Assault & Violence
Comprehensive defense for all violent offences
- Common Assault
- Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
- Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
- Affray
- Violent Disorder
- Robbery
Criminal Defence Solicitors: Expert Legal Defence Nationwide
Being accused of a criminal offence can severely impact your freedom, reputation, and future. At Scarsdale Solicitors, our expert criminal defence team has a high success rate defending clients across England and Wales, providing skilled, compassionate representation for all criminal and motoring offences.
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What Are Criminal Offences?
Criminal offences in the UK are acts or omissions that violate criminal law and are punishable by the state through the criminal justice system. These offences are generally classified into three main categories based on their seriousness and the court where they are tried.
Summary Offences
These are the least serious offences and are tried only in Magistrates’ Courts. Examples include minor assaults, criminal damage under £5,000, traffic offences, and public order offences. Penalties usually consist of fines, community orders, or short custodial sentences of up to six months.
Either Way Offences
These are mid-level offences that can be tried either in Magistrates’ Courts or Crown Courts depending on the circumstances and severity. Examples include theft, fraud, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and drug possession with intent to supply. Magistrates can impose up to 12 months’ imprisonment for either-way offences, while Crown Courts may impose significantly longer sentences.
Indictable Only Offences
These are the most serious offences and are tried only in Crown Courts before a judge and jury. Examples include murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, and grievous bodily harm with intent (GBH). Such offences carry the heaviest penalties, including life imprisonment for the most severe crimes.
Criminal offences cover a wide range of conduct such as violent crimes, sexual offences, property crimes including theft and burglary, fraud and financial crimes, drug offences, public order offences, weapons offences, and driving offences. Each offence has its own legal elements that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.
The impact of a criminal conviction often extends far beyond the courtroom. A criminal record can affect employment opportunities, international travel, professional licences, housing applications, insurance costs, and even personal relationships for many years.
That is why seeking early advice and representation from experienced criminal defence solicitors is vital. At Scarsdale Solicitors, our team of dedicated criminal defence solicitors works tirelessly to protect your rights, safeguard your freedom, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Trusted Criminal Defence Solicitors Supporting You Every Step of the Way
From compassionate guidance to tailored legal advice and skilled representation, our criminal defence solicitors go beyond providing legal services. We build trusted partnerships that put your needs first and ensure you receive the dedicated support you deserve throughout every stage of your case.
Specialist Legal Expertise
Our team has extensive experience defending a wide range of motoring offences, from speeding to dangerous driving.
Clarity on Consequences
We ensure you understand the potential penalties and consequences you face.
Strong Advocacy
We provide robust representation and advocacy to obtain the best outcome for your circumstances
Honest, Straightforward Advice
We provide clear, jargon-free legal advice you can trust.
Proven Track Record
Our solicitors have secured positive outcomes for countless motoring offence cases.
Understanding the Law: Criminal Justice Framework
The criminal justice system in England and Wales operates under a detailed framework of legislation, common law principles, and procedural rules designed to ensure fairness and justice. The primary legislation governing criminal procedure is the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), which outlines the powers of the police to investigate crimes, arrest suspects, detain individuals, and collect evidence lawfully.
PACE and its accompanying Codes of Practice set out the rules that police officers must strictly follow when:
Stopping and searching individuals
Arresting and detaining suspects
Conducting interviews under caution
Obtaining identification evidence
Searching premises and seizing property
Taking fingerprints, photographs, and DNA samples
In addition, the Criminal Procedure Rules govern how criminal cases progress through the courts, setting out important deadlines, disclosure obligations, and procedural requirements that both the prosecution and defence must follow.
Our experienced criminal defence solicitors have in-depth knowledge of PACE and the Criminal Procedure Rules. They know how to identify procedural errors, challenge unlawfully obtained evidence, and ensure that your legal rights are fully protected during investigations and court proceedings. Any breach of PACE or failure to comply with procedural rules can result in evidence being excluded or even charges being dismissed altogether.
Moreover, the prosecution must prove every element of an alleged offence beyond reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard of proof in criminal law. The burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution — you are not required to prove your innocence. Skilled criminal defence solicitors can expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence, and present strong legal arguments that create reasonable doubt in the minds of magistrates or jurors.
At Scarsdale Solicitors, our team of criminal defence solicitors is committed to protecting your rights, ensuring due process is followed, and securing the best possible outcome in your case.
How can we help?
