Criminal Proceedings

Legal aid before criminal courts is available but it is now subject to a complicated means test. We will be happy to advise you whether you are likely to qualify for legal aid. If you do not qualify we are able to represent you on a private basis. We can discuss with you our reasonable fixed fee structure so that you know what your total costs will be from the outset. We also accept credit cards for our fees to make this as flexible as possible for you.

If you are charged with any offence you will find yourself before the Magistrates Court. As a result of recent changes in the law your first appearance will usually be within a few days of being charged by the police. The initial hearing will allow you to be advised whether you should plead guilty or not guilty and provide you with advice as to procedure, how long the case will take and what the likely outcome will be. Persons under the age of 18 years are sent to the Youth Court unless they have been charged with an adult.

Many offences are tried in the Crown Court before a Judge and Jury. This may be because the charge that you face is one that can only be dealt with by the Crown Court, because the Magistrates have decided that the case is too serious for them to deal with or because you, having been properly advised have elected trial by jury.

In the Crown Court you will normally be represented by a barrister or one of our many in-house Solicitor-Advocates in addition to your solicitor.

Some cases may need to go to the the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords or exceptionally the European Court of Justice or Human Rights. We are able to advise you regarding all stages of the proceedings.