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Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors Supporting Middlesbrough Clients
If the police have contacted you about a criminal allegation, getting legal advice before you answer questions can help you understand your position from the outset. Our criminal solicitors in Middlesbrough advise people who have been arrested, invited to a voluntary interview or charged with an offence.
Chivers Solicitors provides 24/7 police station representation and supports clients across Middlesbrough and Teesside through our Durham office and wider criminal defence team. Police station legal advice is free, whether you have been arrested or are attending a voluntary interview under caution.
A criminal investigation can begin with very little warning. You may receive a phone call asking you to attend an interview, be arrested at home or discover that an allegation has been made against you. Whatever the circumstances, you should understand what the police want to speak to you about before deciding how to respond.
Chivers Solicitors has handled criminal defence work since the firm was established in 2001. Our criminal defence solicitors represent clients from the first police interview through to proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
We deal with serious and complex allegations as well as cases where somebody has never had contact with the criminal justice system before. Our job is to explain what is happening in plain English, advise you on the evidence available and protect your legal position throughout the case.
For clients in Middlesbrough and Teesside, our Durham office is our closest Chivers base. The office was opened to strengthen our coverage across the North East and includes experienced criminal defence lawyers.
Warren Ridley is a Criminal Law Solicitor and Higher Rights Advocate based in our Durham office. Higher Rights of Audience allow suitably qualified solicitor advocates to represent clients in the higher criminal courts. Our wider criminal defence team also includes solicitors experienced in police station, Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court work.
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
Our Criminal Law Services In Middlesbrough
Criminal cases differ considerably in their seriousness and complexity. Some begin and end at the investigation stage, while others progress through the Magistrates’ Court and into the Crown Court.
We advise on a broad range of criminal allegations, with specialist experience in serious cases where the evidence or potential consequences require careful preparation.
Serious & Violent Crime
Allegations involving serious violence can lead to lengthy investigations and, where a person is charged, proceedings in the Crown Court.
We represent clients accused of offences including murder, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm under sections 18 and 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, non-fatal strangulation, violent disorder, threats to kill, assault on an emergency worker and affray.
The evidence in these cases can come from several sources. Police may rely on witness accounts, CCTV, forensic evidence, medical evidence or material obtained from phones and other digital devices.
Getting advice at the investigation stage allows us to understand the allegation and advise you before an account is given to the police. If charges follow, we can continue to represent you through the court process.
Drug Offences & Conspiracies
Drug investigations range from allegations of possession to serious cases involving supply, production or conspiracy.
Our drug offence solicitors advise clients accused of possession, possession with intent to supply, drug supply and production. We also act in larger investigations where the prosecution alleges that several defendants were involved in supplying controlled drugs.
Conspiracy cases can involve significant quantities of digital material. Phone downloads, messages, call records, financial evidence and surveillance may be used in an attempt to establish links between individuals.
Our conspiracy solicitors can examine how the prosecution says each defendant was involved rather than treating a multi-defendant allegation as though everybody played the same role.
We also have experience dealing with EncroChat-related criminal cases. These investigations can involve allegations of drug supply, conspiracy, firearms offences or other serious organised crime alongside substantial quantities of digital evidence.
Sexual Offences
An allegation of a sexual offence can affect somebody long before a case reaches court. Police investigations may continue for a considerable period, while the allegation itself can have consequences for family relationships and employment.
Our sexual offence solicitors provide confidential and non-judgemental advice from the earliest stage.
We act in cases involving allegations of rape, sexual assault, historic sexual abuse, indecent images, voyeurism and upskirting. We can advise before and during a police interview, deal with developments during the investigation and provide representation if criminal proceedings follow.
Being accused of an offence does not mean that you will automatically be charged or convicted. The evidence and circumstances of each case need to be considered individually.
If the police want to interview you about a sexual allegation, seek legal advice before answering questions or trying to provide an informal explanation.
Firearms, Weapons, Fraud & Other Offences
Chivers also represents clients facing firearms and weapons allegations, including possession and supply offences.
Our criminal defence work extends to fraud, money laundering, bribery and other forms of white-collar or business crime. These investigations may involve extensive financial records, digital evidence, search warrants or enquiries by specialist investigating bodies.
Other cases handled by our team include blackmail, harassment and stalking, controlling or coercive behaviour, criminal damage, theft, malicious communications, arson and perverting the course of justice.
The right approach depends on the allegation and the evidence. If you are unsure whether your case falls within our criminal defence work, contact us and explain what the police or investigating body has told you.
What To Do If You Are Contacted By The Police
Being contacted by the police does not always mean you are about to be arrested. You may instead be asked to arrange a voluntary interview under caution.
The word “voluntary” refers to the fact that you are not under arrest and have agreed to attend. It does not mean the interview is an informal conversation or that what you say is unimportant.
A voluntary interview is conducted under caution and your answers can be used as evidence. You have the right to free independent legal advice before and during the interview.
If the police contact you:
- Ask whether they want you to attend a voluntary interview or whether another process is involved.
- Avoid discussing the allegation informally before you have received legal advice.
- Keep any letter, bail paperwork or other information the police provide.
- Tell the police that you want a solicitor if an interview is being arranged.
Contact Chivers as early as possible so we can establish what is happening.
You should not assume that asking for a solicitor will make you look guilty. Access to independent legal advice is a legal right.
Where disclosure is available before interview, we can obtain information from the police about the allegation. We can then advise you privately before questioning begins and remain with you during the interview.
