Q&A with Ian Weights on criminal defence and giving young people a voice

Ian is one of four Partners responsible for running JR Levins. He is also an experienced criminal defence solicitor who has worked exclusively in criminal law since 1997.

We spoke to Ian about his route into criminal defence, what clients can expect from him and the question criminal solicitors are asked more than almost any other.

What does your role at JR Levins involve?

I am one of four Partners responsible for running the firm, but I am also a practising criminal defence solicitor.

Most of my time is spent in court, at the police station or meeting clients in one of our offices. My job is to explain the case against a client and help them understand their options. That includes advising them on whether they should admit or deny an allegation. I also speak on their behalf in court, put forward their side of the story and work towards the best outcome available in the circumstances.

Alongside managing my own cases, I supervise more junior members of the criminal department. Teamwork is essential in criminal defence, and I am fortunate to work with a very good team.

Did you always plan to specialise in criminal law?

When I first qualified as a solicitor, I found myself doing different types of legal work, including crime. I soon realised that I was drawn to the idea of representing people in the criminal courts. The work was interesting and engaging. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to influence the outcome of a case.

So, from 1997 onwards, I have practiced only criminal law. Over many years, I’ve spent countless hours in the police station, often throughout the night, dealing with all sorts of different scenarios. I have appeared in the crown court, although most of my advocacy has been in front of magistrates. I have dealt with a wide range of cases, including murder, serious sexual offences, extreme violence as well as numerous cases involving the supply of drugs

Essentially, I still attend the Police Station, but most days you will find me in the court or in one of our offices, either meeting with clients or working on cases.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part of the job is when you achieve a good outcome for a client. Sometimes that could be an acquittal after a trial, but often it will be a more lenient sentence, which might mean the difference between going and not going to prison.

As a criminal lawyer, you need to be able to communicate, not just in court, but also with clients. They need to feel they can trust you before they can talk about some very personal and distressing things, that may have happened in their lives. Putting clients at ease and gaining their trust is a big part of what I do.

What do clients usually need from you at the start of a case?

They need clear and honest advice. People are often frightened, confused or unsure about what will happen next. Some clients arrive expecting the worst. Others may not fully appreciate how serious the situation is. My role is to explain the evidence, the legal process and the decisions they need to make.

One of the most important decisions is whether to plead guilty or not guilty. Nobody should plead guilty to something they have not done. However, where the evidence against a person is very strong, I have to explain that clearly. A client who pleads not guilty, goes through a trial and is then convicted may receive a greater sentence than someone who accepted responsibility at an early stage. That is why good legal advice from the outset is so important.

How do you respond when people ask how you can represent someone who is guilty?

It is probably one of the questions criminal defence solicitors hear most often. To do my job properly, I have to keep an open mind and act in my client’s best interests.

There are strict professional rules about what solicitors can and cannot do. Our role is not to mislead the court. It is to protect the client’s rights, test the evidence and make sure the case is dealt with fairly. Sometimes that means challenging the prosecution. Sometimes it means giving a client difficult advice about the strength of the evidence.

Every person is entitled to legal representation. A fair justice system depends on both sides being properly heard.

Is there a particular area of criminal defence that matters most to you?

I have a particular interest in representing young people and vulnerable adults. If you appear in court under the age of 18 it will be before a youth court. When we are young we all capable of moments of stupidity and sometimes this can result in a court appearance.

Young people should not be criminalised unnecessarily. Equally, there are some young people who are struggling in life, often due to complex problems. They can regularly find themselves appearing in court.

I have represented many young people who are dealing with complex problems in their lives. Some are in care or have recently left the care system. Others may be experiencing instability, exploitation or mental health difficulties.

My job is to give them a voice and make sure the court understands the person and their circumstances, not only the allegation.

Have you ever had to challenge how a young person was treated?

Over the years, I have dealt with a number of cases involving young people in care and care leavers.

In some cases, I felt they had been prosecuted without enough consideration being given to their background or circumstances.

I have challenged decisions made by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service where I believed that was necessary. I have also brought cases to the attention of the Youth Justice Board.

The important thing is that young people are treated fairly and that the court receives the full picture.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

I was once the bass player in a Liverpool band during the 1980s.

Courtrooms and police stations are rather different from music venues, although being comfortable in front of an audience probably helps.

Speak to our criminal defence team

Being arrested, invited to a police interview or required to attend court can be extremely worrying.

Early legal advice can help you understand the allegation, protect your rights and make informed decisions about what happens next.

Contact Ian to speak to our experienced and non-judgemental criminal defence team.