At the police station we step in fast: we get disclosure, advise you clearly, stop unfair questioning and protect your rights from the moment the interview begins. If you are arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, you are entitled to free legal advice. We provide a 24/7 police station service, giving you immediate guidance on your rights and clear advice before you speak to the police.
After your interview, we give clear pre charge advice, monitor the investigation and make proactive representations to the police and CPS to influence the outcome before any charging decision is made.
We are often instructed to review and take over police station matters where another solicitor or duty representative has already been involved. This may be because a client wants a second opinion, has concerns about earlier advice, or simply needs a more proactive approach.
When we take over a case, we obtain the disclosure, review any interviews already conducted, assess the advice previously given and identify whether further enquiries or representations are required. We can advise on additional written representations to the police, requests for further evidence, or whether a follow up interview is appropriate.
Where necessary, we liaise directly with the police, the investigating officer or the CPS to ensure your position is properly advanced and that any issues affecting the fairness or progress of the investigation are addressed.
We provide representation at every stage of the Magistrates’ Court process, including first appearances, bail applications, case management hearings, guilty pleas, trials and sentencing. We can act under legal aid, where you are eligible, or on a privately funded basis.
Even once a case has reached the Magistrates’ Court, there are occasions where further representations can properly be made to the prosecution or the court to discontinue the charge. Where the evidence is weak, the public interest is not met, or the case has developed unfairly, we act promptly to challenge the continuation of proceedings.
Children and young people are especially vulnerable at the police station. We provide clear, immediate advice during arrest, detention and voluntary interviews, making sure the young person understands their rights and the decisions they are being asked to make. If another solicitor or duty representative has already attended, we can review the case, assess the advice given and take over representation if possible. We obtain disclosure, review any interviews already conducted and make further representations to the police where appropriate, including requests for additional enquiries or consideration of diversion.
We are experienced in identifying safeguarding concerns, communication needs and potential indicators of exploitation from the outset, and we can arrange expert assessments where specialist evidence is required
We act at every stage of Youth Court proceedings, including first appearances, bail applications, case management hearings, guilty pleas, trials and sentencing. Legal aid is usually available, or cases can be funded privately.
We are experienced in raising special defences, including those under section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act, and in arranging expert assessments - such as psychological, psychiatric or communication based assessments - to support the young person’s case. Where needed, we also arrange intermediary assessments and seek the appointment of an intermediary to assist the young person with their effective participation in court.
Where the evidence is weak, the public interest is not met or the case may have developed unfairly, we make further representations to the prosecution or the court to discontinue proceedings.
For more serious or complex matters, we provide comprehensive Crown Court preparation and representation to ensure your case is presented as effectively as possible.
Our work typically includes:
• Detailed case preparation — reviewing prosecution evidence, identifying weaknesses, gathering defence material and preparing legal arguments.
• Conferences with counsel — meeting with your barrister or Higher Rights Advocate to discuss strategy, your instructions and the best approach to trial or sentencing.
• Trial strategy — clear advice on plea options, the strengths and risks of your case, and the tactics most likely to achieve the best outcome.
• Experienced representation — ensuring your case is handled by skilled advocates with expertise in serious criminal litigation.
Most Crown Court cases qualify for legal aid, subject to means testing and possible contributions. Some clients choose to fund their case privately for greater flexibility, more time with their legal team and the option to select a particular advocate.
We provide specialist advice and representation in appeals against conviction or sentence, including reviewing transcripts, identifying potential grounds of appeal and instructing experienced appellate counsel where needed.
We continue to act under legal aid for clients we represented in the lower court. Because we already know the case and its history, we can progress appeal work efficiently without starting from scratch.
For clients not previously represented by us, we do not undertake legal aid appeal work, as the funding does not allow for the level of review required when taking on a case afresh.
However, we can provide:
• Second opinions on appeal prospects
• Appeal advice and preparation
• Applications for leave to appeal
• Representation in the Court of Appeal, if permission is granted
These services are offered on a privately funded basis, ensuring we can dedicate the time and attention needed to properly assess and prepare the case.
We have extensive experience representing vulnerable clients, including children, young people and adults with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, neurodiversity or physical health issues. We know the criminal justice process can be especially difficult for those needing extra support, and we take a patient, clear and tailored approach to every case. We ensure each client understands the process and the decisions they are being asked to make, adapting our communication style where needed and working closely with parents, carers, support workers and medical professionals. Where appropriate, we arrange intermediary assessments, obtain medical or psychological evidence and request reasonable adjustments at the police station or in court. We also make representations to the police, CPS or court where a client’s vulnerabilities affect the fairness of proceedings, the public interest in prosecution or the availability of special defences. Our priority is to ensure vulnerable clients are supported and able to participate meaningfully at every stage.
Click above to see the wide range of criminal offences we deal with:
1. Allegations Involving Loss of Life, Serious Injury, or Serious Violence
2. Sexual Offences
3. Allegations of Abuse Within the Family
4. Acquisitive and Property Offences
5. Public Order and Weapons Offences
6. Drugs Offences
7. Fraud, Financial & Regulatory Offences
8. Cybercrime & Online Offences
9. Driving and Road Traffic Offences
10. Harassment & Communications Offences (Non Domestic)
11. Court Related Offences
12. Animal Related Offences
13. Immigration & Identity Offences
14. Other Offences