Autism and Neurodivergent Awareness In Criminal Proceedings

Navigating your way through criminal proceedings is difficult for anyone but particularly difficult for those who are autistic or Neurodivergent. It is unfortunate that a large majority of those working within the criminal justice system simply do not understand and are ignorant to the impact of such conditions have on a person and how it can affect a case. This includes, court staff, judges, Magistrates, the police and legal representatives. This is extremely detrimental to anyone with autism and/or who is neurodivergent in any other way and can often lead to mistreatment and wrongful prosecutions.

Our lawyers have undertaken specialist training with the National Autistic Society, training that is vital for providing assistance to people with autism who find themselves under police investigation or going to court accused of a criminal offence.

We appreciate the adaptations that are required to be made in our service to ensure clear communication and the client’s understanding of their situation. We understand the levels of anxiety that can be caused to our client’s with autism and make every effort to keep this a minimal as possible for them.

Our specialist team represent clients who on various levels of the autistic spectrum. Due to the technology and the ease of meeting people online, it is becoming more common for those who find social situations more difficult or who find themselves misunderstanding social relationships in trouble with the police.

How we can help

Our lawyers will ensure that as much time as needed is set aside to enable our clients to understand what is going on. We will take over all correspondence with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to ensure the needs, rights and entitlements are of our client are protected, and that they are not taken advantage of throughout the criminal justice process, from the moment of arrest up until their matter concludes.

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What To Expect At A Pre-Trial Review

By Jessica Wilson • April 22, 2025

Has your case been listed for pre-trial review? Are you concerned about what the hearing may entail? Our team have put together this short fact sheet which provides some guidance as to why a pre-trial review may be listed and what happens in the courtroom. Pre-trial reviews are not always necessary, however in cases which may have complex issues, be anticipated to be lengthy trials, or issue have arisen during trial preparation between the parties, then a pre-trial review is likely to be required. What is a Pre Trial Review? A pre-trial review is exactly what the name suggests, it is an opportunity for the court review the case prior to trial. The judge will ensure that both parties have met previous directions set by the court, and that there is no outstanding issues or reasons which may cause a delay to the trial. If there are any issues that have arisen between the parties they will be aired and the judge, where required, may set directions to the prosecution and defence with the aim being to resolve the problems, and to enable trial to begin and run effectively. Issues that can arise during trial preparation may include: 1. Applications to introduce bad character , this can be of the defendant or any other trial witnesses. 2. Applications to introduce hearsay evidence 3. Problems with witnesses 4. Delays caused by either part, where material should have been served and hasn't. 5. Applications for disclosure of documents which the defence may need and they are being withheld. Do I need to attend my pre-trial review? Yes, the defendant in a case is almost always required to attend their pre-trial review. It can also be useful for the defendant's attendance so that they can remain fully involved and aware of the process and decisions being taken in their case. You will not be asked any questions at the hearing but the judge may wish for you to acknowledge the outcome of the hearing and directions set, particularly if there is work for the defence team to carry out. Will my barrister attend my pre-trial review? You must always be represented at any court hearing. Our team take great pride in our meticulous preparation for all court hearings and your barrister would be instructed to attend your pre-trial review, with a detailed brief which would detail any issues we have with the prosecution or delays that are affecting our ability to prepare for trial. Do my witnesses have to attend my pre-trial review? No, your witnesses do not have to attend your pre-trial review. No evidence will be heard during the hearing, it is to establish readiness for trial only, resolve issues that could potentially cause delays, and to give the court confirmation that the current date listed for trial will be able to remain. How long does a pre-trial review hearing take? How long a pre-trial review hearing takes depends on the nature of the case and whether any issues require addressing by the judge. The court will usually want to process pre-trial review hearings quickly, and in sexual offence or domestic abuse cases the hearings can last anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour. How Eventum Legal can help Our team take a meticulous approach to trial preparation and will always be alert to any issues that could affect your case. We take a no stone unturned approach and we are not afraid to challenge decision of the CPS at hearings before the courts. We have select barristers which we work regularly with when defending sexual and domestic violence cases so you are provided with a strong and experienced team who are dedicated thorough preparation and presentation of your case. If you have a pre-trial review hearing approaching and are unrepresented, or feel that your current legal team are not making the progress required then contact us for a free initial consultation where we will assess your case, circumstances and the future of any court hearings.