Protect Your Future. Facing a Criminal Charge?
Don’t let a criminal allegation define you. At Scarsdale Solicitors, we are committed to building the strongest possible defence for you. Our focus is on protecting your rights, safeguarding your reputation, and securing a favourable outcome to help you move forward with your life.
The team at Scarsdale Solicitors specialises exclusively in criminal defence. We provide immediate assistance, 24/7 police station representation, and strategic advocacy in court to protect your future, challenge the evidence, and minimise the impact on your life.
Criminal Offences We Defend
Expert legal representation for all criminal charges from summary offences to serious indictable crimes
Police Station Representation
24/7 legal support at police stations, protecting your rights and ensuring proper advice before interviews.
Assault Defence Solicitors
Building strong self-defence cases and challenging weak evidence to protect your record and reputation.
Theft and Burglary Solicitors
Defending all theft cases from shoplifting to serious burglary using smart evidence analysis.
Drug Offence Solicitors
Defending possession, supply, and trafficking cases by challenging unlawful searches and unreliable evidence.
Sexual Offence Solicitors
Confidential, expert defence for rape, assault, and indecent image cases with sensitivity and skill.
Fraud and White Collar Crime
Handling complex money laundering and tax evasion cases with precision and discretion.
Public Order Offences
Challenging affray and public disorder charges by examining witness claims and CCTV evidence.
Weapons and Firearms Offences
Defending knife and gun cases by challenging searches and arguing for fair outcomes.
Domestic Violence and ABH
Defending false claims and protecting your rights while working to keep families together.
Youth Court and Juvenile Defence
Guiding young clients through youth court with care, focusing on second chances and fair treatment.
Crown Court Defence
Working with top barristers to build strong cases and deliver powerful representation in serious trials.
Criminal Appeals
Handling criminal appeals quickly, finding errors and fresh evidence to fight for justice.
The Criminal Justice Process
Expert legal representation for all criminal charges from summary offences to serious indictable crimes
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Theft & Property
Defending against all property-related offences
- Theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Handling Stolen Goods
- Criminal Damage
- Shoplifting
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Drug Offences
Expert defense for all drug-related charges
- Possession of Controlled Drugs
- Possession with Intent to Supply
- Production of Cannabis
- Importation
- Drug Trafficking
- Concerned in Supply
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Fraud & White Collar Crime
Specialized defense for financial and corporate offences
- Fraud by False Representation
- Money Laundering
- Tax Evasion
- Benefits Fraud
- Computer Misuse
- Corporate Fraud
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Sexual Offences & Public Order
Comprehensive defense for sensitive and complex cases
- Sexual Assault
- Rape
- Indecent Images
- Grooming
- Public Order Offences
- Harassment & Stalking
I Want to Plead Guilty
We can help you if you would like to plead guilty to the criminal offence. We can aim to keep your sentence to a minimum and support you throughout the process.
Benefits of Pleading Guilty Early
Sentence Reduction: Up to one-third reduction in fine if you plead guilty at first hearing
Faster Resolution: Avoid trial and conclude case sooner
Lower Costs: Reduced legal fees
Court Credit: Magistrates give credit for accepting responsibility
How We Help with Guilty Pleas
Exceptional Hardship Applications: Present compelling evidence why ban would cause hardship beyond normal inconvenience
Comprehensive Mitigation: Present favorable personal circumstances
Obtain character references and employer letters
Gather medical evidence if applicable
Evidence of remorse and rehabilitation
Minimize fine within sentencing guidelines
Apply for extended time to pay
Criminal Defence Solicitors Serving Clients Across 170+ UK Locations
Expert criminal defence solicitors providing legal services in major cities, towns, and boroughs throughout England and Wales.
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London Boroughs & Areas
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South East England
South East England
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North West England
Yorkshire & Humber
Yorkshire & Humber
North East England
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Midlands
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East of England
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South West England
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Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the criminal law and process helps you make informed decisions about your future.
If you're arrested, you have the right to free and independent legal advice. Contact us immediately on 0161 123 4567 and we can attend the police station with you 24/7 anywhere in the UK. Do not answer police questions without a solicitor present. Police interviews are recorded and anything you say can be used against you in court. We will protect your rights and advise whether it's in your interests to answer questions or provide a no comment interview.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your case and the court it's heard in. We offer:
- Free police station attendance for everyone
- Legal aid representation for those who qualify (means-tested)
- Fixed fee packages for magistrates court cases (from £1,500)
- Competitive hourly rates for crown court cases
- Payment plans available for private clients
Contact us for a free initial consultation and no-obligation quote tailored to your case.
