With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors Supporting Newcastle Clients
Facing a criminal allegation can be overwhelming. Many people contact us having never dealt with the criminal justice system before and are unsure what will happen next. Others are already involved in an investigation and need advice on police interviews, evidence, bail conditions or court proceedings.
Our role is to make sure you understand the process, protect your legal rights and receive clear advice at every stage.
As experienced criminal defence solicitors, we represent clients accused of a wide range of offences. We provide support from the earliest stages of an investigation and continue to act throughout court proceedings where required.
Many cases begin with a phone call from the police or a request to attend an interview. Early legal advice can often be crucial, particularly before any formal account is given to investigators.
Whether you are under investigation, have been charged with an offence, or are supporting a family member facing criminal proceedings, we can provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
Urgent Criminal Defence Advice In Newcastle
If you are looking for criminal solicitors in Newcastle because you have been arrested, contacted by the police, invited to a voluntary interview or charged with an offence, getting legal advice at the earliest opportunity is important. Decisions made at the beginning of a criminal investigation can have a lasting impact on the outcome of a case.
At Chivers Solicitors, we provide criminal defence representation for clients across Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East. From police station advice through to representation before the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and beyond, our team supports clients facing allegations ranging from relatively straightforward matters to serious and complex criminal investigations.
Although Newcastle matters are handled through our Durham office, we regularly advise and represent clients throughout Newcastle, Tyneside and the surrounding NE postcode areas. If you need urgent advice, our team is available to help.
Call us on 01274 561 666 or fill in our online contact form to request a consultation.
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
Our Criminal Law Services In Newcastle
Our criminal defence team advises on a broad range of allegations and investigations.
Serious and Violent Crime
Allegations involving violence are often treated very seriously by the police and courts. Early preparation and careful examination of the evidence are essential.
We represent clients facing allegations including:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Grievous bodily harm
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Violent disorder
- Affray
- Threats to kill
- Assaults on emergency workers
- Public order offences
Many of these investigations involve witness evidence, CCTV footage, forensic material or mobile phone evidence. Our team works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution case and ensure your position is properly presented from the outset.
Drug Offences and Conspiracies
Drug investigations can vary significantly in scale, from allegations of simple possession through to large and complex conspiracy cases.
We regularly advise clients accused of:
- Possession of controlled drugs
- Possession with intent to supply (PWITS)
- Drug supply allegations
- Conspiracy to supply drugs
- Production and cultivation offences
- Importation allegations
- Multi-defendant investigations
Many modern investigations rely heavily on mobile phone evidence, digital communications, financial records and surveillance material.
Where appropriate, we can provide guidance through our dedicated drug offence solicitor services and work closely with clients facing serious conspiracy allegations through our conspiracy solicitors team.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offence investigations require careful and sensitive handling.
An allegation alone can have a significant impact on a person’s personal life, employment and reputation. It is therefore important to obtain legal advice as early as possible.
We provide discreet, non-judgemental representation for clients accused of offences including:
- Sexual assault
- Rape allegations
- Historic sexual offences
- Child sexual offences
- Online and internet-related allegations
- Indecent image investigations
Our team can advise from the first police contact through to trial if required. Further information is available through our dedicated sexual offence solicitors service.
Firearms, Weapons, Fraud & Other Offences
We also advise clients facing a wide range of other criminal allegations, including:
- Firearms offences
- Possession of offensive weapons
- Fraud investigations
- Money laundering allegations
- Regulatory investigations
- Theft and dishonesty offences
- Organised crime allegations
Some investigations involve large volumes of evidence and lengthy enquiries by specialist police units. We have experience dealing with serious and complex cases requiring detailed preparation and strategic defence planning.
24/7 Police Station Representation In Newcastle
Many people do not realise that legal advice at the police station is generally available free of charge, regardless of income.
If you are arrested or asked to attend a police interview, you have the right to request legal representation.
Our team provides police station representation for clients across Newcastle and the wider North East.
This includes:
- Police station interviews
- Voluntary police interviews
- Advice during criminal investigations
- Bail and release under investigation matters
- Early defence preparation
Seeking advice at this stage is often one of the most important steps you can take.
Police interviews frequently form a significant part of the prosecution case. Having a solicitor present helps ensure that your rights are protected and that you understand the process before answering questions.
If you or a family member requires urgent assistance, contact us immediately and ask for criminal defence advice.
What To Do If You Are Contacted By The Police
One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming they can deal with a police interview themselves.
Whether you have been arrested or invited to attend a voluntary interview, you should seek legal advice before answering questions.
A voluntary interview may appear informal, but it remains a formal interview under caution. Anything said during the interview can potentially be used as evidence.
If the police contact you:
- Remain calm
- Do not speculate or guess answers
- Do not provide a written statement without advice
- Ask to speak to a solicitor
- Contact a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible
Early advice allows your legal representative to obtain information about the allegation, review available evidence where possible and advise on the most appropriate approach before any interview takes place.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors?
Choosing the right solicitor can make a significant difference when facing criminal proceedings.
