Criminal Law

The firm has a pro-active Criminal Department. All the Solicitors within the Department are qualified Court and Police Station Duty Solicitors. They are assisted by Police Station Accredited Representatives and Probationary Representatives. This means that we are very well placed to represent clients from the point of arrest or initial interview at the very outset of a criminal investigation throughout the investigations and any proceedings which result. We consider that it is vitally important that Defendants should have representation at the Police Station following arrest. This is the point at which Defendants will tend to be at their most vulnerable. It is a time when mistakes or errors of judgment are often made by those who have been arrested - mistakes which are often very difficult to correct. All qualified Solicitors within the department are Criminal Advocates, which mean they regularly appear in Court. On those occasions when Barristers are instructed, to work along side the Solicitor in the preparation of a case they are carefully chosen from a list of "approved" Barristers whose ability and experience is well known to this firm. Whatever your need in the field of Criminal Law, we are well served to advise you and, if necessary, represent you with the aim of obtaining the best outcome achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Barrister and a Solicitor?

A Barrister can represent clients in all Courts whereas a Solicitor is limited generally to the lower Courts, such as the Magistrates Court and the County Court unless they hold Higher Rights of Audience when they then have the same rights to appear in all Courts as a Barrister.

Can I instruct a Barrister without instructing a Solicitor?

Generally no. The Professional Rules of a Barrister currently limit those occasions when they can receive instructions directly from a client.