible outcome and advise you of what to expect throughout the process.

Can you defend a perverting the course of justice offence?

There are several ways to defend perverting the course of justice offences and avoid a prison sentence or other penalty. The right way to build your defence will depend on the specific circumstances of any alleged offence, and your legal team will advise you on the necessary steps to mount an appropriate strategy.

For the offence to be made out, two key elements must be present. The first is that the act must be capable of interfering with or obstructing justice (for example, destroying material evidence). The second is that the person must have intended their actions to have that effect. Accidental or negligent behaviour is not enough. As such, perverting the course of justice offences can be defended on either of these bases.

The perverting the course of justice solicitors at Tyler Hoffman will begin with a thorough investigation of the alleged offence, including any false statements you are alleged to have made. We will start by interviewing witnesses, collecting documents, videos and other evidence, and building a case that supports your version of events. We will also review the prosecution's evidence to ensure it was collected fairly and legally, as procedural errors can sometimes lead to cases being overturned.

Our team has expertise in defending against allegations of perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and related offences. Whether you have been accused of supplying false information, intimidating witnesses, perjury or any other related charge, we can mount a robust defence that will deliver the best possible outcome for you.

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We are available around the clock to assist you. Our solicitors have successfully dealt with many cases of this nature and we pride ourselves in offering a bespoke service like no other. Please contact us at the earliest opportunity on 03300 536 786 in order to arrange a free consultation.

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Police Station Representation

If you are arrested and taken to a police station, this can be a very frightening and overwhelming experience, if you are unaware of the procedures and protocols.

The decisions you make at the police station can be crucial and detrimental to your future. It is imperative that you request for Tyler Hoffman Solicitors at the first available opportunity so we can further protect your position from the point of initiation.

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Services in this section

Arson

Tyler Hoffman provides skilled defence for individuals accused of arson, addressing both the intentional setting of fires and the resulting damage or harm. We focus on challenging the evidence of intent and examining the circumstances that led to the fire, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges based on factual and technical analyses.

Assault

Our criminal defence solicitors defend clients facing charges ranging from common assault to aggravated bodily harm. We examine the context of the alleged incident, exploring defences such as self-defence, defence of another, or mistaken identity, ensuring that your side of the story is robustly represented.

Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Our criminal defence lawyers have experience in defending clients accused of benefit fraud, which involves allegations of deceitfully claiming government benefits. We focus on demonstrating the legitimacy of claims or misunderstanding of eligibility requirements, aiming for reduced penalties or case dismissal.

Blackmail Solicitors

We provide defence for clients involved in allegations of obtaining money, property, or favourable actions through threats. Our approach includes scrutinising the evidence, protecting client privacy, and negotiating to mitigate the impact of such charges.

Criminal Damage Defence Solicitor

Our solicitors defend against charges of property damage, focusing on intent and the actual circumstances leading to the damage. We contest the valuation of damage and aim to demonstrate lack of malicious intent, which can be pivotal in the outcome of the case.

Child Neglect Solicitors

Handling sensitive cases of child neglect, Tyler Hoffman solicitors work to understand and convey the complexities of clients' family dynamics. We emphasise factors such as socioeconomic challenges, aiming to achieve resolutions that favour family preservation.

Conspiracy Solicitors

For conspiracy charges, where individuals are accused of agreeing to commit a crime, our focus is on disproving the existence of an agreement or criminal intent. We meticulously review communications and interactions to challenge prosecutorial interpretations.

Cyber Attack Solicitors

Tyler Hoffman is adept at handling cybercrime cases, from unauthorised access to data breaches. We utilise specialists to challenge digital evidence and address the technicalities of internet law, ensuring a defence that is informed by cutting-edge technological insights.

Dangerous Dogs

For owners charged with having a dangerous dog, our defence strategy involves proving responsible pet ownership and challenging any misconceptions about the animal's behaviour. We also focus on the circumstances of the alleged incident to mitigate legal consequences.

Drug Lawyer

Our firm defends clients against all types of drug offences, including possession, trafficking, and production. We challenge the legality of searches and seizures, the accuracy of substance identification, and intent, which are crucial for a robust defence.

Environmental Health Offences

Tyler Hoffman represents businesses and individuals accused of violating environmental laws. Our strategy involves demonstrating compliance with regulations, or negotiating penalties focusing on remedial actions taken by the accused.

Fraud Solicitors

In fraud cases, we focus on the intent to deceive and the actual loss or gain. Our solicitors trace financial transactions to provide a clear picture of the client’s actions, challenging allegations of deceitful intent. We have a team dedicated to handling criminal investigations involving fraud accusations.

Firearms Offences UK

Handling firearms offences, we address issues around possession, licensing and intent. We defend clients by challenging the prosecution’s evidence regarding the legality of the firearm possession and the circumstances under which it was found.

Harassment Solicitors

We defend against harassment charges by examining the nature and context of the behaviour in question. Our focus is on disproving any intent to cause distress or fear, aiming for acquittal or reduced charges.

Human Trafficking

Tyler Hoffman offers defence for serious charges like human trafficking, focusing on the intricacies of international law and the specific actions of the accused. We challenge the prosecution’s narrative by presenting alternative explanations for the accused's conduct.

Kidnap & False Imprisonment

Our solicitors defend against kidnap and false imprisonment allegations by challenging evidence around consent and the circumstances of the detainment, aiming to highlight inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.

Money Laundering

We defend clients accused of laundering money by demonstrating lawful sources of income and challenging the alleged connections to criminal activities. Our detailed financial analyses are crucial to undermining the prosecution’s claims.

Murder Lawyer

Tyler Hoffman handles the most serious of allegations with a focus on meticulous evidence review, motive analysis, and challenging prosecutorial evidence. We explore all possible defences, from self-defence to diminished responsibility.

Perverting The Course Of Justice & Perjury

Defending against these serious allegations involves challenging the intent and circumstances under which the alleged acts occurred. We focus on discrepancies and motivations to provide a strong defence.

Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)

Our solicitors handle POCA proceedings by protecting assets and demonstrating lawful ownership or origins of property, crucial for mitigating the impact of confiscation orders.

Robbery / Armed Robbery

We defend against robbery charges by challenging identifications, the presence of a weapon, and the circumstances of the alleged offence, focusing on inconsistencies in witness testimonies and procedural issues.

Theft

Our firm defends against all forms of theft by focusing on intent and ownership disputes. We challenge the value of stolen items and circumstances surrounding the alleged theft to reduce or dismiss charges.