If you are charged with a criminal offence the police and then the Court will decide whether you should be released on bail, and if so, whether any conditions should be imposed. Our first-class criminal defence lawyers will prepare for bail applications by making sure that any concerns about bail can be addressed and, with your agreement, speak to family, friends and organisations that may be able to help put together a bail package. 

If you are concerned about bail being granted, or the conditions that may be required, get in touch with us.

Some cases can only be dealt with in the Magistrates Court, and some only in the Crown Court. This is dependent on the seriousness of the case or where the defendant chooses to be tried. The venue of the trial can be crucial and may also have cost implications. Our expert criminal defence lawyers will ensure that you fully understand your options and will guide you through this complex decision before you enter the courtroom.

At the first hearing in the Magistrates Court you will be asked to indicate if you are pleading guilty or not guilty, you can also give no indication of plea at this stage. Our criminal defence lawyers will provide clear advice about the charges, evidence, and on the appropriate plea once they have taken your instructions and ensure you fully understand the implications of any decision made. Where appropriate our criminal defence lawyers will be able to negotiate with the prosecution for a lesser charge or a suitable basis of plea.

Our clients and their cases are at the centre of what we do. Our experienced criminal defence lawyers ensure that our client’s case is expertly prepared and that our client is fully prepared for the trial ahead.

We are skilled at locating witnesses and pursuing defence leads. We know that a carefully prepared defence is the key to obtaining the best outcome. We achieve this through pro-active defending, pursuing all defence leads, and obtaining as full prosecution and third-party disclosure as possible. We use our expertise and skill to secure full disclosure through negotiation with the prosecution or legal applications to the court. Outcomes are not only successful due to the evidence but also the strategy and tactics we employ.

Our criminal defence solicitors work with the best independent experts in the UK and abroad to ensure that the most compelling and reliable expert evidence is obtained where needed. We instruct highly skilled external counsel because we believe in briefing the best person for the job. Our excellent reputation means that top-class counsel are keen to work with us. Where the case raises legal issues in other jurisdictions we can instruct lawyers abroad to help advise.

Our expert criminal defence lawyers will work tirelessly to achieve the most lenient sentence. This may be through:

• Negotiating the basis of plea
• Obtaining supporting evidence
• Drafting creative legal submissions 
• Liaising with character witnesses, the probation service and health professionals

If the court orders confiscation of assets following a conviction we will:

• Examine the application and advise on and prepare the s17 and s18 response
• Gather evidence and instruct experts where appropriate
• Advise on any legal or evidential challenges
• Provide representation at the final hearing and any subsequent enforcement hearings
• Advise on appeal and any subsequent variations

Our criminal defence solicitors understand that the outcome hoped for is not always achieved and will offer clear, expert and thorough advice on all stages of appeal, and advice on how to protect your reputation and future prospects in the event of an adverse decision.

At the conclusion of some cases, ancillary orders may apply which have consequences if breached. Our expert team of criminal defence lawyers will ensure these are no more onerous than necessary, are clearly defined and proportionate.

The most common ancillary orders include:

• Criminal behaviour orders
• Compensation orders
• Confiscation orders
• Deprivation orders
• Disqualification from driving
• Drink banning orders
• Disqualification from being a company director
• Financial reporting order
• Parenting orders
• Restitution orders
• Restraining orders
• Serious crime prevention order (Crown Court only)
• Sexual harm prevention orders

If you work in a regulated sector, criminal proceedings and outcomes may have an impact on your regulatory position. Our criminal defence solicitors have expertise in advising and defending in Regulatory proceedings.