Criminal Defence Lawyer Services

Being investigated for or charged with a criminal offence is a daunting prospect, particularly because the penalties can have life-changing consequences. That is why you must seek expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity to ensure you are properly represented and protected.

The team at JMW consists of leading experts and specialists who offer criminal defence services to clients nationwide. Our leading criminal defence solicitors have been involved in some of the biggest investigations and prosecutions in the UK, and JMW is ranked as a top-tier crime firm by the Legal 500, as well as Chambers and Partners.

Our criminal defence solicitors have earned an excellent reputation through their success in defending clients in all manner of criminal cases. We represent clients who are under investigation or are facing prosecution at the Magistrates' Court, the Crown Court and appeals to the Court of Appeal. The expertise of JMW’s team can be seen in our strong track record of success.

The full-service offering by JMW allows us to be proactive when representing clients facing an investigation or proceedings. Our dynamic team of criminal lawyers is robust and able to take steps that may ultimately avoid any criminal litigation. In cases where we cannot avoid prosecution, our solicitors are adept in preparing for and representing at court. In the event of conviction, we will present mitigating factors to maximise the chances of obtaining a fair and favourable result. If appeals become necessary, we have decades of experience in preparing robust challenges to conviction and sentence.

To speak to a criminal defence solicitor about allegations made against you, call us today on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, request a call back by filling in our online enquiry form.

Areas of Expertise

Find out more about how we can help you by calling us on 0345 872 6666, or by completing our online enquiry form and we shall call back at a convenient time for you.

How JMW Can Help

JMW is a leading criminal defence firm that offers comprehensive legal support to clients in the UK. We offer a bespoke service that places a greater emphasis on client care, offering a more detailed approach to defending cases, as well as consistent representation throughout the entire legal process. Our expert solicitors and leaders in the field of criminal law will make you aware of your legal rights and the options available to you before any charges are brought during the investigative stage and throughout your legal proceedings.

This approach has allowed us to gain the best possible results for our clients and ensures you have a compassionate, robust and dedicated team representing you throughout the case. This is something that the Legal 500 has acknowledged, by praising JMW's team for its ‘superb client care and thorough preparation'.

We have helped many clients avoid charges, secure discontinuance prior to trial and achieve not-guilty verdicts at trial. In cases where a conviction cannot be avoided, we ensure all mitigating factors are considered and the best possible sentence is achieved.

Additionally, we have a long tradition of successfully defending clients investigated and prosecuted by authorities such as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Insolvency Service, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Trading Standards and local authorities.

We have a particular expertise in representing regulated professionals in criminal proceedings. Our professional regulation team represents clients in matters investigated and prosecuted by a broad range of regulators.

What Should I Do if I Am Suspected or Accused of a Crime?

Finding yourself the subject of an investigation, or being suspected or accused of committing a crime can be a difficult situation to face. While every situation is different, there are several important steps you should keep in mind to protect yourself and start the process of developing your defence. To handle the situation carefully to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process, the most important step you can take is to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible.

If you are arrested or approached by the police, it is important to remain calm, comply with instructions and not resist arrest. Resisting can lead to additional charges, and if you are concerned about the nature of your arrest or believe there were errors in how it was conducted, it is better to speak to your criminal defence solicitor about the circumstances later and seek their advice, rather than to resist arrest in the moment.

In advance of any interview under caution or at the investigative stage, you should instruct a solicitor and have them accompany you during any questioning so that they can advise you on matters of fact, procedure and law. Depending on the nature of the investigation, you may have an opportunity to prepare for your interview with your solicitor beforehand, which can help you to comply with your obligations and avoid incriminating yourself. Your solicitor can also ensure your rights are upheld throughout the interview process.

Outside the context of police interviews, providing your lawyer with accurate instructions can be extremely important, especially when we prepare representations to the investigators or the prosecutor prior to their decision on whether or not to charge you with criminal or regulatory offences. We have an excellent reputation in advancing persuasive submissions, actively assisting with pre charge engagement and securing the best possible outcome. 

What Happens if I Am Arrested?

When you are arrested, you will be brought to a police station for questioning. It is advisable to have a solicitor represent you during any interviews with the police. Once you have been questioned and any other investigations have been completed, you may be charged with one or more criminal offences. Your solicitor can explain the charges, the potential consequences, and the legal processes involved, but it is important to make sure you understand. Make sure to ask any questions you need to get a full picture of the situation. 

