Criminal Defence Solicitors

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 the courts, our solicitors are adept in preparing for and representing at trial. 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 their field will ensure you are 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 early acquittals and achieve not-guilty verdicts in court. 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 promise to do all we can to achieve the desired outcome for our clients and endeavour to reduce any stress or anxiety they experience during very challenging times.

For information on how to fund your criminal defence case, take a look at our dedicated page.

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 mounting 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, although this will not always be possible right away.

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.

During 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. 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 the authorities 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 in 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.

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.