Clients across Newcastle and the North East choose Chivers because we offer:
- Representation from the police station stage through to court proceedings
- Experience handling serious and complex criminal allegations
- Clear, straightforward legal advice
- 24-hour police station support
- Free police station legal advice where available
- Guidance on Legal Aid funding
- Support for both clients and concerned family members
- North East coverage through our Durham office
- Representation in both Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings
Our team understands that criminal investigations can be stressful and disruptive. We focus on providing practical advice and clear communication throughout the process.
Speak To a Criminal Defence Solicitor
If you have been arrested, contacted by the police, invited to attend a voluntary interview or charged with an offence, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your position and make informed decisions.
Our criminal defence team supports clients throughout Newcastle and the wider North East with clear, practical advice and representation.
To discuss your situation confidentially, contact Chivers Solicitors today. Get legal advice now by calling 01274 561 666, emailing us at solicitors@chiverssolicitors.co.uk, or by filling in our online contact form.
Criminal Defence Support Across Newcastle & The North East
Although Chivers Solicitors does not operate a Newcastle office, we support clients throughout Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East from our Durham office.
We regularly assist clients across:
- NE1
- NE2
- NE3
- NE4
- NE5
- NE6
- NE7
We also support clients across Gosforth, Jesmond, Heaton, Byker, Walker, Gateshead and surrounding Tyneside locations.
Where court proceedings arise, cases connected to Newcastle may be heard at Newcastle upon Tyne Magistrates’ Court or Newcastle Crown Court at The Law Courts on The Quayside.
Alongside criminal defence matters, we also provide support through our prison law solicitors in Newcastle and family law solicitors in Newcastle services.
We offer
- Motoring offence, summary only - Trial & Guilty Plea
- Guilty Plea Agreed Fee: £500 + VAT (20% = £100)
- Trial Fees from: £1000 + VAT (at the current rate of 20% = £200)
What is included?
- Attendance and/or preparation
- Considering evidence
- Taking your instructions
- Providing advice on likely sentence
- Attendance and representation at a single hearing at the Magistrates Court
What is not included?
- Instruction of any expert witnesses
- Taking statements from any witnesses
- Advice and assistance in relation to a Special Reasons [i] [ii] hearing
- Advice or assistance in relation to any appeal
Understanding Summary Only Offences and Special Reasons in Traffic Violations
- [i]A summary only offence is an offence which can only be tried in the magistrates' court. There are exceptions. Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (CJA 1988) offences specified in the Act can be tried on indictment by a jury if they are linked to an offence triable only in the Crown Court. The principal summary only offences are:
- Driving whilst disqualified
- Careless and inconsiderate driving
- Failing to give information as to the identity of the driver
- Failing to stop or report
- Speeding
- [ii] Special Reasons pertain exclusively to situations where the accused has been found or has pleaded guilty and now faces disqualification unless he/she can persuade the Court that the circumstances of the offence are such that it would be unjust to impose a ban.
How We Work
01
Initial Advice
We will meet with you to give you instructions and gather key information about what happened, regardless of your situation. Our team will consider initial disclosure and any other evidence to provide clear and realistic advice.
We’ll clearly explain the court procedure and the sentencing options available so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing. We’ll be there with you, every step of the way.
02
Case Preparation and Evidence Collection
During the next stage, we will arrange to take any witness statements, if necessary. We can advise you of the additional costs involved.
Our team will then conduct further preparatory work, obtain additional instructions from you if appropriate, and answer any follow-up queries.
Representation in Court
We provide full representation in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, and on appeal.
On the day of your hearing, we will meet with you beforehand, represent you in court, and explain the outcome clearly afterwards.
If an appeal is appropriate, we will advise you on the next steps and any additional costs involved, too.
Want to chat at a time that suits you?
Criminal Solicitors Newcastle FAQs
Do you help clients across Newcastle and the wider North East area?
Yes. We advise and represent clients throughout Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyneside and the wider North East. Newcastle matters are handled through our Durham office.
Can you attend for police station matters linked to Newcastle?
Yes. We provide police station representation for clients connected to Newcastle investigations and interviews. If the police contact you, seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Which office handles Newcastle criminal cases?
Our Durham office handles criminal defence matters for Newcastle clients. We support people across the region while maintaining clear communication throughout their case.
Can you help with a voluntary police interview?
Yes. A voluntary interview is still a formal interview under caution. We strongly recommend obtaining legal advice before attending any interview with the police.
Is police station legal advice free?
In most cases, legal advice at the police station is available free of charge. If you are arrested or interviewed, you can request a solicitor.
Can family members contact you urgently?
Yes. Family members often contact us when a loved one has been arrested or is being investigated. We can provide guidance on the next steps and how legal representation can be arranged.
Can you represent me at Newcastle Crown Court or Magistrates' Court?
Yes. We represent clients facing proceedings in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court and can advise throughout the criminal justice process.
our trusted legal experts
“Chivers Solicitors are dedicated to providing honest, straightforward advice to clients in a friendly and cost effective way.”
Marcus Farrar, Principal