Criminal Defence Solicitors

Top Tier and Nationally Recognised Legal Defence

Speak to our team: 0333 240 7373 | [email protected]

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Reeds has a long-established specialist criminal defence team with a nationwide reach, representing clients across England and Wales.

Chambers & Partners rank Reeds Band 1 for Crime, and the Legal 500 ranks the firm as Top Tier for criminal defence work. Our criminal defence solicitors are recognised for their work on complex and strategically demanding cases, providing focused, client-centred representation tailored to your circumstances.

Allegations of wrongdoing can have serious consequences for your reputation, livelihood and, in the most serious cases, your liberty. When the stakes are this high, you need clear, experienced advice from the outset.

Some cases require a particularly careful and discreet approach because of the reputational and personal consequences involved, including those concerning professionals, high net worth individuals and public figures.

We advise and represent clients at every stage of the criminal justice process, from police station interviews and pre-charge investigations through to Crown Court trials and appeals.

Send a confidential enquiry → Read our FAQs

Police interviews and investigations

Types of offences we cover

Court representation at all levels

Post charge work

Speak to our team: 0333 240 7373 | [email protected]

Send a confidential enquiry → Read our FAQs
Stuart Matthews - Reeds Solicitors
Stuart Matthews

Founding Partner, Solicitor-Advocate & Head of Private Crime

Meet the team

How We Can Help

Reeds has some of the most experienced, talented and respected criminal defence solicitors, solicitor-advocates and barristers in England and Wales and are able to offer expertise in all areas of criminal law. Our Criminal Solicitors are led by Stuart Matthews, Julian Richards, Nicola Hutchinson and Jon Wilkins in the Magistrates Court and Crown Court.

Our solicitors have a proven track record in handling a wide range of criminal cases, from minor offences to complex and high-profile trials. With extensive knowledge of criminal law, we provide the expertise needed to navigate the legal system effectively.

We believe in fighting relentlessly to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome. Our team is known for its tenacity, strategic thinking, and persuasive advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom.

Your needs and concerns are our top priority. We take the time to listen and understand your situation. We will develop a customised defence strategy that aligns with your goals. Our solicitors provide regular updates and clear communication throughout the legal process.

Our criminal defence solicitors handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to assault, sexual offences, drug offences, theft, fraud, white-collar crimes, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise to provide robust representation.

We understand the sensitive nature of criminal cases. Rest assured, all discussions and information shared with our team are strictly confidential. Your privacy and reputation are paramount to us.

With over 20 offices nationwide, we assist clients wherever they are in the country.

Our regional criminal defence teams include:

London

Oxford

Reading

Luton

Birmingham

Bristol

Manchester

Milton Keynes

High Wycombe

Swindon

Gloucester

 

Meet Our Criminal Defence Team

Frequently Asked Questions

With offices nationwide (including London, Oxford, Reading, Bristol and Manchester), we can assist you wherever you are in the country.

You can find your closest office on our offices page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at [email protected], and provide us your location and we will put you in touch with the closest criminal defence solicitor.

Yes. In some cases, early legal intervention can prevent criminal proceedings from progressing to court. This may involve identifying defence evidence, challenging weaknesses in the allegation, preparing written representations to the police or CPS, or addressing evidential issues at the pre-charge stage.

While no solicitor can guarantee that a case will be discontinued, proactive pre-charge representation can sometimes significantly affect the direction of an investigation.

Magistrates’ Courts often run busy court lists, meaning many people may be listed in the same court at the same time. Your case will usually get called into court on a first come, first served basis. If you have reviewed the court papers beforehand and know what you are doing regarding plea, it is likely that your case will be dealt with more quickly. However, custody cases are given priority, so it is not uncommon to get delayed behind other hearings.

Once the case is called into court, a not guilty plea may be processed within around 10-15 minutes. If you are pleading guilty, the hearing may take longer while the court hears mitigation. If the court orders a Pre-Sentence Report, this may result in the case either being put back to be called on again later in the day or adjourned to another date.

If the Magistrates think that your offence was serious enough to merit either a Community Order or a prison sentence, then a Pre-Sentence Report is likely to be ordered and you may have to meet with the Probation Service.

The Probation Officer will usually ask questions about your personal circumstances, employment, finances, health, background and attitude towards the offence. It is important to be fully prepared before speaking to probation, as their report can play a key role in sentencing.

No. A case being sent to the Crown Court does not automatically mean that a prison sentence will follow.

If you plead guilty or are found guilty of an offence, the Crown Court Judge will review the sentencing guidelines for the offence and the court will hear personal mitigation from your defence barrister.

It is also important to know that just because a Crown Court Judge has a prison sentence at their disposal, it does not mean that they have to use it. Prison sentences of up to three years can now be suspended in appropriate cases. Ultimately, the sentence will depend on the specific details of the allegation and the seriousness of the offence.

If you plead not guilty in the Magistrates’ Court to a summary only offence, such as common assault or harassment, your case will usually be heard before either magistrates or a District Judge.

If your case is sent to the Crown Court, the trial will usually take place before a jury of 12 members of the public.

The answer to this question may change in future if proposed government legislation relating to jury trials and court reform becomes law.

Fees will depend on the scope and complexity of the work required.

We can offer clear fixed fees, so you know where you stand from the outset.

Alternatively, we can act on an hourly rate. Hourly rates depend on the seniority of the solicitor involved and typically range from £300 to £400 plus VAT per hour.

 

We hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency which enables eligible clients to obtain public funding for their case should they meet the criteria, and in all other cases we offer competitive private rates which can be tailored to meet your individual circumstances and requirements.

In some cases we can offer fixed fees to advise or represent you so you that know exactly where you stand with costs.

Given the high stakes involved in facing a criminal investigation or prosecution, having an effective and proactive defence solicitor is fundamentally important.

A criminal defence solicitor can help gather defence evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case, advise you during police interviews, and guide you through the court process. In some instances, early legal intervention can even help prevent a case from reaching court.

If your case proceeds to court, a defence solicitor will cross-examine the prosecution witnesses, testing their account and reliability. A closing speech is also a crucial part of a criminal trial, bringing together the weaknesses in the prosecution case and advancing the defence position before the court reaches its verdict.

At Reeds, we handle a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to assault, sexual offences, drug offences, theft, fraud, white-collar crimes, domestic violence, and more.

Our experienced team is equipped to handle both minor and complex criminal matters, no matter at what stage of proceedings you are. We recommend anyone to contact us as soon as they are aware that they are involved in a criminal investigation. Early legal representation can be crucial to ensure the best possible outcome.

The consequences of a criminal conviction vary depending on the nature of the offence and the person’s specific circumstances. They can include fines, probation, community service, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. A criminal record can impact employment prospects, travel opportunities, and personal reputation.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, it’s important to consult with a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible.

Whilst it is easy to want to appear cooperative during interviews, refrain from making statements to the police without legal representation. Some individuals feel that asking for a solicitor to be present is a sign of guilt or wrongdoing, this could put you in a weaker and more vulnerable position. Having a solicitor there provides support and legal advice to what your rights are at any given moment during interviews and investigations. They can ensure that what you say is unlikely to be misconstrued, as well as many other benefits.

For more information on interviews, please see our article here.

Yes, you have the right to change your criminal defence solicitor if you are not satisfied with their services. However, it’s advisable to carefully consider the decision and seek legal advice before making any changes.

Reeds are regularly approached by clients to take over the conduct of cases from previously instructed solicitors. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss changing your legal representation to Reeds Solicitors and we will endeavour to assist whenever possible.

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