The firm has a substantial representation for the tenacious defence of cases of serious crime which are tried before the Crown Court. The firm undertakes the detailed preparation of the defence of such cases where matters proceed to trial. This will involve a detailed assessment and examination of the prosecution case and the marshalling of a clients defence, including obtaining evidence from defence witnesses and expert witnesses. Where clients plead guilty, we assist in the preparation of detailed mitigation for presentation before the Court to assist as to sentence. We advise as to Recovery of Defence Costs Orders, Orders for Prosecution Costs and Confiscation Proceedings, POCA and Extradition.
The firm has a number of Solicitor Advocates and in-house Counsel who act as advocates in the Crown Court. The firm also instructs independent Barristers to act in such cases.
The firm has acted in many high profile cases over the years, acting for clients charged with the most serious criminal offences.
We are repeatedly asked to assist clients who have already, at some time, during the course of an investigation or Court proceedings instructed Solicitors. We are used to dealing with such enquiries and advising as to the transfer of a case from previous Solicitors to this practice. It is important to those the subject of an investigation or prosecution, that they are confident in the Solicitors that they instruct and that they consider those that act for them are doing everything they possibly can to assist.
We offer free initial legal advice, either over the phone, via e-mail or face to face if required. Please contact us using the Contact Us link or by asking our solicitors a question using the simple form above. Our initial advice is free. You can also contact us via e-mail, text message or by telephoning us on 0800 988 5134.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offences include Rape, Sexual Assault and Assault by Penetration.
Sexual offences are usually prosecuted at the Crown Court. As the offence is often prosecuted only on the evidence of the victim of the alleged offence, it is essential to receive expert legal advice at the first opportunity.
Public funding is available for legal defence representation.
Drug Importation & Supply
As defence solicitors, we provide expert legal defence advice and defence representation, throughout the country, to those suspected of, or charged with, offences involving conspiracy to import drugs, drug importation or conspiracy to supply drugs or drug supply, usually involving drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine and cannabis, but including the full range of Class A, B and C drugs.
Investigations and prosecutions for conspiracy to import drugs, drug importation or conspiracy to supply drugs or drug supply brought by HM Revenue and Customs, SOCA and the Police are frequently lengthy and wide-ranging involving the activities of many individuals and companies.
Prosecutions for conspiracy to import drugs, drug importation or conspiracy to supply drugs or drug supply are long and complex and require expert legal defence representation. Conviction frequently results in substantial sentences of imprisonment and orders for confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Obtaining expert defence solicitors at an early stage is vital. Public funding (Legal Aid) may be available for legal defence representation in drug importation and drug supply cases.
Murder & Manslaghter
Investigations and prosecutions for murder, conspiracy to murder, manslaughter or corporate manslaughter brought by the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service are often lengthy and wide-ranging and involve long and complex investigations. If you are being investigated or charged with matters relating to Murder or Manslaughter then you will require expert legal defence representation.
Obtaining expert defence solicitors at an early stage is vital. Public funding (Legal Aid) may be available for legal defence representation in murder, conspiracy to murder, manslaughter and corporate manslaughter cases.
Corporate Manslaughter
Investigations and prosecutions for murder, conspiracy to murder, manslaughter or corporate manslaughter brought by the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service are often lengthy and wide-ranging and involve long and complex investigations. If you are being investigated or charged with matters relating to Murder or Manslaughter then you will require expert legal defence representation.
Obtaining expert defence solicitors at an early stage is vital. Public funding (Legal Aid) may be available for legal defence representation in murder, conspiracy to murder, manslaughter and corporate manslaughter cases.
Conspiracy
Conspiracy requires the Crown Prosecution Service to prove an agreement between at least two people to commit a criminal offence and can include an agreement to commit a range of offences from murder, robbery, rape, burglary, money laundering and to import or supply drugs to more minor offences such as theft, public order or assault.
The offence can only be prosecuted at the Crown Court, so legal advice is recommended at the earliest stage and public funding is available.
Terrorism
In relation to these highly complex and serious offences, it is essential to obtain expert legal advice at an early stage.
The police have extensive detention powers to detain clients under the Terrorism Legislation and the investigation and prosecutions are often dealt with by officers and prosecutors who are specialists in this area of work.
Firearms Offences
As the offence of simply being in possession of a firearm carries a minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, it is essential to obtain legal representation at an early stage.
The majority of firearms offences will be dealt with at the Crown Court and public funding is available for legal defence representation.
Robbery
The offence requires the Crown Prosecution Service to prove the client used or threatened violence towards the victim and the client stole or attempted to steal an item or items of property from the victim.
The offence of Robbery is defined as an indictable only offence which means that it can only be dealt with in the Crown Court and usually carries a substantial sentence of imprisonment.
Youths are often dealt with in the Crown Court.
Due to the likely sentence if a client is convicted, it is essential to try and obtain detailed legal advice at the earliest of stages.
The offence covers a range of offences from attempted robbery, street robbery, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Deception
This offence will often involve a client actively deceiving another by giving false information in order to obtain an advantage which could include obtaining money, a bank loan or credit card, an insurance settlement or a service.
These offences will often be dealt with at the Crown Court especially if a large sum of money is involved and as a result legal advice should be obtained as the earliest opportunity. Public funding is often available for offences which fall into this category.
Handling Stolen Property
These are offences which do not involve the original theft of the stolen item or items but require the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to prove that the client either knew or was suspicious that the items were stolen and handles the items by storing them, removing them, disposing of them or selling them. A client is also guilty of the offence if he assists in carrying out any of the above tasks.
Public funding is usually available and offences can often be dealt with in the Crown Court so expert advice at an early stage is essential.
Theft
As experienced defence solicitors, we provide expert legal representation and advice on all theft offences ranging from shoplifting to thefts of expensive items such as prestige cars, large amounts of cash and antiques. We also have extensive experience of theft from employers cases and have helped many clients in relation to work related theft, whether it be from accounts transactions or stock theft.
Public funding is usually available for most offences of theft and obtaining expert advice at an early stage is crucial.