Criminal defence lawyers London
A court summons can be a scary moment but with skilled legal representation it can provide a key opportunity to reduce the impact of the case on the rest of your life.
A bit like a police interview, the worst thing you can do is hope it will go away or think you can manage it on your own. If you have been bailed to attend court and fail to do so, it will have serious consequences. You may be charged with a separate offence and a warrant for your arrest will be issued.
But courts are not just about punishment, they are about changing offending behaviour for the better. A well-presented defence and clear signs of remorse can lead to lower sentences and occasionally, even at this late stage, reduced charges.
Having an expert criminal justice solicitor who knows the court, its processes and your case inside out is your best strategy.
Contact us straight away and let us manage the process for you and in your interests.
What to do if you receive a court summons
- Get legal advice as soon as possible to give you maximum time to prepare a defence.
- Call our 24-hour emergency line on 0333 577 2999.
- Give us the details from, or a copy of, your Charge Sheet or Notice of Criminal Charge and arrange a meeting with us as soon as possible.
- Make sure you arrive at court in plenty of time. Plan your route and allow plenty of time for traffic disruption. Have our number on you so you can tell us if you are delayed before you get there.
Preparing your defence
It may be tempting to think you can manage your court hearing or defence yourself but in reality it is unlikely to be the best option. The sooner you contact us after receiving your Notice, the better.
Not only will we help you build a robust defence, which could include finding expert witnesses and commissioning reports, we can access priority documents and help you navigate what is a very formal and intimidating process every step of the way.
Although all cases start in a local magistrates’ court, many can ultimately end up in a higher crown court where the sentencing powers are much greater.
Stryders knows the criminal justice system inside out. We can represent you at magistrates’ court ourselves and brief a barrister to represent you at crown court if needed.
Having professional representation means you will not forget to mention something in the heat of the moment. And, you will always have someone experienced by your side to take advantage of opportunities you may not otherwise spot to reduce your charge or sentence.
Specialist representation from criminal law experts
We would never recommend managing your own defence at court without consulting an expert criminal law solicitor first. There is too much at stake.
Criminal law is a very specialised field in which Stryders Law is highly skilled and experienced, and navigating the courts to help defendants achieve better outcomes is something we do every day.
We commit to giving you the best legal advice available tailored to your circumstances and in a clear way. We are always there when you need us and our experience in managing court processes and talking to officials means we spot opportunities that more inexperienced hands might not.
You’ll get help building a strong defence, with expert support where necessary, as well as advice on the evidence, appropriate pleas, practical ways to minimise your potential sentence and, of course, someone on your side and by your side.
Our fees are very competitive and where appropriate we will apply for legal aid on your behalf.
Why choose Stryders
The benefit of nominating Stryders is that you know you’re getting access to a firm with exceptional expertise and experience for whatever the type and seriousness of offence you are suspected of.
All of our solicitors have particular expertise in supporting young and vulnerable people caught up in the criminal justice system. Stryders Law is a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.