With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors for Serious and Complex Cases
Since 2001, our expert team of criminal defence lawyers has successfully defended clients in serious, complex, and high-profile criminal cases, including murder and fraud.
Our exemplary reputation in criminal defence work is built on consistent results, and we always deliver high quality support from the Police Station to the Court of Appeal.
You can be sure you’re not on your own; we know serious and complex cases can feel overwhelming, but we will stand with you.
Getting early advice on serious and complex crimes is key and can significantly impact how your case progresses. Get in touch with our criminal defence lawyers today for confidential advice.
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
Our Criminal Law Services
We handle the full spectrum of criminal offences, with a focus on serious and complex cases. We will fight for you when others won’t.
Serious and Violent Crime
Our criminal defence lawyers have over 87+ years of combined post-qualified experience in serious and violent crimes, so you can feel confident you have experts on your side.
Whatever your circumstances, we can bring our expertise to your case and support you with the following:
- Murder & Manslaughter
- Section 18 / Section 20 GBH
- Non-Fatal Strangulation
- Violent Disorder
- Threats to Kill
- Assault on Emergency Workers
- Affray
With Chiver’s Solicitors, you’ll have a highly specialist team on your side to guide you through every stage with clear, confident advice. Call our emergency helpline on 01274 561666.
Drug Offences and Conspiracies
If you’ve been accused of drug offences or drug conspiracies, our team will work quickly to advise you, prepare your defence, and represent you at every stage of the process so you don’t feel left in the dark.
Our criminal defence lawyers are experienced in multi-handed and large-scale investigations, and are expertly placed to support you with:
- Conspiracy to Supply Drugs
- Conspiracy to Commit Offences
- Drug Supply, Production & Possession
- ENCROCHAT Cases
Get in touch today for expert representation.
Sexual Offences
If you’re facing allegations of a sexual offence, our team will handle your case with discretion and clarity.
We provide non-judgemental support in cases involving:
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Historic Sexual Abuse
- Indecent Images
- Voyeurism & Upskirting
You can rely on our specialist criminal defence team to provide clear, expert advice from the police station through to court proceedings.
Firearms and Weapons Offences
At Chivers Solicitors, we can represent you with firearms and weapons offences, including:
- Possession of a Firearm
- Firearms Supply
- Offensive Weapons
We provide clear, expert guidance throughout your case. We will simplify any jargon and make sure you understand exactly what’s happening.
Terrorism Offences
Our criminal law solicitors provide highly specialist defence in terrorism investigations and prosecutions, including:
- Preparation of terrorist acts
- Possession of materials for terrorist purposes
- Dissemination of terrorist publications
- Funding or supporting terrorism
- Membership of a proscribed organisation
You’ll have an expert defence team to support you throughout your case – from initial questioning to court proceedings.
Fraud, White-Collar and Business Crime
At Chivers Solicitors, we have over 25 years of experience in handling allegations of:
- Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Bribery
- Corporate Manslaughter
- Cybercrime
Our experienced lawyers can provide clear guidance on your circumstances and walk you through the legal process.
Additional Criminal Offences
Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in handling criminal cases involving:
- Blackmail
- Harassment & Stalking
- Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
- Domestic Violence Defence
- Criminal Damage
- Theft / Theft from Employer
- Malicious Communications
- Arson
- Administering a Noxious Substance
- Revenge Porn
- Perverting the Course of Justice
- Motor offences
If you have been accused or are under investigation for any of the above offences, get our support early, so you don’t have to face the proceedings feeling uncertain.
Speak to our criminal defence solicitors today by calling 01274 561 666.
Early Advice Makes a Difference
Early legal representation is important in criminal law cases, especially before or during a police interview. Getting the right support at the outset can have a big impact on how your case progresses. Contact our criminal law solicitors on 01274 561 666 for immediate advice or get in touch here to discuss your circumstances.
24/7 Police Station Representation
At Chivers Solicitors, our criminal defence solicitors in Bradford and Durham provide free advice when you’re in custody, representation for voluntary police interviews, and urgent same-day support if you need immediate assistance.
We will stand with you as you move through legal proceedings, guiding you every step of the way.
Call us today on 01274 561 666.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors?
Our criminal law solicitors bring extensive experience and knowledge to every case.
We offer:
- 87+ years combined experience specialising in criminal law
- Specialists in high-profile, complex, and serious crime
- 24/7 emergency representation
- Legal Aid available
- Dedicated criminal defence team
- Nationwide representation
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.
Criminal Defence Solicitor FAQs
Do I need a solicitor for a police interview?
Yes, having a solicitor present at your police interview is important, as anything you say can be used as evidence later. Your solicitor will clearly explain the process, advise you on your rights, and support you throughout the interview. This advice is free, whether you are under arrest or attending a voluntary interview.
What should I do if the police contact me?
If the police contact you, it’s important to speak to a solicitor before giving any information. Do not provide a statement or attend a voluntary interview without legal support. Early representation can protect your position and ensure you understand the implications of what the police are asking you.
Can you help with serious or complex charges?
Yes, our team specialises in serious and complex charges, including high-profile criminal cases. We provide full support from the point of interview through to the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, and Court of Appeal.
Do you offer Legal Aid?
We offer a free legal aid assessment to help you understand if legal aid is available for your case. You can find more information on our prices here.
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