I have been arrested. What should I do first?

Ask for counsel and say nothing further until an attorney is present. You are entitled to be informed of the reason for your detention and to communicate with an attorney of your choice. Contact the chambers at once so that representation can be arranged before any interview or statement.

Can bail be obtained for a serious charge?

Bail is available for most offences and is assessed on the strength of the case, the risk of flight or interference with witnesses, and the accused's ties to the community. Where bail is refused in the Magistrate's Court, an application may be renewed before the High Court.

What is the difference between a summary and an indictable matter?

Summary offences are tried by a Magistrate; indictable offences proceed through committal to trial in the High Court, generally before a judge and jury. The procedure, timetable and preparation differ substantially, and you will be advised which route your matter takes at the first conference.

Can a conviction or sentence be appealed?

Yes. Appeals against conviction or sentence lie to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal within strict time limits that run from the date of conviction or sentence. If you are considering an appeal, seek advice within days, not weeks.

Areas of Practice · II

Criminal Defence

Fearless representation from bail through indictable trial.

Attorney-at-Law · Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Rights of audience: Magistrate's · High Court · Court of Appeal
Instructions accepted subject to conflicts check
Retainer effective only when confirmed in writing

Every accused is entitled to a proper defence. The chambers accepts summary and indictable matters — including bail applications, plea negotiations, full hearings and appeals — with careful attention to the rights of the accused under the Constitution.

Defence work begins at the police station, not the courtroom. The chambers advises on the right to silence and to counsel, tests the admissibility of statements and identification evidence, and holds the prosecution to its burden at every stage. Where conviction is inevitable, the mitigation is prepared with the same rigour as a contested trial.

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Magistrate's Court · High Court · Court of Appeal (ECSC)

Common questions

Criminal Defence — what clients usually ask.

I have been arrested. What should I do first?: Ask for counsel and say nothing further until an attorney is present. You are entitled to be informed of the reason for your detention and to communicate with an attorney of your choice. Contact the chambers at once so that representation can be arranged before any interview or statement.
Can bail be obtained for a serious charge?: Bail is available for most offences and is assessed on the strength of the case, the risk of flight or interference with witnesses, and the accused's ties to the community. Where bail is refused in the Magistrate's Court, an application may be renewed before the High Court.
What is the difference between a summary and an indictable matter?: Summary offences are tried by a Magistrate; indictable offences proceed through committal to trial in the High Court, generally before a judge and jury. The procedure, timetable and preparation differ substantially, and you will be advised which route your matter takes at the first conference.
Can a conviction or sentence be appealed?: Yes. Appeals against conviction or sentence lie to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal within strict time limits that run from the date of conviction or sentence. If you are considering an appeal, seek advice within days, not weeks.

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If you or a relative has been detained or charged, contact the chambers immediately — say nothing to investigators until counsel has advised you.

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Criminal Defence — what clients usually ask.

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