Criminal Defence

Building a criminal defence case to prove your innocence can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you’re feeling anxious and worried about the outcome. The expert team of criminal defence solicitors at DPP Law will help you collect evidence to prove your innocence.

Detail-Oriented and Passionate About You

The team at DPP Law have over thirty years of experience and are one of the UK’s top criminal law firms. We’re passionate about supporting you through this process, so we’ll leave no stone unturned.

We’ll do everything it takes, from speaking to witnesses to re-examining material used by the prosecution. We can represent you in court too, in order to ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.

Our caring and understanding team is there for you too. Whatever the circumstances, being arrested or accused of a crime is a disturbing and upsetting experience. DPP Law’s criminal law solicitors offer a variety of criminal litigation defence services that will vastly increase your chances of being acquitted and having your name cleared, or reducing a potential sentence.

Fields of Criminal Litigation

Our crime solicitors can defend you if you have been accused of any of the below criminal offences:

• Burglary, Robbery, Theft and Handling
• Criminal Damage
• Assault, ABH and GBH
• Drug Offences
• Benefit Fraud
• Financial Crime and Fraud
• Bribery and Corruption
• Serious Fraud
• Murder and Manslaughter
• Gun Law, Knife and Firearm Offences
• Public Order Offences
• Death by Dangerous Driving
• Blackmail and Extortion
• Perverting The Course Of Justice
• Regulatory Defence
  
• Trading Standards Prosecutions
  
• Health & Safety Prosecutions
  
• Piracy & Copyright
  
• Hacking
  
• Counterfeiting
  
• Organised Crime
  
• Terrorism
  
• Extradition
  
• Corporate Manslaughter
• Animal Cruelty/RSPCA Prosecutions

Contact our criminal defence solicitors immediately if you are accused of any of these actions.

DPP’s criminal defence solicitors can also assist you if you’re planning an appeal or facing an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my case be heard at the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court?

The majority of cases involving criminal offences are tried at the Magistrates Court. If you are tried for a summary offence – often considered to be the “less serious” type of transgression where there is either no chance of imprisonment or the possibility of only a short sentence – it is highly unlikely that your case will be heard at the Crown Court.

Your alleged crime may be an “either-way” offence, meaning that it could be argued to be too severe for the Magistrate’s Court. These type of offences often involve activities such as theft, burglary, financial fraud, serious driving offences, acts of violence, stalking or harassment, Class A to C drug offences, serious sexual offences or trading standards violations.

Many of these cases will remain with the Magistrate’s Court, but others may be required to be tried at the Crown Court. The defendant can also decide that they would rather have their case heard at the Crown Court before a jury.

If you are accused of indictable criminal offences, it is most likely that you will be tried at the Crown Court.

Wherever you find your case being tried, DPP Law’s experienced criminal law solicitors can help you to build a successful defence.

How long can I be detained in custody?

If you have not been charged with an offence, law enforcers can only hold you for 24 hours. After this, if permission is granted by an officer in the position of superintendent or higher, your custody period can be extended by up to 12 hours, and after this, a magistrate can permit an additional increase of up to 96 hours.

Those arrested under the Terrorism Act can be held for a maximum of 14 days without charge.

As soon as you are arrested, you should make contact with trusted criminal defence solicitors to attend any police interviews by your side. They’ll also ensure that all regulations are adhered to while you are there.

Do you represent under 16s?

Yes – our criminal law solicitors will represent people of all ages, but if you’re under 16, you need to delegate an appropriate adult to assist you.

What are the general defences in criminal law?

When an individual is accused of committing a crime, it is the prosecution’s onus (responsibility) to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the alleged crime with intent.

However, the defence team has a duty to ensure any general defences are voiced to the prosecution if they are specific to the crime and relevant to the circumstances. For example, a person charged with assault can defend themselves but their action needs to be proportionate to the threat they believe they were under at the time of the incident. Although, if their actions were disproportionate, their defence will fail.

Some general defences include:

• Intoxication
• Insanity
• Duress and necessity
• Mistaken identity
• Self-defence

Can I get legal aid for criminal defence in the UK?

Yes, however, legal aid is means tested and therefore, if an individual’s income is more than the threshold, it will be refused in the magistrates’ court. However, if the case is to be dealt with by the crown court, an individual could be granted legal aid with a contribution, again, dependent upon the defendant’s income.

Can I be prosecuted for a crime committed decades ago?

Yes, the only exceptions are ‘summary only offences’, which are criminal offences that can be dealt with in a magistrates court. For example, shoplifting, common assault, and driving without insurance. The most common historic criminal offence are sexual assaults and rape which quite often remain unreported for many years.

What is a defence statement?

A defence statement is a document submitted by a defendant or their legal representative in response to a claim or accusation made against them. In legal proceedings, it is important for the defence to present their version of events and any evidence or arguments in support of their case.

The defence statement is a formal document that outlines the defence’s position, including any relevant facts, legal arguments, and evidence that support their case.

Is age a defence in english criminal law?

Age can be a relevant factor in English criminal law, but it is not generally considered a defence in and of itself. In other words, simply being of a certain age does not excuse criminal behavior. However, the law does recognise that children and young people may not have the same level of understanding or responsibility as adults, and this can be taken into account in certain circumstances.

When must a criminal defence be given?

A criminal defence must be given once a person has been charged with a criminal offense and the legal proceedings have begun. At this point, the accused has the right to mount a defence and challenge the prosecution’s case against them. The defence can take many forms, including asserting that they did not commit the crime, presenting evidence in support of their case, or arguing that their actions were legally justified. It is important to consult with a solicitor as soon as possible after being charged to begin building a strong defence and protecting your legal rights.

Do I need a solicitor even if I am innocent?

Yes, if you are facing a criminal charge, it is generally advisable to seek the advice and representation of a solicitor, regardless of whether you believe you are innocent or not. This is because the criminal justice system can be complex and confusing, and a solicitor can provide valuable assistance in navigating the process and ensuring that your rights are protected. Even if you believe that you are innocent, you may still be at risk of being found guilty if the prosecution is able to present a compelling case against you.

Whatever the alleged offence for which you’re facing prosecution, making contact with one of the UK’s most trusted criminal law firms will ensure that you have the best possible chances.

Our crime solicitors will be by your side from beginning to end, offering legal advice, talking you through the process and providing the highest quality legal representation.

Get in touch with DPP Law’s criminal defence solicitors today by calling 0333 200 5859 to arrange a free consultation.