Terrorism Law Solicitors

If you have been accused of a terrorism related offence, personal relationships; career, and freedom may be at stake.  You can trust us to provide expert advice and robust representation whilst supporting you and your family throughout the case. It is important in these cases to secure representation and obtain early involvement by a specialist terrorism defence solicitor at the earliest stage of the investigation in order that we can properly advise and safeguard your interest.  Sometimes early intervention and involvement can mean that the investigation is resolved without the need for criminal proceedings. We will always deal with your case in a careful and sensitive way whist striving to safeguard your interest.

Since 9/11, terrorism has become a major threat to countries all over the world, and the UK is no exception.  Between 2000 and 2017, 126 people have been killed in the UK in terrorist attacks, according to figures from the Global Terrorism Database These atrocities have seen new laws passed in the UK to give intelligence agencies and police more power to investigate terrorist suspects.

Our team has spent years focusing on the niche areas of criminal defence, and we are one of the few firms in the UK that have an in-depth knowledge of defending people accused of participating in terrorist activities.  We have built an enviable reputation for the quality of our representation and responsiveness to the needs of clients, translating to high levels of client satisfaction.  Our specialist defence solicitors have a strong knowledge of the complex law surrounding terrorism and understand not only how to defend a charge, but we will ensure human rights are protected during the investigation process.

To contact our terrorism solicitors, please call our office on 020 3824 8080 to make an appointment at our London office.

What activities are defined as terrorist activities?

The Crown Prosecution Service defines terrorism as “the use or threat of action, both in and outside of the UK, designed to influence any international government organisation or to intimidate the public.  It must also be for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.”

Examples of terrorist activity include:

• An action designed to disrupt the electoral system
• Violence against members of the public, the police, military or politicians
• Damaging property
• Endangering the health and safety of the general public

What are the types of terrorism charges?

The most commonly charged offences under the Terrorism Act 2006 include:

• Preparation of terrorist acts (Section 5) – it is an offence for a person to make preparations to commit a terrorist offence or to help others do so.  The prosecution must prove the accused had the specific intent to commit an act of terrorism, and this can include having a minor role as well as planning for mass murder.
• Collecting information (Section 58) – anyone who collects or records information likely to be useful to a person planning for or committing a terrorist act.
• Distributing terrorist publications (Section 2) – it is an offence to disseminate publications that encourage acts of terrorism. A publication for the purposes of this offence is defined as one that could assist a person to prepare for and/or carry out a terrorist act.

Offences can also be charged as having a ‘terrorist connection’.  This can lead to confusion as to whether the person is a terrorist as such charges are not brought under specific terrorist legislation such as the Terrorism Act 2006 and the Counter-terrorism Act 2008.  An example includes charges brought under Schedule 18 of Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.  This schedule contains a list of terrorism offences, including crimes that have 'a terrorist connection' such as murder or causing an explosion.  Those responsible for killing MP Jo Cox and Fusilier Lee Rigby were charged with murder, but both crimes were clearly terrorist offences.

At MPR Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience defending those charged with terrorism offences.  Our team can quickly scrutinise the prosecution’s case against you and build a robust defence.  If expert witnesses and evidence is required to build your defence, our team will ensure it comes from those at the top of their field, is of a highly persuasive nature and will stand up to cross-examination.

What are the maximum sentences for terrorism?

If you are facing charges such as murder relating to a terrorist offence, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Those convicted under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 also face a penalty of life imprisonment.  Section 58 offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ incarceration. 

With such lengthy sentences, not to mention the stigma attached to being convicted of a terrorist offence, both in the UK and internationally, it is vital that you instruct an experienced criminal defence solicitor who understands the complexities of defending terrorism charges.  At MPR Solicitors, we will ensure the defence presented before a jury is vigorous, persuasive and well-presented.  Our experience allows us to spot holes in the prosecution's case quickly and robustly exploit them.

Will I be given a fair trial if I am accused of terrorism?

The UK legal system is one of the fairest in the world and is free from corruption.  The rule of law is strictly followed, and there are multiple layers of appeal available. 

The right to a fair trial is enshrined in the Human Rights Act 1998, Schedule1, Article 6.  This states that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty and those charged with a criminal offence has the following minimum rights:

“(a) to be informed promptly, in a language which he understands and in detail, of the nature and cause of the accusation against him;

(b) to have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence;

(c) to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing or, if he has not sufficient means to pay for legal assistance, to be given it free when the interests of justice so require;

(d) to examine or have examined witnesses against him and to obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same conditions as witnesses against him;

(e) to have the free assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand or speak the language used in court.”

At MPR Solicitors, we can attend police station interviews.  If you have been accused of a terrorist-related crime, we will ensure that you are being interviewed in accordance with the law and will advise you when not to say anything that may prejudice your case. 

Terrorism charges are extremely serious and can have a lifelong impact on you and your family.  It is imperative, therefore, that you get help from a law firm that has the experience and understanding of UK anti-terrorism law and can provide you with a solid defence.

If you are facing terrorism charges, please call us immediately on 020 3824 8080 or fill in our contact form to get in touch.