Covid-19 Statement

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Burton Copeland Statement on the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

The impact of the global pandemic of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is changing daily and it is anticipated that the advice and reaction to it will also change. Burton Copeland continues to monitor developments and government advice and will update this page regularly with further information as it becomes available.

What is clear at present is that the measures taken in following government advice are likely to impact significantly on the United Kingdom for many months to come.

Burton Copeland is dedicated in ensuring that we protect the health and well-being of our staff as well as continuing to provide a full service to our clients. We have prepared the following frequently asked questions in order to explain what we are doing, how we will continue to operate and assist our clients and also offer advice on what to do in various circumstances.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

Is Burton Copeland open for business?

Burton Copeland is open for business and our lawyers are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Defence solicitors are defined as “key workers” by government and we will continue to represent clients at court and police stations. Due to the distancing measures advised by government, our staff are now home based, but the technology we have means that the business continues in much the same way as it would if staff were in the office.

Is the office currently open?

Whilst a limited number of staff are attending the office in order to ensure that some core functions continue (for example dealing incoming and outgoing mail) our office remains closed to the public at present. Primarily this is to protect our clients and staff from the risk of cross contamination. But secondly due to the prior contingency planning and systems we have in place, the practice is able to function normally without a fully staffed office.

Can I still make an appointment?

Yes, appointments can be made for both new and existing clients but due to the social distancing measures, these will not be appointments at the office. We can offer appointments using a number of different platforms to facilitate meetings remotely such as Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp Video Calling as well as ISDN video link and telephone conferencing.

How do I contact the person dealing with my case?

If you know the name of the individual lawyer dealing with your case, they can be contacted directly via email or telephone (see below). Alternatively, please contact the main switchboard on 01618279500 and our receptionists can check and put your call through directly to the lawyer concerned.

Do I need to attend court during the Coronavirus pandemic?

If you are fit and well then yes. At present courts are open and you will need to attend. If you are unwell or self-isolating, then you should contact us immediately so that we can ensure that the court is aware of your condition. Without this information, the court could issue a warrant for your arrest.

I have been asked to attend a police station do I have to attend?

If you have been asked to attend a police station, then it is likely that this is for an voluntary interview under caution. If this is the case, then we would advise you to contact us immediately. Attendance is voluntary, so although you cannot be forced to attend but failure to attend may give the police grounds to arrest you in order to conduct an interview. This is not likely to happen if you are unwell or self-isolating and, in those circumstances, the police would not want you to attend. We would suggest that you contact us in order that we can speak with the police, find out what they want to ask you and make arrangements for you to go to the police station at a time which is convenient.

I am due to return to the police station on police bail, should I attend?

Failure to attend the police station if you are on bail, could lead to you being arrested as it is an offence to fail to attend without reasonable excuse. If you are ill or self-isolating, we would advise you to contact us as soon as possible so that we can contact the police and try to ensure an alternative, such as an extension or cancellation of the bail.

How do I contact you?

For new enquiries and to book an appointment:

If we are already dealing with a case for you or a family member then email addresses and direct telephone numbers of individual lawyers are below. Please be aware that our lawyers attend court and police stations and may not be able to answer immediately, but will return your call, so please leave a message. If you need to speak with somebody immediately, then please call the switchboard on 0161 827 9500

Individual Lawyer Contact Details

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