With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Leeds
Chivers Solicitors have supported clients facing criminal allegations since 2001. Our team has extensive experience handling serious and complex cases, providing representation from the first police interview through to Crown Court proceedings and, where necessary, appeals.
Many people contact a solicitor during the early stages of an investigation. These moments are often confusing and pressured, particularly when individuals are unsure about the seriousness of an allegation or the steps that may follow. Clear legal advice at this stage helps prevent avoidable mistakes and ensures that the correct approach is taken from the beginning.
Our solicitors regularly represent clients at the police station, during interviews under caution, and throughout court proceedings. Each case is approached with careful attention to detail and a focus on protecting the legal rights of the individual involved.
If you are dealing with a criminal allegation in Leeds, you do not have to face the process alone. Our criminal defence team provides experienced and measured guidance during situations that can feel overwhelming.
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
Our Criminal Law Services In Leeds
Criminal law covers a wide range of offences, many of which carry serious consequences if not handled carefully. Our role is to provide legal advice and representation across complex and serious criminal matters while ensuring that every client understands what is happening and what options may be available.
Serious and Violent Crime
Allegations involving violence are treated very seriously within the criminal justice system. These cases often involve detailed investigations and can lead to Crown Court proceedings.
Our solicitors have experience advising and representing clients facing allegations such as:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Section 18 and Section 20 grievous bodily harm
- Non fatal strangulation
- Violent disorder
- Threats to kill
- Assault on emergency workers
- Affray
When someone is accused of a serious offence, immediate legal advice can help ensure that interviews, evidence gathering and court preparation are handled properly from the start. If urgent assistance is needed, our team can provide guidance without delay.
To speak to our team about your circumstances, call us on 01274 561 666.
Drug Offences and Conspiracies
Drug related investigations can involve complex evidence and multiple defendants. Allegations may include possession with intent to supply, production of controlled substances, or conspiracy to supply drugs.
Large scale investigations sometimes involve extensive digital evidence or communication records. Multi handed cases can also develop over long periods before charges are brought.
Our conspiracy solicitors advise clients facing these allegations and can provide representation in serious conspiracy matters through our conspiracy solicitors service.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offence allegations require careful and sensitive legal handling. These cases often involve detailed investigation and can have serious personal and professional consequences.
Our sexual offence solicitors approach these matters with discretion and a non judgemental approach. Advice and representation is available from the earliest stages of a police investigation through to court proceedings where necessary.
Firearms and Weapons Offences
Offences involving firearms or offensive weapons can carry significant legal consequences. These cases frequently involve complex legal issues and strict sentencing provisions.
Clear legal advice is important at an early stage so that individuals understand how the law applies to their situation and what steps should be taken next.
Terrorism Offences
Terrorism related investigations are among the most serious cases within criminal law. They often involve specialist procedures and detailed evidence.
Our criminal defence team has experience advising individuals during investigations and proceedings involving serious national security related allegations.
Fraud, White Collar and Business Crime
Fraud and financial crime investigations may involve detailed financial records, digital evidence and complex legal arguments.
Allegations in this area can include fraud, money laundering, corporate misconduct or cyber related offences. These investigations often develop over time and require careful legal preparation.
Additional Criminal Offences
Our criminal defence team also advises on a broad range of other criminal allegations. These may include offences involving theft, public order matters, driving offences, criminal damage, harassment allegations and other complex criminal investigations.
Each case is approached individually, with clear advice provided about the process ahead.
Early Advice Makes A Difference
Many people first speak to a solicitor when the police request an interview or make contact during an investigation. These early stages are often the most important point at which legal advice can help.
A police interview under caution can take place either after arrest or by voluntary attendance. Although voluntary interviews may appear less formal, they are still part of a criminal investigation and anything said during the interview may be used as evidence.
Early legal advice helps individuals understand their rights and ensures that the interview process is handled correctly. Having a solicitor present during questioning can also provide reassurance at a time when the situation may feel uncertain or intimidating.
24 Hour Police Station Representation In Leeds
Legal advice at the police station is available at any time of day or night. If someone is arrested or asked to attend a police interview, they have the right to request legal representation.
Our criminal defence solicitors can provide support during police interviews, whether the interview follows an arrest or takes place by voluntary arrangement. In custody situations, legal advice at the police station is usually available without cost to the individual.
Prompt legal guidance during this stage helps ensure that the investigation process is conducted fairly and that the individual understands what is happening throughout.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors?
- Extensive experience handling serious and complex criminal cases
- Criminal defence support available from police investigation through to appeal
- Clear legal advice explained in straightforward terms
- Representation during police interviews and court proceedings
- Careful preparation and support throughout the legal process
Our focus is on helping individuals understand their position and ensuring that criminal allegations are handled properly at every stage.
If you need criminal defence advice in Leeds, Chivers Solicitors can provide confidential guidance and representation during police investigations and court proceedings.
To speak with our team, contact us on 01274 561 666, email us at solicitors@chiverssolicitors.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form to request a consultation.
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