Depending on the severity of the accusation, you may be released on bail after being charged while you await a trial. If any bail conditions are set, make sure you understand and follow them, as failing to comply with these conditions can result in arrest. An application to vary or discharge bail conditions may be made if circumstances change significantly.

At this stage, you will work closely with your solicitor to prepare your defence. This typically involves gathering evidence, identifying witnesses, and developing a legal strategy. The expert solicitors at JMW have a strong track record of securing successful outcomes when representing clients and our thorough understanding of criminal law means we can offer practical advice. We can also offer you a realistic assessment of the potential outcomes of your case and ensure you know what to expect at all stages of the proceedings.

If your case goes to court, follow your solicitor's advice on how to proceed. This will help you decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty and how to present your case effectively. Our criminal defence solicitors will discuss this with you and make recommendations based on the specifics of your case. All of our expert legal assistance is tailored directly to our clients and their needs. Our specialist advice draws on decades of expertise and experience to ensure you are treated fairly at all stages of a criminal investigation, and to deliver the best possible outcome in your specific situation.

How Can Criminal Defence Solicitors Help in my Case?

It is vital to seek legal advice if you are suspected or accused of a crime, as a criminal defence solicitor can support you in a number of key ways throughout the process of an investigation and criminal proceedings. Your legal rights must be protected at all stages and legal representation can ensure you are treated fairly and can achieve the best possible outcome based on the circumstances.

A solicitor's primary responsibility will be to offer expert advice on the law as it pertains to your case, by explaining the charges against you, the legal processes involved, and the potential outcomes. They can guide you on the best course of action, including advice on the guilty or not guilty plea and the implications of each decision you make. The team at JMW has significant experience in this area and can advise on what to expect depending on the course of action you choose to take, which can be invaluable in helping you to make informed decisions.

We can also act on your behalf in court, during interviews, and at bail hearings. JMW's criminal defence lawyers can speak for you, present evidence, and argue your case to the court. Because we know how to construct a case and present an argument in your defence, working with us will give you a chance to achieve the best possible outcome.

Building your case means assisting in the collection and examination of evidence that may support your defence. This can include obtaining witness statements, CCTV footage, forensic and other expert evidence, and other relevant materials that could prove your innocence or mitigate the circumstances. Sometimes, this means arranging for expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. This is vital in cases where specialised knowledge is needed to support your case, and we have medical experts, forensic analysts, and other professionals we can call on to support your case.

We will aim to negotiate with the prosecution to potentially reduce charges or penalties, or to discuss the possibility of alternative resolutions like cautions or community resolutions, where applicable. In some cases, this can avoid the need for a court appearance altogether and can bring a quicker resolution to your case. This can include negotiating pleas to alternative offences where you may plead guilty to a lesser charge in return for a more lenient sentence or other considerations. We will discuss this with you at the outset so you can decide how to proceed with your defence.

Criminal defence solicitors have significant responsibilities in terms of meeting the requirements of the court, so it is important to choose a representative with experience. Handling all legal formalities and paperwork associated with your case, including filing any necessary legal documents, applications for bail, and other procedural requirements, can be complicated. Court deadlines often apply, and failing to meet them can harm your defence, so organisation is a crucial skill.

Finally, if you are convicted, we will advise you on the prospects of an appeal against conviction or sentence and represent you in the appeals process. Ultimately, the solicitors at JMW will stand by your side and help you to navigate the criminal justice system, including by explaining the roles of the various participants (such as the police, prosecution, and judiciary), describing the steps involved from arrest to trial, and outlining what to expect at each stage. You have the right to defend yourself against accusations and charges, and working with our talented and knowledgeable criminal defence solicitors can ensure you mount the highest quality defence possible.

Q

How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost?

A

Every criminal case is different and has different costs associated with it, so it is impossible to estimate how much legal advice and representation will cost you without expert knowledge of your specific circumstances. There are two types of costs - fees paid to your criminal defence lawyer, which are usually charged by the hour, and third party fees. Our experienced team will always start with a detailed discussion of the allegations and evaluate how much work we might need to do, how long we think the investigation will take, and how much time we are likely to need in the courtroom.

