Criminal Lawyers in London

We provide both legal aid and enhanced private services, aiming wherever possible to prevent cases from reaching court or to persuade the prosecution to deal with the matter out of court. When a case does proceed, our solicitors are upfront about its strengths and weaknesses. Our specialist lawyers have handled many high-profile cases across the UK, with an excellent reputation for successfully defending clients in the Magistrates’ Court, Youth Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal and even the Supreme Court when required.

With extensive knowledge of criminal law and deep experience within the criminal justice system, we have a strong track record of helping clients avoid charges, secure early acquittals, achieve not-guilty verdicts and, where unavoidable, obtain reduced penalties. Our team offers representation anywhere in England or Wales, accredited Police Station Representatives for police interviews, and clear legal advice delivered in plain English and in multiple languages. Whether you have been accused, arrested, charged, released on bail or under investigation – or are simply concerned about your legal position – our specialist criminal defence solicitors are ready to support you.

Speak to our solicitors by calling 0207 624 7771 for a free initial consultation, 07836 577 556 for urgent advice at any time of day or night, alternatively you can email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk or fill out our quick online enquiry form and we will get back to you.

What type of cases do JD Spicer Zeb’s criminal law solicitors take on?

Our dedicated team of criminal solicitors in London can advise and represent you for all stages of criminal proceedings related to offences including but not limited to:

• Drug Offences (from simple possession to possession with intent to supply, drug conspiracies, cultivation and production)
• Sexual Offences and images
• Serious and Violent Crime (including Common Assault, ABH, and GBH)
• Murder & Manslaughter
• Firearms & Knife Offences
• Terrorism
• Serious Fraud
• Driving Offences
• Theft, Burglary and Robbery

We will be able to assess whether you are eligible for legal aid. If you are not and wish to have private self-funded representation, we can offer you fixed fees or a cost estimate.

You can discuss your case with us on the telephone, in person and our criminal law solicitors can also visit you in prison, if necessary.

Funding your criminal defence

Funding police station representation

You are entitled to free legal representation at police stations when arrested or interviewed under caution. This can be from the duty solicitor or a solicitor of your choosing and is not means-tested.

Funding your legal defence if you are prosecuted

If you are charged with an offence and prosecuted, you can apply to have some or all of your defence costs covered by a Representation Order. This is commonly referred to as ‘legal aid’.

How much financial assistance you can claim and how you apply will depend on which type of court the prosecution takes place in.

Magistrates court: a Representation Order can be used to cover some or all of your defence costs depending on your circumstances. This is known as legal aid. To qualify for legal aid for a Magistrates’ court prosecution, you will need to pass a means test (to show that you need help with funding), and a merit test (to show that it is in the interests of justice for you to have legal representation).

Crown Court: a Representation Order will normally only cover some of your legal costs. To qualify for legal aid for a Crown court prosecution, you will only need to pass a means test because having legal representation for your defence will automatically be considered to be in the interests of justice.

Private fees: If you need to self-fund some or all of the cost of your private legal representation, we will clearly explain all of the likely costs involved and our fee structures. Whether you receive legal aid funding or not, any contribution you make towards your legal costs will be refunded if you are found not guilty.

Please get in touch to discuss our criminal defence fees or you can take a look at our guide to funding your criminal defence.

Common questions about criminal investigations and prosecutions

What happens when you get arrested?

When you are arrested, the arresting officers must tell you:

• That they are police officers
• That you are being arrested
• What specific offence or offences you are believed to have committed
• Why it is necessary for you to be arrested
• That you are not free to leave

They must also caution you using the words:

“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

When arresting you, police have the power to:

• Search you
• Use ‘reasonable force’ if you resist arrest, try to escape or become violent
• Handcuff you if the arresting officers feel this is appropriate

What happens after you get arrested?

Following an arrest, you will normally be transferred to a police station, held in custody (in a cell) and then interviewed.

Following a police interview, one of the following will happen:

• You are released with no further action
• You are released under investigation
• You are detained in custody
• You are charged with a specific offence

If you are charged with an offence:

• A hearing date will be set
• You will either be:
• Released on bail
• Kept in custody until your court hearing

Please note, if you are released under investigation or with no further action, you can be rearrested or summonsed to attend a court hearing at any time.

Can police search your phone when they arrest you?

Under current UK law, the police have the right to access the data in your phone where they have reasonable grounds to believe it contains evidence related to an offence.

However, our experience and figures from police forces across the UK show that, in many cases, police officers routinely download and store data from the mobile devices of suspects, victims and witnesses.

You should therefore assume that police may access your mobile phone, downloading and storing data such as your text messages, WhatsApp messages and pictures if they consider that they have reasonable grounds for doing so.

What is classed as a criminal offence?

A criminal offence is any action or failure to take action that is punishable by law. There are thousands of criminal offences covered by UK law, including those related to commonly known crimes such as theft, assault and drug dealing, as well as many that are less well known.

Understanding whether you may have committed an offence is not always straightforward, so if you have been arrested or charged with an offence, it is always advisable to seek expert legal support at the earliest opportunity. This can make all the difference as to whether you are ultimately prosecuted and, if so, what the outcome of that prosecution might be.

What is a defence in criminal law?

A defence in criminal law is an argument, supported by facts, that you should not be charged, prosecuted or, ultimately, convicted of a specific offence. A defence relates to whether a specific charge can be proved against you beyond reasonable doubt. Exactly what defence might be available will entirely depend on the situation.

Some common defences that may be used in criminal law include:

• Intoxication (usually in relation to whether someone was able to form a specific intent to commit an offence)
• Self-defence (in relation to charges such as common assault and actual bodily harm)
• Duress (where an offence was committed by an individual who was being forced to commit the offence by another)
• Insanity (where it can be shown that the defendant was not sane and, therefore, not accountable for their actions)

How does a criminal conviction affect applying for jobs?

When applying for jobs, you will normally be asked to provide information about your criminal record. If you are required to take a DBS check as part of your application, certain criminal convictions can affect this and could potentially see you refused employment.

If you are unsure about your legal responsibility for disclosing a criminal conviction to an employer or potential employer, please take a look at the government’s guide to telling people about your criminal record.

Contact our criminal lawyers in London today

For urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about potential criminal charges or prosecution, you can call us on 0207 624 7771 - our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City - or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form and we will get back to you quickly.

Get immediate legal advice 24/7, 365 days a year

For immediate representation and advice, call our emergency number 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.