Ruth Williams is a Senior Associate Solicitor specialising in criminal law and is the Team Leader at Reeds Solicitors’ Princes Risborough office. With years of practical experience in criminal defence, Ruth has built a reputation for providing expert legal representation to clients at the Magistrates Court and Police Stations, and litigating Complex Crime cases at the Crown Court. Ruth’s approach blends a deep understanding of criminal law with a compassionate, client-focused mindset.
Ruth is a passionate advocate known for her extensive experience in criminal cases, especially cases involving vulnerable individuals and those with mental health challenges. Ruth is especially skilled in advising and defending clients detained at the police station, and she has a proven track record of successfully defending clients in complex criminal matters.
She has built a reputation for her thorough preparation and ability to handle high-pressure situations in the courtroom. Ruth is dedicated to ensuring that every client receives the highest level of care, with personalised strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.
Ruth is committed to providing quality client care with an empathetic and approachable demeanour. She has substantial experience working with vulnerable clients, including those with mental health issues, ensuring that their legal needs are met with sensitivity and professionalism. Ruth’s ability to navigate challenging cases makes her a valuable ally for clients facing criminal charges.
In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules for motoring offences we confirm that Ruth Williams charges Level B hourly rates.
Ruth Williams’ Awards and Accreditations
- 2025 – Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board – Reward and Recognition
Ruth Williams received commendation for her extensive involvement in the work of the Thames Valley local Criminal Justice Board. The reward was made to recognise her tireless commitment to her legal work resulting in a strong, positive outcome for the Criminal Justice System and its partners.
Recent and notable cases
The client faced charges of failure to provide a sample after refusing to allow police to take a sample of her blood at the police station due to a phobia around needles which allowed her only to provide a blood sample in familiar surroundings. At Trial it was argued that the client had a reasonable excuse for her actions and a psychiatrist was engaged to give evidence about the nature of the client’s anxiety about needles. On considering the arguments made the Court found the client not guilty, agreeing that her phobia amounted to a reasonable excuse.
The client had been charged with an offence of drug driving, however he was a vulnerable adult who at the time of the incident was being “cuckooed” and forced to drive a number of males around in his vehicle. A defence of duress was therefore raised and after extensive disclosure requests it became apparent that police were aware of the “cuckooing” and were actively involved in trying to safeguard the client at the time of the alleged offence. Repeated and detailed representations were made to the prosecution, that the police information clearly outlined and evidenced the client’s account, and that given the circumstances and the particular vulnerabilities of the client, it was not in the public interest to continue with a prosecution in this case. The prosecution confirmed the day before the Trial that they would be offering no evidence in relation to the charge of drug driving.
On representing a youth for offences relating to the supply of drugs, submissions were made to the National Crime Team that they consider the client’s case on the basis that he had been a victim of child exploitation and/or child trafficking by County Lines Drug Dealers. This referral was successful and resulted in the CPS discontinuing the drugs charges against the client.
Successfully argued that the client’s behaviour in messaging his ex-partner did not amount to harassment. Following extensive legal research and the provision of a number of stated cases at Trial, it was argued that that although the client had made the contact alleged, that this conduct did not amount to harassment in the circumstances. The Court found that the client’s actions had been reasonable and that they found the victim’s complaint had been unreasonable. This allowed the client to make a successful case in the Family Court, and secure regular contact with his child.
Secured client’s acquittal and his subsequent release from prison, where the client was accused of a violent assault against his ex-partner. An application to adduce the client’s previous convictions at trial was successfully argued against, and as a result the client’s bad character was not referred to as part of his Trial. On cross examining the victim at Trial she conceded that she had lied in her statement and that the client had not assaulted her in the manner alleged. The Court therefore acquitted the client at Trial.
Represented defendant charged with two burglaries and persuaded the Court in respect of both charges that the evidence of the Crown was not sufficient to convict. Following a half time submission of no case to answer the Court were persuaded that in respect of one of the charges they should stop the case. In respect of the second charge the Court found after considering closing arguments, that the evidence given by the Defendant was credible and that the prosecution case was not sufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The Defendant was therefore acquitted.
Secured the acquittal of a defendant charged with having failed to comply with a dispersal order served upon them by police, by arguing that the basis on which the order was served upon the defendant was erroneous and that the order was therefore unenforceable in law. The Court found that police had acted wrongly in serving the order on the defendant and therefore found them not guilty of having breached the order.
Represented the defendant accused of assault at a Newton hearing. After robust cross examination of the victim and a witness who was the friend of the victim, the Court were persuaded that their evidence was unreliable and found in favour of the defendant.
Testimonials
Ruth supported me very well throughout and really understood my points. She was very clear with explaining everything and represented me well in court, resulting in a positive outcome. Thank you, Ruth.
Client
You were diligent in the way you operated my case and I am very impressed in how professional you were, but whilst making me feel at ease at the same time.
Client
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be free of those wild allegations, I wouldn’t wish them on anyone. I was lucky to have you as a professional at my side, when I was so out of by depth. The few steadying chats on the phone over the last year made a world of difference to me and us as a couple. We went through some tough days and it would have been easy to let it all get out of control. You helped keep us focused and helped me hold it together and continue with my job. Pleased we are out into green pastures once again; the greens are greener after such a journey.
Client
If you are lost in a storm, Ruth is your lighthouse. Her interpersonal skills are second to none. Highly recommended.
Client
Ruth was very competent, friendly, informative and made every step of the process very clear. I can't speak highly enough of her or thank her enough for what she has done for me.
Client
Ruth supported me very well throughout and really understood my points. She was very clear with explaining everything and represented me well in court, resulting in a positive outcome. Thank you, Ruth.
Client
You were diligent in the way you operated my case and I am very impressed in how professional you were, but whilst making me feel at ease at the same time.
Client
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be free of those wild allegations, I wouldn’t wish them on anyone. I was lucky to have you as a professional at my side, when I was so out of by depth. The few steadying chats on the phone over the last year made a world of difference to me and us as a couple. We went through some tough days and it would have been easy to let it all get out of control. You helped keep us focused and helped me hold it together and continue with my job. Pleased we are out into green pastures once again; the greens are greener after such a journey.
Client
If you are lost in a storm, Ruth is your lighthouse. Her interpersonal skills are second to none. Highly recommended.
Client
Ruth was very competent, friendly, informative and made every step of the process very clear. I can't speak highly enough of her or thank her enough for what she has done for me.
Client
Ruth supported me very well throughout and really understood my points. She was very clear with explaining everything and represented me well in court, resulting in a positive outcome. Thank you, Ruth.
Client