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Criminal Defence Solicitors

Being charged with any type of criminal offence can have a significant impact on both your personal and professional life. As such, facing questions from the police, being placed under investigation and receiving court summons can all be extremely daunting, regardless of the severity and complexity of your circumstances.

If you are accused of committing a criminal offence, prompt and expert legal representation is crucial. No matter what your case involves, having legal support early on can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

At Allen Hoole, we are proud to be the largest and most trusted specialist criminal defence practice in the South West of England. Our experienced criminal defence solicitors specialise in a wide range of criminal cases and will offer clear, practical advice to help you understand your legal options and build a comprehensive defence against the allegations you are facing

We are here to protect your interests during every aspect of a criminal investigation, with our expertise including:

Contact our criminal defence solicitors today

To find out how Allen Hoole can assist you with legal representation in criminal cases, please contact our offices in Bristol, Cheltenham and Keynsham or fill out our online enquiry form, and we will respond to you promptly.

Our criminal defence services

Criminal offences

Facing accusations of a criminal offence can be a daunting experience, but expert legal support can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case. We have decades of experience in handling a wide range of criminal offences, as well as the resources to provide the strongest possible defence for your case.

Whether you are under investigation, attending a police interview, or preparing for court, our experienced criminal defence lawyers will be available to provide the highest standard of legal advice and support.

We will thoroughly assess your case, gather evidence and put forward a strong defence to protect your rights, interests and reputation.

Our aim is to have all of our clients acquitted. Rest assured, in cases where this is not possible, we will make strong representations to mitigate your penalties and secure the most favourable outcome.

We can offer crucial legal support with all criminal offences, including:

Pre-charge and investigation

If you have been accused of committing an offence, our criminal defence lawyers can provide 24/7 specialist legal representation at the police station.

Whether you have been arrested at the police station, invited for a voluntary interview, released on bail or released under investigation, seeking advice at this early stage is crucial and can often shape the way a case is handled.

In addition to providing in-person representation at the police station, our lawyers can offer advice on how to respond to police questioning, advise you on your options moving forward, and guide you through what will happen if you are released under investigation or on pre-charge bail.

We offer prompt and effective legal advice to help you feel supported at all times and ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Our lawyers for criminal cases can assist with:

  • Police station interviews
  • Voluntary interview
  • Investigation agency interviews under caution

Criminal defence in court

Court proceedings can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Our specialist criminal defence solicitors are here to offer clear, practical guidance and support throughout the process.

No matter which type of Court your case is heard in, we are committed to providing exceptional representation at every stage.

We will carefully prepare your defence, gathering evidence and instructing expert witnesses where necessary. In every case, our team will always provide honest, straightforward advice about your options, including whether an early guilty plea could help reduce your sentence.

Regardless of the circumstances of your offence, we have the experience to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Our criminal appeal solicitors can assist with cases in the following types of Court:

  • Youth Court
  • Magistrates’ Court
  • Crown Court
  • Court of Appeal
  • Supreme Court

Frequently asked questions about criminal defence

How much does a defence solicitor cost?

The cost of instructing a criminal defence solicitor will depend on the individual circumstances of your case and the work involved.

At Allen Hoole, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to costs, ensuring you have a clear understanding of fees from the outset so you can make informed decisions about your case.

We will first assess whether you qualify for public funding (Legal Aid) to cover some or all of your legal costs. If Legal Aid is not an option, we offer private, fee-paying services and will provide a full breakdown of costs, including any additional expenses, before moving forward.

We also provide a 24-hour emergency service for individuals detained at police stations, which is entirely free of charge, regardless of your financial circumstances.

What do criminal defence solicitors do?

Our criminal defence experts provide legal advice and representation at the police station, throughout an ongoing criminal investigation and during court proceedings, ensuring that individuals who are suspects in a case fully understand their rights and the legal process.

They will thoroughly review each case, gather evidence, and build a strong defence while protecting clients from making decisions that could negatively impact their case.

Solicitors also advise on plea options, the potential consequences of pleading guilty or not guilty, and the likely sentencing outcomes. Their aim is to secure the best possible result for their clients, whether that means an acquittal, reduced charges, or a more lenient sentence.

Why choose our criminal defence solicitors?

At Allen Hoole, our expert team is proudly 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.

We provide a comprehensive service to every client, meaning that we will guide you through the legal processes that are relevant to your case. From the moment of arrest to court proceedings, our team will offer unparalleled support so you understand your rights and where you stand at every stage.

Our solicitors will assess the evidence against you, challenge weak or inadmissible evidence, and build the strongest possible defence strategy.

As a dedicated criminal defence firm, we have the resources to employ a range of in-house expert solicitors, barristers, and advocates. If your case proceeds to court, they will provide advice and representation in Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court before a judge and jury.

Whatever your situation, we will be here to guide you through your case with the utmost professionalism and dedication to securing the best possible outcome.

Contact our criminal defence solicitors today

To find out how Allen Hoole can assist you with criminal defence legal advice, please contact our offices in Bristol, Cheltenham and Keynsham or fill out our online enquiry form, and we will respond to you promptly.