Reeds Solicitors are specialist criminal defence solicitors advising clients across Cheshire, from the earliest stages of a police investigation through to trial in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court. Our nationally recognised team represents clients accused of the full range of criminal offences, including fraud, sexual offences, domestic abuse allegations, violent crime and motoring offences. We are particularly known for our proactive pre-charge defence work, seeking to influence the course of an investigation before charging decisions are made.
We understand that for many of our clients, the consequences of a criminal allegation extend far beyond the criminal courts. Careers, professional reputations, businesses and family life may all be affected. From the moment you contact us, we provide clear, strategic advice tailored to your circumstances, identifying every opportunity to protect your position and achieve the best possible outcome.
Our Cheshire clients are supported by our experienced criminal defence team based at Piccadilly House in central Manchester, just a short journey from many parts of the county. We regularly advise clients from across Cheshire, including Hale, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Prestbury, Bowdon and the wider Cheshire Golden Triangle, offering appointments in person or remotely to suit your needs.
Our Cheshire team covers the full range of criminal offences, including:
- Fraud (including business crime and financial investigations)
- Sexual offences (including rape, sexual assault, possession of indecent images)
- Violent offences (including assault, ABH, GBH, strangulation, and domestic offences)
- Driving offences (including drink driving, dangerous driving, careless driving and Exceptional Hardship)
- Harassment, stalking and malicious communications
- Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
- Fare evasion
- Drug offences (including possession with intent to supply)
- Breach of Restraining Orders and Non-Molestation Orders
- Firearms and weapon offences
Supporting clients across Cheshire
Our Cheshire criminal defence team is led by Damian Wall, who is personally ranked Band 1 for Criminal Defence by Chambers UK and recognised as a Recommended Lawyer by the Legal 500. With more than 35 years’ experience, Damian regularly advises professionals, company directors, business owners and private individuals facing serious criminal investigations. He has particular expertise in fraud, serious sexual offences, complex financial crime and proactive pre-charge representation, where early strategic advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of a case.
Our Office Address
Our criminal defence team is based at Piccadilly House, 49 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AP, making us easily accessible for clients throughout Cheshire.
We regularly advise clients from Hale, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Prestbury, Chester, Macclesfield and the surrounding areas. Appointments are available at our Manchester office, remotely by video or telephone, or at the police station or court where required.
Why Choose Reeds for Criminal Defence in Cheshire
We specialise in pre-charge representation, getting on the front foot in defending cases at the earliest possible stage. By identifying defence evidence, challenging weaknesses in the prosecution case and engaging directly with Cheshire Police, we prepare detailed representations arguing that criminal charges should not be brought. In many cases, early strategic intervention can significantly influence the direction and outcome of an investigation.
Our fixed fee pre-charge representation packages can include:
- Representation at any voluntary interview or re-interview with Cheshire Police.
- Review of any initial police interview advice provided by the duty solicitor and consideration of whether a different strategic approach is required.
- Assessment of potential defence evidence and lines of enquiry.
- Preparation of detailed written representations to the police, challenging evidential weaknesses or seeking an out-of-court disposal, supported where appropriate by mitigating factors such as mental health conditions, OCD, autism or other forms of neurodiversity.
- Direct communication with the investigating officer, including updates on the progress of the investigation and any bail extensions.
- Applications to vary or remove police bail conditions where necessary.
Our criminal defence solicitors regularly represent company directors, business owners, professionals and private individuals facing allegations of fraud and financial crime. These investigations are often lengthy, document-heavy and can have serious consequences for your business, career and reputation, making early specialist legal advice essential.
We advise clients throughout Cheshire in relation to allegations including fraud by false representation, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, employee fraud, abuse of position, mortgage fraud and tax-related offences. We also represent clients being investigated by specialist agencies such as HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Where possible, we seek to engage with investigators at an early stage through proactive pre-charge representation, identifying evidential weaknesses and making detailed legal representations designed to prevent charges from being brought. If proceedings cannot be avoided, we provide strategic representation throughout the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court process.
Our criminal defence team is renowned for its expertise in defending sensitive sexual offence allegations, from the earliest stages of a police investigation through to trial. We understand the profound impact these allegations can have on every aspect of your life, including your family, career, professional registration and reputation. From the outset, we provide discreet, strategic advice designed to protect your position and secure the strongest possible outcome.
We often see that domestic abuse allegations frequently arise following relationship breakdown or during contested Family Court proceedings.
We regularly represent clients accused of domestic abuse offences, ranging from allegations of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour to harassment and stalking. We understand the importance of considering not only the allegation itself, but also its timing and the wider context in which it has been made. These are often cases where there is real scope to engage with investigating officers at an early stage, submitting defence evidence to rebalance the picture and seeking to persuade the police that charges should not be brought.
Where cases do proceed to court, we provide meticulous preparation, ensuring the prosecution has complied with its disclosure obligations and giving careful consideration to the full range of defence evidence that may be available. Character evidence can also play an important role for defendants of previous good character, particularly where credibility is a key issue in the case.
Meet Our Criminal Defence Team
Damian Wall
Senior Associate Solicitor
Beth Mantel
Partner, Team Leader (North-West) Complex Crime & Solicitor
Get in touch
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