Criminal defence solicitors

Criminal law cases – how we can help

Our criminal defence solicitors have expertise in several areas of criminal law. We defend clients charged with serious criminal offences, leading to trials in the crown court and magistrates court. Our experience is at all levels of the criminal process, from attending an initial interview with the police through charge, magistrates court and crown court preliminary hearings and ultimately to trial. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors also have experience in the Court of Criminal Appeal.

We are able to handle the full range of criminal cases and our experience includes cases involving allegations of:

  • Gross negligence manslaughter
  • Sexual assault
  • Fraud
  • Bribery
  • Common assault/battery (including domestic violence)
  • Perverting the course of justice
  • Making/possession/distribution of indecent images of a child
  • Grooming
  • Stalking/harassment
  • Rape
  • Computer Misuse Act offences
  • Importing an indecent article
  • Being drunk in an aircraft (Civil Aviation Act offences)

The type of assistance we can provide includes:

  • Police station representation – If you are required to attend an interview at the police station, be it voluntarily or under arrest, you have a right to legal representation. It is vital that a considered response is given at any police interview because what is said (or not) can be crucial in dictating the ultimate outcome. Our team of criminal defence solicitors has extensive experience of accompanying our clients and advising them at police interviews.
  • Magistrates court representation – If you are charged with an offence and are summoned to appear in the Magistrates’ Court, we can ensure that you are properly represented at that hearing.
  • Crown court representation – If your case proceeds to the Crown Court, we have years of experience of gathering evidence and undertaking all the necessary preparation to put you in the best possible position to put a robust defence at trial. It is also important that you have high-quality representation at the trial itself – we work with a range of skilled and well-renowned criminal counsel.
  • Appeals – In the event that you have already faced trial unsuccessfully, we can advise and assist regarding any potential appeal, whether against a conviction or sentence. Time is of the essence, so contact us straight away if you are considering an appeal.
  • General advice – Prevention is better than cure and, particularly with some of the more technical offences, we may be able to advise on how to minimise the risk of criminal prosecution in the future.

The cases we are involved in regularly attract TV and press coverage and we are well used to managing this and to helping our clients through all aspects of what can often be a highly stressful experience. We are acutely aware of the sensitivities involved in managing a criminal case for professional and other clients and the potential for serious career and reputational damage. Given our complementary expertise in defending professionals facing regulatory and disciplinary investigations, we are especially conscious of the potential regulatory ramifications of criminal cases, and vice versa, and are very well-placed to advise on each of these aspects, with an eye on the bigger picture where there are potentially multiple simultaneous investigations.

We have particular expertise in defending healthcare professionals, having dealt with many sexual assault, gross negligence manslaughter and NHS counter-fraud cases, as well as numerous others. We have also assisted clients in defending criminal allegations arising from health conditions such as alcoholism and drug addiction. We regularly act in other proceedings arising from the same circumstances, including regulatory investigations and hearings, Inquests, civil claims and a number of successful challenges of information included in enhanced DBS certificates.

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  • Legal 500 2022
    “John Fitzpatrick “has a good eye for detail”.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “The tireless and very clever Katherine Sheldrick is highly recommended for any person facing professional discipline proceedings, and has been a first choice for many for several years.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Katherine Sheldrick is outstanding; a master of the fine detail.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “‘Hempsons’ team is committed to its clients, hardworking, knowledgeable, and empathetic to clients’ needs.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Simon Eastwood is the best money can buy. He has both a criminal and regulatory background. He takes on the pressure of his clients for them. He is a masterclass in calm.”
  • Legal 500 2022
    “Tania Francis is a qualified doctor and brings an invaluable perspective to any defence team.”