Violent Crime Solicitors

Speak to our violent crime solicitors today

For urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about violent crime defence, you can call us on:

• City of London: 0207 624 7771 - our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.
• Brent & Camden London Office: 0207 624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

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

Why choose JD Spicer Zeb’s violent crime solicitors?

We know that no matter your circumstances, it is imperative that you receive legal counsel at the earliest opportunity when facing accusations of committing a violent crime.

While you are always entitled to free legal representation from a duty solicitor while you are being interviewed under caution, they are unlikely to have the same level of specialist expertise as our team, and they are often less experienced lawyers.

When our violent crime solicitors are instructed, we will provide immediate defence around the clock, including on weekends and bank holidays. We can help you to clearly understand your position, what your future options are likely to be, and what outcome we can deliver after establishing your defence.

Our solicitors have a strong reputation as being one of the country’s leading law firms in representing individuals accused of violent offences. We have previously dealt with numerous high-profile cases, so can offer bespoke advice that is sensitive to your situation.

We have strong links with many of the country’s leading criminal defence barristers who specialist in violent offences. As such, we are well positioned to support your case, providing the strongest possible representation for any criminal trials that take place.

As a testament to our strong commitment to client care and focus, much of the work we complete is generated from referrals and recommendations from previous clients who have been satisfied with our legal services.

Funding your violent crime defence

Funding police station representation

You are always entitled to free legal representation at the police station when you are arrested or interviewed under caution. You can choose to use a duty solicitor, or one of your choosing in these cases. This is not means-tested.

Funding your violent crime defence if you are prosecuted

If you are charged with a violent offence and later prosecuted, you may be able to apply to have all or some of your legal defence costs covered by a Representation Order, also known as Legal Aid.

The level of financial assistance you are able to receive and the process for applying will depend on the court that the prosecution takes place in.

Magistrates’ Court

When a case is heard in the Magistrates’, Legal Aid can be used to cover some or all of your defence costs, depending on your circumstances. Qualifying for Legal Aid for a Magistrates’ Court prosecution relies on passing two tests:

1. A means test – To show that you need help with funding your defence.
2. A merit test – To show that it is in the interests of justice for you to have legal representation.

Crown Court

Where your violent crime offence is heard in the Crown Court, Legal Aid will typically only be used to cover some of your legal costs at most.

To qualify for Legal Aid for a Crown Court prosecution, you will only need to pass a means test. This is because having legal representation for your defence will automatically be considered to be in the interests of justice.

Private fees

Where you need to self-fund some or all of your private legal representation, our team will carefully explain all of the likely costs involved and our fee structures. Regardless of whether you receive any Legal Aid, any contribution you make towards your legal costs will be refunded if you are found not guilty.

To discuss our fees further with our violent crime lawyers, please get in touch. Alternatively, take a closer look at our guide to funding your criminal defence.

Common questions about violent offences

What is a violent crime?

A violent crime is an umbrella term which is used to describe any type of criminal offence which involves an element of violent. This could be physical acts of violence, or threat of physical action.

What are the types of violent crimes in the UK?

Violent crime covers a wide variety of offences. Some of the most common offences that fall under the violent crime bracket include:

• Armed robbery
• Common assault
• Domestic violence
• Grievous bodily harm (GBH)
• Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
• Murder
• Manslaughter

It can also encompass the use and possession of weapons, such as firearms, knives and corrosive substances.

What are the sentencing guidelines for violent crime offences?

Given the broad range of offences which can be considered to be ‘violent’ the potential sentences you could receive for a violent crime can vary significantly.

As might be expected, the most serious violent crimes, such as murder, carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for anyone who is convicted. Offences which are considered less serious, such as common assault, may result in a minimum penalty of a fine or low level community order.

It should be noted that there are also a wide range of aggravating and mitigating factors that often come into play when sentencing decisions are made.

For example, common aggravating factors could include:

• A violent crime being racially or religiously aggravated
• A violent crime being motivated by hostility towards disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity
• A violent offence being committed whilst on bail
• Previous convictions
• Failing to comply with court orders

Common mitigating factors could include:

• Remorse for the crime
• Previous good character and exemplary conduct
• Age and/or lack of maturity
• Mental disorders where not linked to the commission of the offence
• No previous convictions or relevant convictions

What is the defence to a violent crime offence?

Exactly what can be used for violent crime defence will depend on the circumstances and the offence in question. Common defences will include:

• Violent actions in self-defence
• The actions/injuries do not fulfil the criteria of the offence
• There were mitigating circumstances at play
• There is a lack of evidence to prove a witness testimony
• Pleading guilty to a lesser charge

Contact our violent crime solicitors today

For urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about violent crime defence, you can call us on:

• City of London: 0207 624 7771 - our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.
• Brent & Camden London Office: 0207 624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

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

24/7 violent crime lawyers & police station representatives

For immediate representation and advice, call our emergency number 07836 577556 and our violent crime solicitors will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.