Family members can also contact us if somebody has been arrested or needs urgent criminal defence advice.
24/7 Police Station Representation In Middlesbrough
Chivers provides a 24/7 police station representation service for people under criminal investigation.
If you are arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview in connection with a matter in Middlesbrough or the Cleveland Police area, you can ask for Chivers Solicitors.
Legal advice at the police station is free. This applies to people who have been arrested and those attending a voluntary interview under caution. Police station advice is not means tested, so you do not need to prove that you cannot afford a solicitor before asking for legal representation.
Our role at the police station can include obtaining the disclosure the police are prepared to provide, advising you privately before interview and attending while you are questioned.
The advice given before interview will depend on the circumstances. There is no single response that is appropriate for every police interview, which is why speaking to a solicitor who understands the available evidence is important.
If you are arrested, tell the custody officer that you want Chivers Solicitors to represent you. If the police have contacted you to arrange a voluntary interview, you can contact us before agreeing the interview arrangements.
Where a case progresses beyond the police station, we can advise on what happens next and continue representation where appropriate.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors?
Criminal defence has been a core area of Chivers’ work since the firm was established in 2001. Clients instruct us when they need practical advice about what to do next and experienced representation as their case develops.
People looking for criminal defence solicitors in Middlesbrough can access:
- 24/7 criminal defence support for police station matters.
- Free independent legal advice at the police station.
- Experience handling serious and complex criminal allegations.
- Representation from investigation through to Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings.
- Higher Rights advocacy within our criminal defence team.
- Legal Aid for eligible criminal court cases.
- Straightforward advice about the evidence, procedure and available options.
- North East support through our Durham office.
Our Durham office means clients across Middlesbrough and Teesside can access a Chivers team based in the North East without us claiming to have a Middlesbrough office.
Where another legal issue exists alongside the criminal case, our prison law solicitors in Middlesbrough and family law solicitors in Middlesbrough may be able to provide separate advice within their respective areas of work.
Speak To A Criminal Defence Solicitor
If you have been arrested, invited to a voluntary police interview or charged with an offence, contact Chivers Solicitors as soon as you can.
You do not need to wait until the police have charged you before speaking to a criminal defence lawyer. Advice at the investigation stage can help you understand the allegation before important decisions are made about an interview.
Family members can also make an urgent initial enquiry if somebody close to them has been arrested. If you know where the person is being held, tell us when you call.
For criminal defence advice connected with Middlesbrough and Teesside, call our Durham office on 0191 383 2222, email solicitors@chiverssolicitors.co.uk or fill in our online contact form to get legal advice now.
Criminal Defence Support Across Middlesbrough & Teesside
Chivers supports clients across Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area, including people living in TS1, TS3, TS4, TS5, TS6, TS7 and TS8.
We also advise clients from surrounding areas including Acklam, Linthorpe, Marton, Nunthorpe, Ormesby, Eston, Stockton-on-Tees, Thornaby, Redcar, Yarm and Hartlepool.
Criminal proceedings in the area may be dealt with at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, based at Teesside Justice Centre in Victoria Square, Middlesbrough. Crown Court cases may be heard at Teesside Combined Court Centre in Centre Square.
The court your case is sent to will depend on the offence, the stage of proceedings and HMCTS listing arrangements. We can explain where your case is being dealt with and what the next hearing involves once we have the relevant details.
Chivers does not have an office in Middlesbrough. Our closest office is:
Chivers Solicitors, Durham Office
Abbey Road Business Park
Abbey Road
Pity Me
Durham
DH1 5JZ
For North East enquiries, call 0191 383 2222.
Our Durham office was opened specifically to improve Chivers’ coverage across the North East. Middlesbrough clients can therefore contact a Chivers office within the region while also having access to the wider criminal defence team.
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 Middlesbrough FAQs
Do you help clients across Middlesbrough and Teesside?
Yes. Chivers Solicitors supports criminal defence clients in Middlesbrough and across Teesside. We do not have a Middlesbrough office. Our Durham office is our closest North East base and can be contacted on 0191 383 2222.
Can you attend police station matters in the Cleveland Police area?
We provide 24/7 police station representation for criminal investigations and can support clients with matters connected to Middlesbrough and the Cleveland Police area. If you have been arrested, ask for Chivers Solicitors. If you have been invited to a voluntary interview, contact us before you attend so we can establish what representation is required.
Which Chivers office handles Middlesbrough criminal cases?
Our Durham office provides our closest Chivers base for Middlesbrough and Teesside clients. It is located at Abbey Road Business Park, Abbey Road, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5JZ.
Can you help with a voluntary police interview?
Yes. We can advise you before a voluntary interview and provide representation during questioning. A voluntary interview is conducted under caution, so you should seek legal advice before giving an account to the police.
Is police station legal advice free?
Yes. Independent legal advice and representation at the police station is free if you are being interviewed under caution. This applies whether you have been arrested or are attending voluntarily and is not subject to a financial means test.
Can family members contact you urgently?
Yes. A family member can make the initial call if somebody has been arrested or needs urgent criminal defence assistance. Where possible, tell us where the person is being held and anything you know about the allegation.
Can you represent me at Teesside Crown Court or Magistrates' Court?
Chivers represents clients in Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court criminal proceedings. If your case is listed at Teesside Magistrates’ Court or Teesside Combined Court Centre, contact us with your hearing details so we can advise on the representation available.
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