Prosecutions
Breaches of health and safety and environmental law are prosecuted in the criminal courts in England and Wales.
All prosecutions brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA) or local authorities start in the Magistrates' Court and those serious enough are later transferred to be tried and/or sentenced in the Crown Court.
Our expert Health, Safety and Environmental team advise and represent corporate and individual clients facing prosecution in the Magistrates' Court.
We advise clients from initial receipt of the summons to the court hearing itself, where our experienced advocates will represent clients. In particular, we:
- explain the breach/ breaches alleged
- fully investigate the allegation together with your business
- advise on the appropriate plea
- negotiate a suitable basis of plea and schedule of aggravating and mitigating features with the prosecution
- work in conjunction with the business to secure the best possible outcome for your company
- represent you during hearings in the Magistrates' Court
- instruct specialist barristers to advise and represent you during Crown Court hearings
- robustly defend your case during trial
- mitigate strongly on your behalf following guilty pleas to secure the lowest possible sentence
To arrange a discussion with a health, safety and environment solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929.
