Reeds Solicitors are specialist criminal defence lawyers with a long-established presence in Oxford. We’re ranked as a leading firm by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, with members of the Oxford Team recognised as ‘Leading Individuals’ – an independent ranking reserved for practitioners at the top of their field.
We act in all types of criminal cases, from harassment allegations and motoring matters to the most serious sexual and violent offences. We advise clients from the earliest stage of an investigation, including voluntary interviews and re-interviews, and provide clear guidance throughout the pre-charge process. Where proceedings are issued, we defend clients with care and precision in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court.
For immediate assistance, contact our Oxford criminal defence solicitors on 01865 260230, email [email protected], or use our online contact form.
Our Oxford team covers the full range of criminal offences, including:
- Driving offences (including drink driving, dangerous driving, careless driving and Exceptional Hardship Applications)
- Violent offences (including the assault, ABH, GBH, strangulation, and domestic offences
- Harassment, stalking and malicious communication
- Sexual offences (including rape, sexual assault, possession of indecent images)
- Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
- Fare evasion and SJP court summons
- Drugs offences (including PWITS Class A and B, conspiracy to supply, production and cultivation of cannabis, and possession offences)
- Breach of Restraining Orders and Non-Molestation Orders
- Firearms and weapon offences (bladed article, offensive weapon)
- Fraud and dishonesty offences (including theft, handling stolen goods and identity fraud)
- Public order offences (s.4, s.4A, s.5 Public Order Act)
- Burglary and property offences (including, criminal damage, arson)
Our Oxford criminal defence solicitors are regularly instructed in serious and complex investigations, including high-risk sexual offence cases such as indecent images allegations. These matters often involve extensive digital evidence, early police engagement and careful strategic decision-making at the pre-charge stage, where early intervention can be critical to the outcome.
Oxford Magistrates’ Court
Oxford Magistrates’ Court
Speedwell Street
Oxford
OX1 1RZ
Our criminal defence team attends Oxford Magistrates’ Court on a daily basis and has well-established professional relationships with the staff there. Criminal cases arising within Oxfordshire are listed at Oxford Magistrates’ Court, and we act for clients from across the county, including Oxford, Abingdon, Banbury, Witney, Kidlington, Bicester and the surrounding towns throughout the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire.
Our Oxford Office
Our head office is based at 18 Kings Meadow, Ferry Hinksey Road, Oxford OX2 0DP. We can offer appointments either in person or virtually, depending on your preference.
Criminal Defence in Oxfordshire - From Police Investigation to Court
We specialise in proactively defending people under investigation and have an excellent track record of cases being dropped before charge. At an early stage, we rapidly gather defence evidence, analyse the prosecution case, and identify evidential weaknesses. This allows us to submit detailed, focused representations to the investigating officers.
Our fixed fee packages include:
- Representation in any re-interview at the police station in Oxfordshire
- Review of your initial police interview and advice on any further action needed
- Assessment of potential defence evidence
- Preparation of written representations to the police – for example, to challenge weak evidence or to seek an out-of-court outcome such as a caution, supported by mitigating factors such as mental health difficulties, OCD, or neurodiversity
- Direct communication with the investigating officer, including updates on bail extensions
- Applications to vary or remove bail conditions where necessary
If Thames Valley Police have contacted you to request a voluntary interview, we can provide representation at any police station in Oxfordshire. We regularly attend interviews at:
- St Aldates Police Station
- Abingdon Police Station
- Banbury Police Station
- Bicester Police Station
- Witney Police Station
- Didcot Police Station
For more information – see our service page for Voluntary Police Interviews in Oxfordshire
Our lawyers represent clients on a daily basis at Oxford Magistrates’ Court, and we have specialists experienced in the full range of criminal offences. Early instruction allows us to obtain the court papers well in advance of the hearing and to review the evidence properly, ensuring thorough preparation for what lies ahead. This approach can significantly reduce the understandable anxiety of attending court and assists in achieving the best possible outcome.
Whether your case is sent to the Crown Court for sentence or trial, we can provide specialist representation throughout the proceedings. We have excellent working relationships with some of the leading barristers’ chambers in the country and regularly instruct advocates who achieve outstanding results.
We offer a range of options – from in-house advocates and junior counsel to the most respected King’s Counsel – allowing us to select the barrister whose experience and approach best fits your case and budget.
Banbury Police Station – No Further Action – Rape and Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
We represented a medical professional investigated at Banbury Police Station following allegations of rape and controlling or coercive behaviour, which arose during family court proceedings. After initially being advised by the duty solicitor, he instructed us to provide pre-charge representation.
We represented the client at a re-interview, reviewed and analysed extensive digital material including WhatsApp communications, and submitted detailed written representations addressing each element of the allegations. The digital evidence undermined the credibility of the complainant’s account and no charges were brought.
Abingdon Police Station – No Further Action – Serious Sexual Offence
Partner Scott Primmer represented a man of good character accused of raping his wife on three occasions. The allegation was made during a highly contested separation and dispute concerning arrangements for the children.
We represented the client in interview and through the pre-charge engagement process. Analysis of the client’s mobile phone evidence demonstrated that the allegations were unfounded and that the sexual activity was consensual. No further action was taken.
Oxford Magistrates’ Court – Not Guilty after trial – Harassment
We represented a transgender man of good character charged with harassment of his neighbours, who were police officers. After review, we identified that the investigation had been conducted in an unfair and one-sided manner.
The matter proceeded to trial. We submitted that the conduct alleged did not cause fear, alarm, or distress amounting to harassment. The Magistrates agreed and returned verdicts of not guilty.
Oxford Magistrates’ Court – Not guilty after trial – Domestic assault
Our client was accused of assaulting his ex-partner and faced trial at Oxford Magistrates’ Court. During cross-examination, we exposed inconsistencies in her account and a credible motive for making a false allegation. The Magistrates returned a not guilty verdict.
Oxford Magistrates’ Court – Special Reasons – Drink Driving
Our client was charged with drink driving but asserted that a friend had spiked his drink with additional vodka. We successfully challenged the prosecution witness on their account of the alleged erratic driving, and the Magistrates exercised their discretion not to impose a driving disqualification.
Oxford Crown Court – Not Guilty after trial – Sexual Assault
We represented a young man of good character accused of sexually assaulting a friend while he slept. The client accepted that sexual contact occurred but maintained that the complainant was awake and consenting, and that the allegation was made later.
The case proceeded to a four-day trial in the Crown Court. The jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.
Oxford Crown Court – Not Guilty after trial – Murder
We represented a 16-year-old defendant charged with murder alongside three co-defendants. It was alleged that, during a gang-related incident in Oxford, the defendants had participated in the fatal stabbing of the victim.
At trial, our client was the only defendant acquitted. The jury accepted the defence case that he had not participated in the killing and returned a verdict of not guilty. The remaining defendants were convicted of murder or manslaughter, with two receiving life sentences.
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