Criminal Law Solicitors

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: 

At Smith Partnership, the team is based in Derby and is led by Andrew Oldroyd, who has experience advising clients on a range of criminal cases, with particular specialism in motoring prosecutions and in youth defence work. The team houses a dedicated Crown Court department which regularly assist clients with serious criminal cases, led by Adrian Pearce, a skilled expert in complex, multi-defendant conspiracy work. Other key members of the team include Vasanti Vaitha, who also advises on Crown Court matters.

'The team is experienced and approachable and has achieved a reputation for quality client relations. Andrew Oldroyd of Smith Partnership, Derby was excellent with his empathy, understanding, preparation, and advice. The whole episode was as smooth and as transparent as it could have been, and there were no unexpected surprises from our side. I feel very lucky to have been handed the minimum sentence, which is of course down to Andrew’s attention to detail and preparation.'

The Legal 500, 2027

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.

Very happy with the outcome regarding my case. Contact was maintained very very well all throughout the process. Great firm and would highly recommend Adrian pearce.

- Client, Crime - Trust Pilot

I was nervous about court but luckily all went as Adrian predicted. I very much enjoyed meeting you and appreciate all your help. Many thanks.

- 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

If you are arrested by the Police, whether you are innocent or not, it is essential that you obtain the services of a Solicitor whilst detained. We offer a 24 hour/365 days a year service to ensure we are available to attend upon you at short notice. You simply need to tell the Custody Sergeant that you require the services of Smith Partnership. 

The investigation and interview stage of any offence is extremely important and can have a significant impact on later court proceedings, especially trials. So do not decline the services of a Solicitor because you think it will get you out of the Police Station quicker - in most cases it will in fact have the opposite effect!