Magistrates Court:
- Deals with less serious offences (summary and either-way offences)
- Decided by 3 magistrates or 1 district judge (no jury)
- Maximum sentence: 6-12 months imprisonment
- Maximum fine: Unlimited for some offences
- Faster trials
Crown Court:
- Handles serious crimes (indictable and either-way offences)
- Decided by jury of 12 people
- Judge directs on law and passes sentence
- Unlimited sentencing powers
- More formal procedures
- Right to legal aid more readily available
We represent clients in both magistrates courts and crown courts nationwide.
While you have the right to represent yourself (known as being a "litigant in person"), it is strongly inadvisable for criminal cases. Criminal law and court procedures are complex, and the consequences of conviction can be severe - including imprisonment, criminal records, and life-changing impacts on employment and travel.
Professional legal representation significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Our 95% success rate demonstrates the value of expert representation. Many clients who initially tried to represent themselves have come to us after realizing the complexity of the legal process.
We offer free initial consultations and can assess legal aid eligibility or provide competitive fixed-fee quotes.
Legal aid is government funding for legal representation for those who cannot afford a private solicitor. Eligibility depends on:
Means Test (Financial Eligibility):
- Income below £12,475 per year automatically qualifies
- Income £12,475 - £22,325 requires further assessment
- Income over £22,325 usually disqualifies (with exceptions)
- Disposable capital under £3,000 required
Merits Test (Case Eligibility):
- Seriousness of the offence
- Likelihood of imprisonment
- Complexity of the case
- Whether livelihood is at risk
- Damage to reputation
Automatic legal aid is available for:
- Murder charges
- Anyone under 18
- Appearing from custody
We can assess your eligibility during your initial consultation and handle the legal aid application process for you.
If you are convicted of a criminal offence, you will receive a criminal record. The length of time it stays on your record depends on:
- Type of sentence received
- Length of sentence
- Type of offence
- Whether it becomes "spent"
Rehabilitation Periods (when convictions become "spent"):
- Prison sentence over 4 years: Never spent
- Prison sentence 2.5 - 4 years: 7 years
- Prison sentence 1 - 2.5 years: 4 years
- Prison sentence 6 months - 1 year: 2 years
- Prison sentence under 6 months: 18 months
- Community order: 1 year after order ends
- Fine: 1 year
- Conditional discharge: Length of order
Important: Some professions and jobs require disclosure of all convictions regardless of whether spent (teaching, healthcare, law, finance, working with vulnerable people).
This is why fighting for a NOT GUILTY verdict is so important. If you're acquitted, you will NOT have a criminal record for this offence.
The timeline varies significantly depending on the court and complexity:
Magistrates Court Cases:
- Guilty plea: Usually sentenced same day or within weeks
- Not guilty plea: Trial typically 8-12 weeks after plea
- Total time: 2-4 months from charge to conclusion
Crown Court Cases:
- Plea hearing: 4-8 weeks after committal
- Trial: 3-6 months after plea hearing (if not guilty)
- Total time: 6-12 months from charge to trial
- Complex cases can take 18-24 months
Factors affecting timescales:
- Court backlogs
- Witness availability
- Expert evidence requirements
- Disclosure issues
- Whether you're in custody (priority listing)
This is a common situation we deal with. Evidence can be misleading, incomplete, or obtained improperly. Our approach includes:
- Challenging prosecution evidence: Testing reliability, credibility, and admissibility
- Exposing inconsistencies: Identifying contradictions in witness statements
- Alternative explanations: Presenting innocent explanations for the evidence
- Gathering defense evidence: Finding witnesses and evidence supporting your innocence
- Expert testimony: Obtaining expert evidence to challenge prosecution experts
- Technical defenses: Procedural errors and PACE breaches
Remember: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Creating reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case is sufficient for acquittal.
Our 95% success rate demonstrates that with the right legal representation, strong prosecution evidence can be successfully challenged.
Testimonials
Real stories from clients who trusted us with their most important cases. Your peace of mind is our greatest testimonial. Read what our clients share about their journey with us.
I would like to thank Shazia and the Scarsdale team. Super efficient, fast responding and knew exactly what to do in the situation I was in. Highly recommend for any immigration needs