Criminal Defence

If you find yourself charged with a criminal offence, facing a driving prosecution or falling foul of regulatory laws, we are here to help you. We offer a bespoke private client criminal defence service, tailored to your individual requirements. We can deal with representation in court and can also accompany you to any police or investigating authority interview.

Help with criminal investigations and court hearings

We provide specialist legal advice on a range of criminal offences, offering assistance from the start of a criminal investigation all the way through to any court hearings that may follow. We can see you at a police station if an arrest has been made or where a voluntary interview under caution has been arranged.

If a local authority wishes to conduct an interview relating to benefit over-payments, for instance, or regulatory offences, such as a breach of planning law, then we can accompany you so that you don’t have to face the ordeal alone.

If matters proceed to a hearing then we can represent you in all the criminal courts; including the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, Youth Court and the Court of Appeal.

A bespoke private client criminal defence service

Because we do not undertake Legal Aid work for criminal law all cases are funded on a bespoke private basis, where our services can be tailored to suit your individual needs and budget. This enables us to focus on the key legal and evidential issues that are central to your case. And crucially it means we can dedicate the appropriate resources to securing the best possible outcome for you without being limited by public funding restrictions.

Most people agree that when it comes to criminal law, particularly offences that can result in a prison sentence, it is worth paying for specialist legal advice. We are always happy to provide free initial legal guidance and review the options available to you.

Our extensive criminal defence experience

We have been representing clients facing criminal prosecutions for many years and have therefore built up a wealth of experience across a range of criminal offences. We regularly deal with cases involving drugs and alcohol, driving charges, violence, public order, domestic abuse, sexual offences, regulatory and planning issues, theft and benefit over-payment.

We are entirely independent, but enjoy a constructive working relationship with local police and prosecutors which often enables us to achieve a desired outcome.

Legal costs

We will provide you with a clear and detailed estimate of the likely legal costs.

We are always happy to work to a specified budget and can tailor what we do to your specific requirements.

We have produced a range of costs estimates in relation to some common driving offences, details of which can be found here.

Recognised experts

We enjoy a well earned reputation for offering quality advice and representation in this specialist field. Solicitor Jen Law was recently invited to appear on BBC Radio Devon to explain the law relating to Public Order offences following a call for MPs to be given greater protection from harassment and abuse.

Areas of Specialism:

Drink Driving
When someone is convicted of drink driving the Court has no choice but to impose a minimum 12 month driving ban as well as either a fine, community order or even prison sentence. This can result in the loss of employment and have far reaching consequences for the offender’s family. It is therefore vitally important to have specialist legal advice and representation.
Public Order and Assault Charges
It is essential to know your rights if you are charged with a violent offence. We can guide you through the legal minefield, including specialist advice on ‘self-defence’ arguments.
Drugs and Firearms
The courts impose stiff sentences for possession of drugs. If you are facing prosecution we can review the evidence, focusing on the often fine distinction between having drugs for your own personal use rather than the more serious offence of possession with intent to supply. We can also assist with firearms offences which are viewed very seriously and can carry lengthy custodial sentences.
Benefit fraud
The two common forms of benefit fraud are failing to provide information to the council or dishonestly failing to provide information. The difference in sentencing can be considerable and it is therefore important to have expert legal advice.
Regulatory offences
Breaches of planning law, animal welfare offences and health and safety transgressions are among the most complicated areas of regulatory law – and they call for expert knowledge to guide anyone facing prosecution through the complexities of the offences.
Sexual offences
Facing investigation for a sexual offence can be a frightening and stressful experience. Anyone facing a sexual offence charge (historic or recent) will need expert legal guidance.

Work with our team: