With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors Supporting Durham Clients
Chivers Solicitors has supported clients since 2001 in serious, complex, and high profile criminal cases across England and Wales. Our criminal defence team acts for individuals facing some of the most serious allegations, where early decisions can have lasting consequences. Representation is provided from the police station through to the Crown Court and, where necessary, the Court of Appeal.
Clients in Durham are supported with early legal advice that is calm, direct, and adapted to the situation. Every case is approached with care and focus, ensuring clients understand their position and the options available. You are not on your own when facing the criminal justice system, and having the right solicitor involved at an early stage can make a significant difference.
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
Our Criminal Law Services In Durham
Chivers Solicitors offers a wide range of criminal defence services for clients in Durham. The focus is on serious and complex criminal matters, with support available from the earliest point of police involvement through to the conclusion of court proceedings. Advice is always clear and grounded in the facts of the case.
Serious & Violent Crime
Chivers Solicitors has extensive experience representing clients accused of serious and violent offences. These cases are often fast moving and high risk, making early and informed legal advice essential.
Our work includes defence in cases involving:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Section 18 and Section 20 grievous bodily harm
- Non fatal strangulation
- Violent disorder
- Threats to kill
- Assault on emergency workers
- Affray
Clients receive clear guidance on the investigation process, potential charges, and what to expect at each stage. Urgent advice is available where immediate action is needed.
Drug Offences & Conspiracies
Drug investigations are frequently complex and can involve multiple defendants, surveillance evidence and digital material. Chivers Solicitors represents clients accused of drug supply, production and possession, as well as conspiracy offences.
Experience includes work on large scale and multi handed investigations, including ENCROCHAT related cases. Advice focuses on protecting the client’s position from the outset and dealing carefully with evidence gathered during the investigation.
Sexual Offences
Allegations of sexual offences are highly sensitive and can have serious personal and professional consequences. We provide discreet, non judgemental representation for clients facing these allegations.
Support is available from the police station through to court proceedings, with careful handling of interviews, evidence and case preparation. Clients are guided through each stage with clarity and respect.
Firearms & Weapons Offences
Firearms and weapons allegations carry severe penalties and are treated with particular seriousness by the courts. Chivers Solicitors acts for clients accused of firearm possession or supply, as well as offences involving offensive weapons.
Advice focuses on explaining the legal processes clearly and ensuring the case is handled carefully from investigation through to prosecution.
Terrorism Offences
Terrorism investigations are complex and often involve specialist procedures and evidence. We provide experienced representation in terrorism cases, supporting clients from the investigation stage through to prosecution.
Cases are handled with care, precision, and a clear understanding of the legal framework involved.
Fraud, White Collar and Business Crime
Chivers Solicitors represents individuals accused of fraud, money laundering, and business related offences. These cases often involve detailed financial evidence and lengthy investigations.
Support is provided in cases involving corporate crime and cyber related allegations, with a focus on early engagement and careful case management.
Additional Criminal Offences
In addition to the areas above, we advise on a wide range of other criminal matters. This includes regulatory offences, public order allegations, and other complex cases where experienced criminal representation is required.
Early Advice Makes A Difference
Early legal advice can shape the course of a criminal case. Decisions made during police interviews or voluntary attendance can affect whether charges are brought and how a case progresses.
Having a solicitor involved at the earliest stage helps ensure that rights are protected, interviews are handled properly, and potential issues are addressed before they escalate.
24/7 Police Station Representation in Durham
Chivers Solicitors provides round the clock police station representation for clients in Durham. Free legal advice is available to anyone arrested and held in custody, regardless of financial circumstances.
Support is also provided for voluntary interviews, where early advice is just as important. Same day and urgent assistance is available when police contact has already begun.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors?
Clients choose us for criminal defence support because of our experience, focus and clear approach.
- Experienced criminal defence solicitors handling serious and complex cases
- Strong focus on serious crime and early intervention
- Clear, practical advice at every stage of proceedings
- Ongoing support from police station to court and beyond
If you need criminal defence advice in Durham, Chivers Solicitors is available to provide calm, confidential support when it matters most. As well as criminal defence, we also provide family and prison law services. You can call our team on 0191 383 2222, email solicitors@chiverssolicitors.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form.
Speak To a Criminal Defence Solicitor in Durham
If you are being investigated, have been arrested, or have been approached by the police, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Getting the right support at an early stage can have a significant impact on how your case progresses.
To speak in confidence with a criminal defence solicitor, call us on 01274 561 666, email solicitors@chiverssolicitors.co.uk, or complete our online contact form. We are here to provide prompt, practical advice and support whenever you need it.
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?
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