BUSINESS is continuing as normal for a York criminal defence practice which is facing the challenge of balancing law enforcement with personal safety.

Howard & Byrne is continuing to cover police stations in the area and remand courts, and provide legal advice, despite the Covid-19 crisis. Founded in 1999, the firm has a team of 20 and operates nationally and internationally.

“Our purpose is to provide advice while it is required within the criminal justice system, and thus it is crucial we continue to operate and provide that service in all arenas,” said Colin Bryne, partner. “But our priority is to ensure the health and safety of all those operating within it.”

He added: “The criminal justice system is huge and impacts the police, defendants, victims, witnesses, jurors, judges, magistrates, court staff, cleaners, maintenance staff and many others.

“The government rightly want the function of this system to be impacted as little as possible, but like all areas of life, this is exceptionally difficult to achieve. The balance between personal safety and the enforcement of law and order is a fine one.

“For those that operate in this environment locally the North Eastern Circuit have, like others, issued a COVID -19 Protocol. The protocol is based upon the guidance issued by the Lord Chief Justice on the 23rd March 2020 and is being updated. The pandemic is fast moving and so anyone impacted needs to keep an eye on developments. For now the present position is that no jury trials will commence until further notice. For all Crown Court hearings the default position is that they will be undertaken using technology.”

Colin advised court users to refer to the latest guidance and stay in touch with their legal advisors.

“In the Magistrates Court, essentially only remand courts are sitting; these are for cases where defendants are kept for court following arrest. All courts are very conscious of social distancing measures and are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of users.

“The police will continue to arrest where necessary, but are looking at limiting the requirement for interviewing of suspects. Where interviewing is deemed necessary, the police and other users are working together to utilise technology designed to keep us separate and maintain compliance with government guidance.

“The reality is for those dealing with the vulnerable, those effected by mental health, addiction and generally with frontline criminal matters there is only so much we can do to protect ourselves. Working together, finding solutions, adapting and appreciating the needs of others we will find a way.”