Criminal Defence Lawyers

If you are arrested, try to remain calm and ask for legal advice as soon as possible. You have important rights when you are in police custody, including the right to speak to a solicitor.

Our Criminal Defence team can advise you about the process and provide representation at the police station.

You are entitled to legal advice when being interviewed by the police, and having a solicitor present can help you understand the process and your rights before answering questions.

Your solicitor can advise you based on the circumstances of the allegation and support you throughout the interview.

In short, yes. But we wouldn’t recommend it. Regardless of your innocence, you may find it difficult convincing a jury without representation. If enough evidence is given against you, you may face jail time if you cannot build a strong enough defence alone. If you do choose to represent yourself, you’ll be known as a ‘litigant in person’ and you will be fully responsible for adhering to procedural deadlines.

Some choose to represent themselves due to lack of funds. If you are in this position, we advise you to consider applying for legal aid, which may cover your legal fees throughout the process.

When you instruct one of our specialist criminal defence solicitors, we’ll commit ourselves completely in building a defence that’s strong and works for your personal situation. As well as this, we’ll provide strategic advice throughout your case as it progresses and help you understand the legal procedures involved.

A voluntary police interview is when a person has an interview with police officers without being arrested.

A voluntary interview may take place without you being formally arrested, but it can still form an important part of a police investigation.

You should consider getting legal advice before attending. Our Criminal Defence team can advise you about the process and, where appropriate, provide representation during the interview.

This depends on the offence you are accused of and the circumstances of the case. Less serious offences are generally dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court, while more serious cases may be heard in the Crown Court.

Some offences can be dealt with in either court. Your solicitor can explain where your case is likely to be heard and what that means for you.

You could be.

Legal Aid was introduced to provide equal justice to the public, regardless of income. It means that those who cannot afford to cover the costs of legal services do not have to represent themselves as a result. In order to receive Legal Aid, you will have to be means tested as proof that you cannot afford to pay legal fees. We recommend that anyone struggling with finances in this situation to look into Legal Aid and find out whether or not you are eligible. Are you eligible for Legal Aid?

Unless your crime is a highly serious one such as armed robbery or murder, your case will be heard at the Magistrates’ Court. Otherwise, it will go to the Crown Court.

During the trial, the judge will allow both the defence and the prosecution to have their cases heard and all evidence will be presented for both sides. The judge will take notes during the trial and take all aspects of each case into consideration. When the trial has come to an end, the judge will present a summary of the information back to the jury. Then, it’s up to the jury to come to a decision about whether or not the defendant is guilty.