Police Investigation; the dos and don’ts if you want to stay a dentist
If someone makes a criminal allegation against you, whether true or false, you will be subject to a police investigation.
This is no doubt a daunting experience. However, with the help of the expert dental solicitors at JFH Law, you can face an investigation with the peace of mind knowing you have the best legal advice on your side.
In this article, we guide you through the process and give you some critical advice to help you protect your registration as a dentist.
Police investigation: at the police station
It is a fallacy that only those who have done something wrong need to seek the advice of a lawyer. If you are facing criminal allegations, the first thing you should do is seek legal advice from a criminal defence specialist solicitor.
Good representation at an early stage will ensure your rights are protected and, in some circumstances, can even prevent criminal charges from being pursued. Facing a criminal allegation can be one of the most stressful events of your life, and you do not need to face it alone.
The police can choose to either conduct an interview following arrest or on a voluntary basis – commonly referred to as “caution plus three”. An interview after arrest means that you will be detained at the police station and are not at liberty to leave until the police or courts allow it.
A “caution plus three” is less draconian and means that you are free to leave at any time as you will not be arrested. Everyone who attends for a police interview, whether, voluntary or under arrest, has the right to free and independent legal advice.
Can I choose my own solicitor?
If you are given notice of the interview, it is vital to research and identify an appropriately qualified lawyer. However, if you are arrested unexpectedly and are not able to request your own lawyer, you will be offered the assistance of a “duty solicitor”. There is always a duty solicitor on call to provide assistance in the police station.
When you are arrested, and again at the beginning of your interview, you will be read the police caution:
“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
There may be circumstances when it is appropriate to answer “no comment” to questions being asked by the police officer. For example, where there is, in fact, limited evidence that you were present or have participated in a crime, and the police are essentially “fishing” for incriminating information.
Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable or confident in answering all questions put to you, it is possible to provide a prepared statement setting out the terms of your defence. If this is done properly, it is unlikely a jury would be invited to draw an adverse inference because of your failure to answer all questions put.
Whilst legal advice and assistance is free and available to everyone in a police station, regardless of their means, you can choose to instruct a solicitor on a private paying basis, if, for example, you wish to have a consultation with them in advance of the interview.
It is very important that you make clear to your solicitor that you are a dentist, and that any police action against you could have serious consequences on your registration with the GDC. You must bear in mind that what you say to the police may be used in any later fitness to practice hearing.
It can be a difficult balance to strike in providing information that offers a defence to a criminal allegation, but that will not inadvertently leave you open to disciplinary action with the GDC. A defence of innocent incompetence to an allegation of fraud for example, may amount to a breach of the GDC Standards for the Dental Team.
If you did use the duty solicitor at the police station but were not happy with their service, you are not obliged to continue to be represented by them.
With a wealth of experience in the dental field, JFH Law is here to help fight your case and provide all the advice you need. Our dental solicitors have a proven track record helping many dentists and practices through legal proceedings.
Court proceedings
Low-level offences
Low level offending, such as common assault, shoplifting, and traffic offences, are all dealt with at the magistrates’ court. Your case will be heard by either 3 magistrates (lay people) or a District Judge. Unfortunately, there are very limited rights to anonymity before the criminal courts, and your name will appear on the court lists regardless of whether you are found guilty or not guilty.
Legal aid is available in the magistrates’ court, but it is both means and merits tested. The threshold for automatic financial eligibility is income under £12,475 per annum, as such most dentists will not be eligible for legal aid.
When paying privately, it is important to bear in mind that even if you are found not guilty you will not be reimbursed for all your legal costs. Any reimbursement is at the legal aid rate, which is very low, and is dependent on you having applied for and been refused legal aid at the outset.
Some insurance policies will cover criminal allegations, particularly where they are related to professional misconduct charges. It is always worth speaking to your insurers to find out what they will cover at the outset and remember you have the freedom to choose your own solicitor to represent you under such cover, you do not need to rely on the solicitors appointed by the insurers.
In the magistrates court you can be represented by either a solicitor or a barrister. It is worth considering very carefully the trial experience of the person who is going to represent you. Do not be afraid to ask what their experience is and whether they have dealt with similar cases in the past.
Serious offences
More serious offences are dealt with at the Crown Court. Legal aid is available for everyone who appears before the Crown Court; however, applicants must contribute towards their legal costs of up to £900 per month, which is capped dependent upon the seriousness of the offence.
For more serious offences you are likely to have the benefit of both a solicitor and an advocate representing you; this can be either a barrister or solicitor advocate. Your solicitor should discuss their choice of advocate with you before they are instructed to ensure that you are happy with their choice of representative.
If I have been arrested but not charged with any criminal offence, should I notify the GDC?
If you are arrested but not charged with any offence there is no obligation to inform the General Dental Council (GDC). However, if you are charged, but not yet convicted, of an offence anywhere in the world, you will need to inform the GDC.
Similarly, if you are given a formal ‘police caution’ (not the same as the caution above, but a warning from the police regarding behaviour following an admission of guilt), or accept a penalty notice for disorderly behaviour, then you will need to let the GDC know.
If you receive a fixed penalty notice for a driving offence or antisocial behaviour order, you will not need to inform the GDC.
When do I need to inform the GDC of criminal convictions/cautions?
Generally, dental care professionals do need to inform the GDC immediately if they are convicted of a criminal offence. However, if you are registering with the GDC you do not need to inform them of a conviction if it is considered “protected”.
- This means it is not a “listed offence” under S2A(5) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (amended).
- A custodial sentence was not imposed.
- The individual has no other convictions
- It was received either when the individual was under 18 and at least 5 years and 6 months has passed, or it was committed when the individual was over 18 and at least 11 years has passed.
- If you have a police caution that does not relate to a listed offence, and was given either when the individual was under 18 and at least 2 years has passed, or it was committed when the individual was over 18 and at least 6 years has passed.
If I am convicted of a criminal offence, will I automatically face fitness to practice proceedings?
All criminal convictions and cautions will be referred to the GDC Fitness Practice department for consideration. The GDC will then consider whether the offence committed involved a departure from the high standards required of dental professionals and whether it impacts on their fitness to practice.
Consideration will also be given to the dentist’s character and conduct since the commission of the offence. The GDC will assess the level of risk that the conviction or caution will have on protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the profession.
Do I have to declare my conviction to future employers?
Whether you need to declare your convictions to your employers will depend on whether it is considered ‘spent’. For more information regarding spent convictions, read our article: The truth behind reference requests; what really needs to be included?
Find expert dental practice support at JFH Law
If you or someone you know has been contacted by the police, or faces criminal charges, get in touch with our dental solicitors today. Our experts work in conjunction with our criminal lawyers to ensure you have the best possible representation to protect both your personal, but also your professional life.
Book your consultation today and discover how we can help you.
Please note that the information contained in this article was correct at the time of writing. There may have been updates to the law since the article was written, which may affect the information and advice given therein.
