Solicitors in Bristol
Allen Hoole is the largest and most respected specialist criminal defence firms in the South West of England, offering expert legal representation when it matters most. If you are facing a criminal allegation, our leading Bristol law firm is here to protect your rights and guide you through every stage of the legal process.
With decades of combined experience, our highly skilled solicitors offer specialist advice and robust defence for a wide range of criminal, motoring, and regulatory offences. Whether you are under investigation, attending a police interview, or preparing for a court appearance, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you.
We are accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation, Mental Health, and Mental Capacity, as well as awarded by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for both criminal and civil higher courts rights. With our team of solicitors and solicitor advocates with higher rights of audience at Crown Court, we can represent you at every stage of the legal process, from the police station to Magistrates’ or Crown Court.
For expert legal support in Bristol, contact our team today.
Directions for reaching our Bristol office can be found here.
- Bristol Office
-
- 5 Portland Square
- St Paul's
- Bristol
- BS2 8RR
Please note that our criminal defence lawyers in Bristol are available 24/7 via our emergency telephone line: 01454 790673.
Bristol Legal Services
Criminal Defence
Being accused of a criminal offence can be a stressful experience, and you may feel uncertain about how to navigate issues such as police interviews, investigations, and court proceedings. No matter the complexity of your case, our experienced criminal solicitors in Bristol are here to protect your rights and provide clear, strategic advice from the outset.
We will guide you through every stage of the process, from pre-charge investigations to court representation, ensuring your interests and reputation are safeguarded.
Whether you are facing a minor allegation or a serious charge, our dedicated criminal defence solicitors in Bristol will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you. We can provide support for all types of criminal offences, including:
- Homicide
- Violence
- Domestic offences
- Fraud
- Theft, Dishonesty and damage offences
- Dogs and animal welfare offences
- Drugs
- Sexual offences
- Indecent images offences
- Weapons offences
- Public order offences
- Breach of Court orders
Pre-charge and Investigation
If you have been arrested, placed under investigation or invited to attend a voluntary interview at the police station, it is important to instruct a specialist solicitor to provide you with legal representation at the earliest opportunity.
Anything you say or do not say at the police station can be used against you further down the line. This is why expert legal support at this stage can often be the difference between having your charges dropped and a case heading to trial.
Our expert criminal defence solicitors offer free legal representation 24/7 at police stations across Bristol. We can advise you on how to answer police questions and what your legal options are moving forward. If it is possible to have your charges dropped at this stage, we can make representations on your behalf.
We can provide legal support in the following circumstances:
- Police Station interviews
- Voluntary interview
- Investigation agency interviews under caution
- Council
- Financial Conduct Authority
- HMRC
- Taxi Licensing
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Environment Agency
- Care Quality Commission
- Trading Standards
- Pre-charge engagement
- Out of court disposals
- DBS advice
Criminal Defence in Court
Attending court can feel daunting, regardless of the circumstances of your case. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors in Bristol are here to guide you through the process, thoroughly preparing your defence and providing expert representation at every hearing.
We have a strong track record of securing favourable outcomes and we will advocate for you at every stage, ensuring you receive the best possible defence.
Our criminal defence solicitors in Bristol can represent you in the following courts:
Appeals
If you have been convicted or sentenced and believe there are grounds for an appeal, our expert criminal defence solicitors in Bristol can assess your case, advise on the likelihood of success, and guide you through the appeals process.
Whether you are looking to challenge a conviction or secure a reduced sentence, we will provide clear, strategic advice and dedicated representation to help you reach a resolution.
Motoring Offences
Even minor motoring offences can have serious consequences, from penalty points and fines to driving bans or criminal convictions. These can impact your livelihood, insurance costs, and future opportunities, so seeking expert legal advice is essential.
