Many people fall foul of knife crime laws by having a prohibited bladed article or weapon in their home, at school or when they are out. Even first-time offences can mean jail. Get advice quickly and we can help.
What is knife crime?
In this context knife crime relates to breaking the law by possessing any prohibited weapon or carrying a bladed or offensive weapon in a public place unless you can prove it was for work, part of a religious costume or national dress. In other words, a reasonable excuse. For assaults and violence involving knives please see our section on murder, manslaughter and serious violence.
Choose a solicitor who specialises in knife crime cases
Stryders are expert criminal defence lawyers with exceptional experience representing people accused of knife crime. Our specialist team acts proactively to establish the facts, explore all the options and give you clear, robust advice on the course of action likely to deliver the best outcome.
All our discussions are confidential, and we can arrange an appointment in the office or in prison or in custody if necessary.
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police, even to deny the allegation, without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about knife crime offences
- Even for a first-time offence, sentences for knife crime start with imprisonment. This could be as high as four years imprisonment if threatening behaviour was involved. If you have been accused, arrested or asked to attend the police station, talk to Stryders immediately for confidential advice which could significantly limit your risk.
- The laws around knife crime are relatively new and could potentially catch out anyone found carrying a bladed article in public, or even possessing certain types of prohibited knife at home. Even a regular kitchen knife if used in your home in a way to make someone fear imminent attack will be a crime. Stryders solicitors understand this complex new legislation and will work closely with you to build your defence, the foremost among these to seek ways to avoid a conviction.
- You are allowed to carry certain articles if you can prove it is for a genuine purpose, such as work, or part of a religious costume. Stryders will help you present all the necessary proof to demonstrate the legality of your actions wherever possible.
Advice for people facing a knife crime charge
If you have been accused of knife crime, have been arrested or asked to attend the police station for a voluntary interview, get legal advice immediately. It’s free. Call us or ask for Stryders at the police station.
It is very important that you do not say anything to the police until you have spoken to a lawyer, as any early statements, even a denial, could seriously limit your options later on. Remember, that a caution is an admission of guilt and will give you a criminal record, even though you do not have to go to court. Always take legal advice. It’s your right and everyone, irrespective of their financial means, is entitled to a solicitor at the police station.
If you or someone you know is at the police station already, ask for Stryders by name. Stryders’ defence specialists are available 24/7 and will support you at the police station completely FREE. We will find out as much as we can about the case against you and then discuss your circumstances with you in private before you go in for your official interview, following up on your behalf afterwards to find out whether the case is likely to continue.
Specialist support for children and young people facing knife crime charges
Stryders are experts in supporting young people, many of whom are first time offenders. We are also a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Specialist legal support for people facing a knife crime charge
We understand how you feel
We understand how stressful a knife crime accusation can be, especially if you had believed yourself to be acting within the law. With Stryders, you can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named legal expert who will have access to all the expertise in our wider expert team and will work you in a completely discreet and confidential way.
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected among both the police and the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending knife crime offences
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to FREE legal representation at the police station, whatever your financial circumstances. Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike many duty solicitors, we will contact the police after your interview to see if there’s anything else you need to do as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.