It is a stressful experience to attend court and face criminal charges, especially if you do not know what to expect and the likely outcome. Reeds Solicitors are experts in criminal defence and are ranked in chambers as a top tier law firm. We have vast experience in representing people for a range of offences in Magistrates courts across London.
In order to be in the best position to defend your case and to achieve the best outcome, we recommend being fully prepared prior to any court hearing. This means obtaining the prosecution papers at an early stage and having a meeting to decide on plea, before attending court. It is also an opportunity to receive advice about the court process and what to expect, which can help alleviate understandable anxiety.
In cases where a guilty plea in your best interests, the sentence can often be significantly reduced by preparing detailed mitigation and obtaining supporting documents, such as character references or medical evidence.
If the allegation is denied, it is advisable to consider possible defence witnesses and the admissibility of evidence before coming to court, so that case management can be completed effectively.
If you have an upcoming Magistrates court hearing in London, please email us at [email protected] or contact us here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373.
Covering all criminal offences, including:
Grievous bodily harm – GBH (s.18 with intent and s.20), assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), assault by beating and common assault
Harassment, stalking, malicious communication and ‘cyber-flashing’
Rape, sexual assault (including historic allegations), possession of indecent images, grooming / sexual communication with a child, sexual activity with a child
Fraud, theft, false accounting, handling stolen goods, burglary, robbery, benefit fraud, conspiracy to defraud
Possession of class A, B and C drugs, possession with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply
Drink / drug driving, dangerous driving, careless driving, failure to provide a specimen, speeding, no insurance, failing to provide driver details, exceptional hardship applications
Get in touch
Information is processed inline with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy
FAQ
This is the most important question to consider and ultimately it is something that a Defendant must decide for themselves, with the help and support of their solicitor. A careful assessment is needed in terms of the circumstances of what happened, the possible defences in law and the strength of the evidence. It is crucial to have a clear idea of the likely sentence and the implications of taking a matter to trial, both in terms of the cost and impact on sentencing.
Criminal offences fall into one of three categories: summary only, either way or indictable only. If you have been prosecuted for a ‘summary only’ offence (eg drink driving, assault or harassment without violence), the proceedings must be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
If you face an ‘either way’ offence, such as sexual assault, fraud, or assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), the court must decide whether their sentencing powers are sufficient to hear the case. If the sentence could be in excess of one year in custody, the case is sent to the Crown Court. It is also important to know that a Defendant has the right to elect a Crown Court trial, after a not guilty plea, even if the Magistrates accept the case. We can offer advice about whether this is in your best interests. There are a number of factors to consider, such as cost, time frames and the difference in having a jury rather than three Magistrates to decide the verdict.
If you have been charged with an ‘indictable only’ offence (e.g. rape, s.18 grievous bodily harm with intent, or conspiracy to defraud), the matter can only be tried in the Crown Court.
If you have been charged with one or more offences at the police station, the police may have added bail conditions, such as residence at a particular address, a curfew or a restriction from contacting a particular person, directly or indirectly. The Magistrates are duty bound to reconsider the need for these conditions at every court appearance. We can apply on your behalf to amend or remove a bail condition if it is causing you difficulty or if it is not legally justified.
We understand that facing criminal allegations is immensely stressful and we always seek to offer honest advice, without judgment. We aim to achieve the very highest standards of client care, always keeping you updated and offering direct and responsive contact with your solicitor.
We can offer meetings, in advance of your court appearance in London, either virtually (via Microsoft Teams) or in person.
Please email us at [email protected] or contact us here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373
We cover every Magistrates Court and Crown Court in London, including:
- Barkingside Magistrates Court: 850 Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG6 1HW
- Bromley Magistrates Court: London Road, Bromley BR1 1RA
- City of London Magistrates Court: 1 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4XY
- Croydon Magistrates Court: Barclay Road, Croydon CR9 3NG
- Ealing Magistrates Court: The Court House, Green Man Lane, Ealing W13 0SD
- Hendon Magistrates Court: The Court House, London NW9 7BY
- Highbury Corner Magistrates Court: 51 Holloway Road, London, N7 8JA
- Lavendar Hill Magistrates Court: 176a Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 1JU
- Stratford Magistrates Court: The Court House 389-397 High Street, E15 4SB
- Thames Magistrates Court: 58 Bow Road, London, E3 4DJ
- Uxbridge Magistrates Court: Harefield Road, Uxbridge UB8 1PQ
- Westminster Magistrates Court: 181 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5BR
- Willesden Magistrates Court: 448 High Road, London, NW10 2DZ
- Wimbledon Magistrates Court: The Court House, Alexandra Rd, London SW19 7JP