Our dedicated Road Traffic Law Department specialises in defending a wide range of motoring offences. Working alongside qualified experts, our motoring offence solicitors in Bristol will thoroughly examine every detail of your case to build a strong defence and explore all possible options to protect your licence and minimise the impact on your life.
We have a strong track record for success in handling a range of motoring offences, including:
- Appeals and Licence Revocations
- Exceptional hardship
- Special reasons
- Speeding
- Drink Driving
- Drug Driving
- Being in charge of a vehicle with Excess Alcohol
- Failing to provide a specimen
- Failing to provide details under S172 RTA 1998
- Driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs
- Using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving
- No licence
- No insurance
- Failing to stop
- Driving without Due Care and Attention
- Dangerous Driving
- Death by careless driving
- Death by dangerous driving
- Single Justice Procedure Notices and Notices of Intended Prosecution
- Vehicle-related offences
- Fixed Penalty Notices
- Perverting the course of justice
Regulatory Offences
Regulatory offences are breaches of the laws that govern business practices, industry standards, and public conduct.
Though the Crown Prosecution Service may not always prosecute these offences, they can lead to severe penalties, potentially harming your reputation and impacting your business operations.
If you are facing a regulatory investigation or prosecution, it’s important to seek expert legal advice to safeguard your interests.
We have experience handling a wide range of regulatory offences, including:
- Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Committee Hearings
- Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licence Appeals
- Trading Standards Investigations
- Health and Safety Prosecutions
- HMO Housing Prosecutions
Funding Options
We understand that the financial aspect of legal services can be overwhelming. At Allen Hoole, we are committed to being transparent about costs from the very beginning of your case, ensuring you have a clear understanding of fees and can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Initially, we will explore whether public funding (Legal Aid) is available to help cover all or part of your legal fees. Legal Aid is assessed through both a means test and a merit test, which determines whether funding is justified based on your financial situation and the merits of your case.
If you are ineligible for Legal Aid, we offer private, fee-paying services. Before proceeding with your case, we will provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including fees and any additional expenses.
If you are dissatisfied with the representation you are currently receiving, you have the option to switch solicitors. Whether you are paying privately or using Legal Aid, we are here to assist with transferring your case to us. Our team is ready to step in if you have concerns about the handling, communication, or strategy of your defence.
Please note, we offer a 24-hour emergency service for clients detained at police stations, which is completely free, regardless of your financial situation. Call us at 01454 790673 for immediate assistance.
Local Resources in Bristol
Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre
Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre handles claims related to adoption, bankruptcy, childcare arrangements, divorce hearings, domestic abuse, claims against employers, Female Genital Mutilation, financial remedy, forced marriage, High Court cases, housing, money claims and benefits.
Bristol Magistrates’ Court and Tribunals Hearing Centre
Bristol Magistrates’ Court and Tribunals Hearing Centre handles crime, single justice procedure and benefits cases.
Citizens Advice Bristol
Citizens Advice Bristol provides practical support and guidance for matters such as benefits, money, debt and energy. They can also signpost you to specialist advice if you need more assistance.
Directions
Reach Us By Car
Five minutes from our office is NCP Bristol St James Barton. Also a short five-minute walk away is Cabot Circus Car Park, which is wheelchair accessible and has electric charging points. Portland Square has pay and display parking available.
Reach Us By Bus
The Cabot Circus S1 and S4 bus stops are a three minute walk from the office and accommodate multiple mainline buses and their stops, including the Metrobus and the South Glos Lynx.
Reach Us By Train
Our office is around a 20-minute walk away from Bristol Temple Meads.
Plan Your Journey
You can plan your journey to our Bristol office here.
Accessibility
Allen Hoole is committed to making our offices as accessible as possible so that we can continue to represent everyone equally.
If you have any specific accessibility requirements that you would like to discuss ahead of your visit, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Speak to Our Solicitors in Bristol
To contact our solicitors in Bristol, please call us on 0117 942 0901 or fill out our online enquiry form, and we will respond to you promptly.