We work with court users with communication differences and difficulties which may affect their ability to understand and participate in criminal proceedings.
Subject to the court’s wishes and funding arrangements, Communicourt intermediaries can assist defendants at all stages of criminal proceedings, including pre-trial conferences, conferences throughout trial, the trial itself, probation interviews and sentencing hearings. We also accept evidence-only bookings, to facilitate communication between defendants and the court at this challenging stage of proceedings.
Intermediary assessments and reports
Following an intermediary assessment, we will make a recommendation regarding whether an intermediary will benefit your client’s participation. In some cases, we may conclude that your client does not require an intermediary, or that they are unlikely to be able to effectively participate, even with intermediary assistance. Even when an intermediary is not recommended, Communicourt reports provide a detailed account of your client’s communication profile and wider recommendations to support their participation, including any special measures they may need.
It may be helpful to provide your client with information about the intermediary role and assessment process prior to their appointment. The ‘What happens at an assessment’ flyer and the video below may assist:
Testimonials
I would like to thank your company for the support given to my son in our recent court case. An intermediary being there took a lot of pressure off me as a parent and also allowed my son, who has mental health problems, a voice.
PARENT OF SERVICE USER
Our instructing solicitor benefitted from the intermediary’s assistance at key stages in the trial when conferences were of the utmost importance. We have all acted in many cases where intermediaries have been appointed. None of us have previously been impressed to the extent we were with your intermediary. He was of course appointed as an independent aid to facilitate communication with our client. There can be no doubt this was necessary, and we would like to convey our thanks for the assistance he provided. His professionalism, attention to detail, timely attendance at court and dedication to ensuring our client’s understanding was evident to all involved throughout the trial, even after adverse verdicts and at sentencing stage.
9 BEDFORD ROW & LAWTONS SOLICITORS
Make a referral using our online portal or call us on 0121 663 0931 to discuss options for your client.