The third party costs that must sometimes be incurred include fees for the following:

• Court fees: there are generally no court fees for criminal trials, but some administrative costs may arise in specific circumstances.
• Expert witnesses: forensic experts, medical professionals, or financial analysts may charge for reports and court appearances. While costs will vary depending on the expertise required, this evidence could be vital to your defence strategy.
• Documentary evidence: there may be costs for obtaining medical records, CCTV footage, or other evidence. There may be additional fees if you need multiple copies of certain documents.
• Private investigators: investigators or other professionals (such as forensic accountants) may be instructed to gather additional evidence where it is needed.
• Interpreters: clients or witnesses who do not speak English fluently may need to pay for an interpreter.
• Barristers: your solicitor may instruct a barrister to represent you at trial, whose fee will be separate to that of your solicitor.

In some cases - such as for minor motoring offences - JMW offers fixed fee defence services, but in most matters we can only estimate the costs based on the details of your case. If you are concerned about expense, Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but eligibility is based on the type of case and your financial situation.

Speak to our criminal solicitors today for advice on how we can help you and an estimate of the costs based on your particular needs.

Q

Can you represent me in police interviews?

A

The experienced criminal defence lawyers at JMW will support you throughout your interactions with the criminal justice system. This means that, from the moment you are placed under investigation or invited to attend an interview at a police station, we will be there to help. Legal representation in police interviews is vital, and our knowledgeable criminal team will help you to prepare for the questions you are likely to be asked. We will also monitor to make sure that evidence is gathered according to the law, and provide legal advice to help you comply with the investigation whilst minimising the risk of self-incrimination.

We can also support you if you are called to appear in a Magistrates Court or Crown Court, by building your defence strategy and presenting evidence on your behalf. If you receive a criminal conviction, we can represent you during sentencing and present mitigation that can make all the difference to your sentence.

As a law firm with a proven track record of success in defending clients against criminal charges, we can help you understand what to expect no matter what you are accused of. We are experienced in drug offences, sexual offences, violent crime and other activities that can be associated with serious penalties, including complex cases with an international element. It all means that we can provide comprehensive defence services throughout the entire process.

The extensive knowledge of our experienced lawyers means we can deliver strategic advice and representation that will give you the best chance of a positive outcome. We have seen many criminal charges dropped after a police interview, with no further action taken and we have also represented in complex trials lasting many months. With over 45 years of experience in this area of law, JMW’s criminal defence team has encountered virtually every situation a suspect or defendant is likely to face.

Q

How long does a criminal case take?

A

The duration of a criminal case can vary a lot because it depends on factors like the complexity of the case, the court in which it is heard, and the availability of legal representatives or court resources. In general, crime cases can take anywhere from a few months or a few years to reach the stage where charges are dropped or a criminal conviction is reached. In the latter cases, there may also be appeals or other aspects that further extend the process.

There are several stages from investigation to criminal prosecution, and understanding the structure of a case can help you to determine how long you can expect your case to continue. The first aspect is the investigation itself, and the time it can take to gather evidence varies significantly. Straightforward cases might conclude in weeks, while more complex investigations involving multiple parties or serious offences, such as fraud or murder, could take months or even years. Delays can occur due to the need for forensic analysis, witness statements, or gathering other evidence.

Following an investigation, the police or Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether there is enough evidence to charge a suspect. Depending on the complexity of the evidence and the urgency of the case, this could also take some time, although it also presents an opportunity for your solicitor to review the evidence and begin building your defence if it is likely that you will be charged.

For less serious offences handled in the Magistrates' Court, cases will usually be resolved in a single hearing. Court backlogs can affect the timeline for hearings and this will have a bigger impact if the case requires multiple hearings. The time to trial varies much more significantly for serious offences heard in the Crown Court. They can take one to two years or longer to come to trial. The trial itself can last a single day for simple cases or extend to weeks or months for complex trials involving multiple charges or defendants. The availability of courtrooms and legal teams, and the need to coordinate multiple defendants or witnesses, can further extend the timeline for trials of this nature. Cases can be postponed for various reasons, such as the unavailability of key participants.

If you are convicted, sentencing might happen immediately or be adjourned for a few weeks to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports. Appeals can also extend the duration of the case. While there are decisions you can make that will shorten the length of the case - including submitting a guilty plea in some cases - your solicitor will advise you on what to expect and help you to make decisions that are in your best interests. The crime team at JMW has a wealth of experience in this area.