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Our specialist criminal law team is made up of fully accredited duty solicitors who are backed by a tier 1 Legal 500 ranking and years of expertise in handling all types of criminal cases. The team includes:
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.
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:
- Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire - 07531 555566
- Derby - 01332 225 300
- Leicester - 07703 262740
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:
Andrew Oldroyd heads the criminal defence practice at Smith Partnership with the assistance of Kevin McGrath, who leads the corporate crime and fraud unit. Noted for its ‘great experience, technical ability and commitment‘ the firm takes on defence cases relating to homicide, drug conspiracies, sexual assault, motoring offences and prosecutions by various regulatory bodies. Other key contacts are David Cusack and Crown Court litigators, Vasanti Vaitha and Beth McGovern.
The combination of friendliness and professionalism – they are very approachable and do not give the impression of “judging” clients. They have a strong work ethic and far better respected than other firms in the local area with a high volume of Higher Court Advocates.
Very strong criminal team, with great experience, technical ability and commitment.
Huge presence in The Midlands for crime. Andrew Oldroyd partner takes the case on as though each client is a family member.
The Legal 500, 2023
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.
FAQs
What is TWOC?
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.
Can I refuse to give my fingerprints?
No. On arrest, the police have the right to take your fingerprints and do not need your permission.
Can the police take my DNA?
Yes. On arrest, the police have the right to take your DNA and do not need your permission. The sample may, for example, be from a hair root.
What is a warrant?
A warrant is a document issued by a legal or governmental official authorising another body, usually the police, to make an arrest, search premises or carry out some other function relating to the administration of justice.
Can the police search my house?
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.
How long can I be in police custody?
A suspect can generally be held for no longer than 24 hours in police custody prior to charge. The police should ensure that all detainees are processed as quickly as possible. Where it is deemed appropriate by an officer of at least a superintendent's rank, this period can be extended to a total of 36 hours. Whilst further extensions prior to charge can be allowed up to a maximum period of 96 hours, this has to be authorised by the court.
What is bail?
Where the police arrest a suspect, but wish to release him or her whilst the case continues, they can release him/her on bail. This can be before charge, whilst further enquiries are made, or after charge. If charged, the police must decide whether bail to a court date is appropriate. If not, the police must place the defendant before the first available court where the magistrates must decide whether to grant bail or remand in custody. Bail can be with or without conditions. Conditions can include residing at a fixed address, keeping away from witnesses and defined locations or regularly reporting to a local police station. Breaching conditions, re-offending, interfering with witnesses or failing to answer bail can result in a remand in custody until the case concludes.
