Will I Go to Prison?" and Other Questions Criminal Defence Solicitors Are Asked On A Daily Basis

Sunpritha Jutlla - A Criminal Defence and Professional Discipline/ Regulatory Solicitor answers the questions her clients are too nervous or too curious to Google.

1. "Will I go to prison?"

2. "What should I wear to court or the police station?"

3. "The investigations and/or proceedings are making me stressed and anxious — what can I do?"

4. "What can I actually tell you?"

5. "Why is this taking so long? I want this over with ASAP!"

6. "ChatGPT said... is this right?"

7. "Should I just say sorry and get it over with?"

8. "Will this affect my job?"

9. "Can you guarantee I will get off?"

10. "Why is this so expensive?"

If you have ever found yourself on the wrong side of an investigation, you will know that the questions come thick and fast. After years of advising clients through some of life's most stressful moments, I have noticed that the same questions crop up repeatedly. Here I seek to answer them in clear and simple terms. 

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1. "Will I go to prison?"

This is usually the first thing out of a client's mouth, often before they've even sat down. The honest answer is: it depends. The nature of the offence, your personal circumstances, your previous history (or lack thereof), and the strength of the evidence against you all play a role. What I can tell you is that having good legal representation significantly improves your position — and that panicking before you've taken advice rarely helps anyone. Sentencing guidelines can be found online, and we can advise you through these guidelines and explain how a judge will interpret them. This is an important exercise that you should carry out with your solicitor to avoid any misinterpretation of the guidelines.

2. "What should I wear to court or the police station?"

You'd be surprised how often this comes up — and honestly, it's a fair question. Court is not a fashion show, but appearance does matter. The general rule is smart, conservative, and respectful. Think job interview, not night out. For the full breakdown of what to wear (and what to leave at home), check out our guide: Garrick Law Spring Edit: What To Wear To Court.

3. "The investigations and/or proceedings are making me stressed and anxious — what can I do?"

That is completely understandable. Being subject to a criminal or regulatory investigation is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through, and it would be unusual not to feel the weight of it. The uncertainty, the waiting, and the fear of what lies ahead can take a real toll on your mental health and wellbeing.

The most important thing you can do is to ensure you have the right support around you — both legally and personally. From a legal perspective, having a solicitor who keeps you informed, explains the process clearly, and manages the matter proactively can significantly reduce the anxiety that comes with not knowing what is happening. From a personal perspective, we would always encourage clients to lean on trusted friends or family, and to seek professional support if needed. You do not have to face this alone and looking after yourself during this period is not a luxury, it is essential. We actively encourage our clients to focus on their mental health and wellbeing throughout, to seek professional help if needed, and to keep a log of any support or assistance obtained. This can be important not only for your personal wellbeing but also as a record that may be relevant to your case.

4. "What can I actually tell you?"

This is one of the most important things to understand about instructing a solicitor: our conversations are protected by legal professional privilege. That means what you tell me stays between us. Lawyers do not judge you, I am here to help you. The more honest and open you are with me, the better placed I am to advise you properly and build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Surprises are great at birthday parties; they are not great in legal proceedings. As solicitors, we will guide you through your case, asking questions and obtaining further information in a tactical manner to ensure we have all the relevant information from you.

5. "Why is this taking so long? I want this over with ASAP!"

Longer than anyone would like. Criminal and regulatory proceedings are notoriously slow-moving, and while I understand how frustrating that is, it is the reality of the system. Investigations can take months or even years to conclude. The best advice I can give is to stay patient, stay in contact with your solicitor, and resist the urge to take matters into your own hands in the meantime. In my experience, time almost always works in your favour in a criminal matter.

6. "ChatGPT said... is this right?"

I say this with the greatest of respect and no small amount of amusement but ChatGPT is not your solicitor. AI tools can be a useful starting point for general information, but they do not know the specific facts of your case, the jurisdiction you are in, the latest developments in the law, or the nuances that can make all the difference between a good outcome and a bad one. Legal advice is not one-size-fits-all, and copy-and-paste answers from the internet. However confidently delivered are no substitute for tailored, professional advice. By all means, do your research. But please, before you act on anything ChatGPT has told you, speak to a solicitor first. We promise we will not be offended that you asked it before us.

Caution: Most AI Apps, without controls, will store information you input and are not GDPR compliant.  Do not upload sensitive information and documents about your case onto AI apps, without being sure of the controls on the AI app you chose to use. 

7. "Should I just say sorry and get it over with?"

Entering a guilty plea, making admissions, or apologising without first taking proper legal advice can have serious and irreversible consequences. Before you decide to fall on your sword, let's make sure the sword is actually pointed at you. Sometimes the evidence is weaker than it first appears; sometimes there are defences worth exploring. Never plead guilty without taking advice first.

8. "Will this affect my job?"

Potentially, yes and this is often what worries my clients most. For those working in regulated professions (doctors, nurses, teachers, solicitors, financial professionals and many others), a criminal investigation or conviction can trigger separate regulatory proceedings. It's important to understand the full picture from the outset, so we can manage both strands of the matter effectively and protect your career as well as your liberty.

9. "Can you guarantee I will get off?"

I can assure you I will get you the best outcome. If anyone tells you they can “get you off”, I would take the statement with a generous pinch of salt. What I can guarantee is that I will work tirelessly on your behalf, give you honest advice even when it's not what you want to hear, and do everything within my power to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Sometimes that means charges dropped; sometimes it means a reduced sentence; sometimes it means fighting all the way and ensuring an acquittal. Every case is different.

10. "Why is this so expensive?"

Because good legal advice is worth it and because the alternative is almost always more costly. Whether that cost is measured in your freedom, your career, your reputation, or your peace of mind, the consequences of poor legal representation in serious matters far outweigh the fees involved. That said, Garrick Law can discuss your finances with you early on and tailor a plan that suits your means.

About Sunpritha Jutlla

Sunpritha Jutlla is recognised in the legal industry as a Rising Star in Private Client (Serious & Financial Crime) and Regulatory Law. Sunpritha Jutlla heads the Garrick Law Private Client team. 

Sunpritha prides herself in being the first point of contact for professional and high-profile clients facing a criminal and regulatory investigation or prosecution.