Robust representation when you need it most

When facing criminal proceedings or an investigation, your reputation, and potentially your freedom, are on the line. Therefore, it’s vital that you choose legal representation that not only has the expertise you need, but also fearlessly defends your rights. 

At Smith Partnership, we offer just that. Contact our criminal law solicitors for robust legal representation when you need it the most. 

How we can help you

As a leading firm of criminal lawyers, we offer:

  • Defence against criminal cases and proceedings 
  • 24-hour representation
  • Police station advice and assistance
  • Representation at Magistrates and Crown Courts 
  • Business defence 
  • Assistance with motoring offences, including speeding, drink driving and road traffic accidents 
  • Personal injury and crime compensation claims

Our team knows how daunting and complex the legal system can be, which is why we treat each case with care and understanding. Whatever the circumstances of the issues you’re facing, we will work with you every step of the way, keeping you informed and building the best possible defence.

Our Recent Crown Court Case Studies

R v D – Three defendants were accused of Possession of Class A Drugs with intent to supply. We successfully persuaded the Prosecution to offer no evidence against our client.

R v B – Eight defendants faced Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs charges. After a four-year fight, our client was the only defendant to receive a suspended sentence. All other defendants received between 49 months and 11 ½ year custodial sentence.

R v B – Our client initially faced a charge of murder. We successfully argued that it should be Manslaughter, and he received a 5-year custodial sentence. 

R v L – Our client initially faced allegations of Class A drugs Supply. We successfully persuaded the Prosecution to accept a plea to Class B drugs instead and our client received a suspended prison sentence.

R v C –  In a case that began in 2020, we represented our client in relation to a Class A Drugs Supply case. After a four-year battle, we eventually secured the defendant a Suspended Sentence.

R v A & M – Our two clients were accused of large-scale Class A and B drugs supply. The case took four years, and we successfully obtained suspended sentences for each of them.

R v J – We represented one of five defendants were facing Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs charges. We successfully persuaded the Prosecution to offer no evidence against our client.

R v H – Our client was charged along with two other defendants in connection with a fraud amounting to almost £1 million. After a 2 ½ year case, our client was the only defendant not to receive a custodial sentence. 

R v S – Our client faced allegations of two counts of Kidnapping, Blackmail, and Robbery. On the second day of his trial, we secured Not Guilty verdicts on all matters.

R v S – Our client faced two allegations of Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. After twelve months the Prosecution were persuaded to offer no evidence against our client. The two co-defendants (who were represented elsewhere) were both convicted.

R v B – Our client was accused of a large-scale Class B drugs production. We advised the defendant to plead guilty and they received just 8 months in custody.

Always on hand with expert legal advice

From our years of experience in criminal law, we know how important accessible and responsive legal support is. Whatever the time of day or your location, our team is on hand 24 hours a day to represent you at any and every stage, from the police station through to the highest courts within the legal system.

To contact our team outside of normal working hours, call us on: 

Don’t just take our word for it...

Having been awarded the highest possible ranking by The Legal 500, The Smith Partnership team is number one for criminal law in the East Midlands. It noted: 

The practitioners at Smith Partnership receive instructions on the full spectrum of criminal cases, including homicide, drug conspiracy and fraud. Andrew Oldroyd‘s workload features defending clients in motoring prosecutions. To complement their criminal practice, the team also has a dedicated Crown Court department led by Adrian Pearce whose portfolio is largely comprised of multi-defendant conspiracies. Justin Ablott is recommended, alongside Justine Dexter who regularly acts in the Magistrates’ Court. Another name to note is experienced litigator Vasanti Vaitha, who is well supported by Beth McGovern.

‘Taking the law and legal knowledge as a given, which is always excellent, they provide great client care and offer real service and access to their partners and senior members of the team.’

‘An exceptionally solid team of solicitors with a strong emphasis on client care. Each case is managed diligently and forcefully from cradle to grave.’

The Legal 500, 2026

We have also been appointed to the panel of solicitors empowered by the Legal Aid Agency to deal with very high cost cases, which is something very few firms have achieved.

Why Choose Smith Partnership?

With Smith Partnership in your corner, you can rest assured knowing that your case will have the best possible representation and defence. 

Our expert solicitors strongly believe that everyone has the right to legal representation, irrespective of the allegations you’re facing or your financial circumstances. For those eligible for legal aid, a member of our defence team will guide you through the application process. For those not eligible, we supply a fixed-fee quotation along with other payment options. 

As a firm, we pride ourselves in providing straight-talking advice that is practical and jargon-free, ensuring you are clear on your position and options at every stage. If at any point you are uncertain, our team will be more than happy to help.

I needed legal representation at crown court. After a friend’s recommendation, I approached Adrian Pearce. This was a very worrying and stressful period in my life, I was extremely thankful and appreciative of the successful outcome.

From my very first contact with Adrian Pearce he always kept me informed and treated me in a very professional but also friendly way, nothing was ever too much trouble.

I would highly recommend Adrian Pearce to anyone who requires legal representation.

- Client, Crime

Adrian Pearce has represented me, my family and friends for the last 10 years. Genuine and reliable chap that has provided an excellent service along with good advice. I would not hesitate to recommend Adrian and his team in the future.

- Client, Crime

Our criminal defence team comprises a wealth of experience. Our unrivalled reputation is enhanced by partner-led expertise across all offices, offering welcome input at every stage of proceedings.

We offer a 24 hour service to all our clients, which includes representation at the Police Station, Magistrates Court and Crown Court. 

We are very proud of our continued Tier 1 status afforded by the Legal 500, clearly reflective of our unwavering client care.

- Andrew Oldroyd, Partner & Head of Department

FAQs

TWOC stands for Taking Without the Owner's Consent. It covers the scenario where a person takes a vehicle, without the owner's permission, for his or her own use. The offence is often referred to as ‘joy-riding’ and is less commonly charged these days, presumably because vehicle security has improved. It carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment. A suspect could expect to be charged with theft of the vehicle, which has more serious sentencing consequences, if he or she intended to keep it. A passenger can also be charged if knowingly carried in a vehicle taken without consent.

No. If you are arrested, police can take your fingerprints without your consent.  

Yes. Following arrest, police are permitted to take a DNA sample (for example, from a hair root) without your permission.  

A warrant is an order, usually issued by a court or the police, authorising an arrest or a search of premises. It is commonly issued if a defendant fails to attend court.  

The police have the power to enter your premises to affect an arrest and, in doing so, to search the house for evidence relating to the investigation in question. Once under arrest and detained, the police can search the house, on the authority of an officer of at least an inspector's rank, for evidence relating to the current or other offences.

Generally up to 24 hours before charge. A superintendent can extend this to 36 hours, and a court can authorise further extensions up to a maximum of 96 hours before charge.

Police may release a suspect on bail (before or after charge) while enquiries continue or until a court date. Conditions can be imposed, such as living at a set address, avoiding certain people/places, or reporting to a police station. Breaching conditions, re-offending, interfering with witnesses, or failing to attend can lead to custody.