Whether you are at the police station or in court, we know that it is vital you receive the right advice and support from specialised criminal solicitors at the earliest possible opportunity.

You are entitled to free legal representation if you are arrested or interviewed under caution by police.

You have the option of being represented by a ‘duty solicitor’, who is available to represent anyone. However, a duty solicitor may not have specialist expertise in the specific offence you are suspected of committing.

We recommend choosing your own legal representative, allowing you to select an experienced criminal defence solicitor with particular expertise in dealing with the types of charges you are facing. This gives you the best chance of defending your case.

Our dedicated criminal defence lawyers are ready and available to act in your defence.

We guide you throughout the process with clear, straight forward advice that helps you understand your situation, rights, options and possible outcomes.

We work hard to provide the best defence strategy to ensure your rights are defended.

As a testament to our strong commitment to client care and focus, much of our work comes from referrals and recommendations from clients who have been satisfied with our legal services.

Contact us for more information.

When you are arrested, the arresting officers must tell you:

• That they are police officers
• That you are being arrested
• What specific offence or offences you are believed to have committed
• Why it is necessary for your arrest
• That you are not free to leave

They must also caution you using the words:

“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.”

Following an arrest, you are normally transferred to a police station, held in custody (in a cell) and interviewed.

Following a police interview, one of the following happens:

• You are released with no further action
• You are released under investigation
• You are detained in custody
• You are charged with a specific offence

If you are charged with an offence, a hearing date is set.

You either are:

• Released on bail
• Kept in custody until your court hearing

Please note, if you are released under investigation or with no further action, you can be rearrested or summonsed to attend a court hearing.

When applying for jobs, you are normally asked to provide information about your criminal record. If you are required to take a DBS check as part of your application, certain criminal convictions may affect your employment.

If you are unsure about your legal responsibility for disclosing a criminal conviction to an employer or potential employer, please take a look at the government’s guide to telling people about your criminal record. Or alternatively, contact us today for legal advice.

We offer an initial free consultation. Once we have examined your case, we provide a detailed action plan with a quote for our fees. Every case is unique and therefore we cannot quote until we have analysed your specific situation. Please see our fees for motoring offences here.

You may qualify for Legal Aid funding but if not then we offer options of fixed fee or hourly rates.

If a fixed fee, the criminal defence specialist set out the work covered within that fee.

If you are in receipt of benefits or your income means that you are unable to afford to pay for a lawyer, you may qualify for Legal Aid. Contact us if you think you may qualify for legal aid and we can apply on your behalf.

Where Legal Aid is not available, we quote a competitive fixed price or hourly rate for our work.