John McAtamney has successfully completed the National Institute of Trial Advocacy Course and is a qualified Solicitor Advocate.
The Practice has expertise in the field of Criminal Law and acts to protect clients' legal rights and personal freedom at all times and to this end provides expert legal advice and representation at police stations and at criminal courts.
Police stations
Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 everyone has the right to free and independent legal advice, regardless of their means, whilst detained in a police station. A detained person has the right to make a telephone call to a solicitor of their choice, prior to interview, from the police station and the right to request that a solicitor attend the police station to consult in person and be present during police interviews. The Police may, in certain circumstances, delay these rights but they cannot refuse them. You should always exercise your legal rights when held in custody. Mc Atamney Solicitors have a strong history of representing detained persons and will always endeavour to be there in person alongside their clients, passing on their detailed knowledge of the criminal justice system as well as providing independent legal advice and assistance.
Courts
We represent our clients in court on a daily basis and can provide expert advice to clients facing charges in the local Magistrates Courts and in the Crown Court.
We have over thirty years’ experience of representation in the criminal courts at all levels in Northern Ireland and for all offences in the criminal calendar. Our case history is extensive and varied reflecting the faith placed in us by our clients over the decades as well as our commitment to excellence on their behalf and desire to secure the best possible verdict.
Proceeds of Crime
Since the introduction of the Proceeds of Crime Act in 2002 it is now an offence to be in possession of what is known as criminal property. This is property which is, or represents, a person’s benefit from criminal conduct, where the alleged offender knows, or suspects, that it is such. It can also be an offence to transfer or convert criminal property, conceal or disguise its ownership, nature, source, movement, or location. This legislation has widened the category of people who may now be subject to criminal prosecution. It potentially includes not only the person who committed the original criminal offence but may now also catch those who in any way are seen to have facilitated the original offender , be they a professional adviser or a mere acquaintance. The sanctions are severe for those convicted of such an offence, carrying a prison sentence of up to fourteen years or a significant fine or both. Knowing your legal rights at an early stage should you become mired in such an investigation is essential and you should consult a solicitor who practices in this field without delay as failure to do could prove not only costly but ruinous.
Mc Atamney Solicitors have been at the cutting edge of a number of high profile proceeds of crime court cases in this jurisdiction, representing defendants and individuals caught up in such investigations. They can therefore offer an invaluable insight and authorative advice to all those facing legal proceedings of this nature.
Speak to one of our solicitors for comprehensive guidance and assistance.