Crime solicitors in England & Wales

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Plain-language guide

What a criminal defence solicitor does.

A criminal defence solicitor represents people under investigation or prosecuted for a criminal offence, from the police station interview through the magistrates' court and Crown Court to sentencing and appeal. The solicitor advises on the evidence and the disclosure the prosecution must give, on plea and the credit for an early guilty plea, on bail under the Bail Act 1976, and on the sentencing guidelines the court must follow. Duty solicitors are available at every police station and magistrates' court.

When you need one

You have been arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview under caution.
You have been charged, or received a postal requisition or a summons.
You have been convicted and want to appeal the conviction or the sentence.
A family member has been remanded in custody and needs a bail application.

How fees usually work

Advice at the police station is free under legal aid regardless of means. For court proceedings, legal aid depends on the seriousness of the case and your means; many people in the Crown Court qualify, subject to contributions. Privately funded work is charged hourly or by fixed fee for each hearing. Ask whether you qualify for legal aid before agreeing to pay privately.

Questions to ask before you instruct

Do I qualify for legal aid, and what would I have to contribute?
Should I answer questions in interview, give a prepared statement or say nothing?
What are the likely sentencing guidelines for this offence, and where does my case sit?
Will a solicitor or a barrister represent me at court, and who decides?

See the listed practitioners

General information about England & Wales law and practice, not advice on your matter. The practitioners listed on this page give that advice.

Criminal defence solicitor questions

Should I have a solicitor at the police station?

Yes. Section 58 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 gives you the right to consult a solicitor privately at any time, and it is free. What is said in interview can be used at trial, and an adverse inference can be drawn from silence about something later relied on, so advice before the interview matters.

What is the difference between the magistrates' court and the Crown Court?

The magistrates' court deals with summary offences and less serious either-way offences, with sentencing powers up to twelve months. Indictable-only offences and the more serious either-way cases go to the Crown Court, where a jury decides guilt and a judge sentences. Every case starts in the magistrates' court.

How much credit do I get for pleading guilty?

The Sentencing Council guideline gives a reduction of up to one third for a guilty plea at the first stage of the proceedings, reducing to a quarter after that and to a tenth on the day of trial. The reduction applies to the sentence the court would otherwise have passed, so advice on plea has real consequences.

For the practitioners listed here

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