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 have often needed legal assistance and I’ve always used Adrian Pearce. He has always given me very good legal advice and represented me on several occasions. Adrian has always been easy to get hold of day or night and always follows up after the event to check everything is OK. I always pass his number on to my friends and would recommend his services to anyone.

- Client, Crime

I've used Adrian on a number of occasions with a 100% success rate, I no longer consider Adrian as my solicitor but more as a friend.

Adrian has spared me wasted time on many occasions, I personally would recommend him at the highest level. Straight talking and one of us. 

- 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

Actual Bodily Harm relates to injuries more than ‘trifling’ but not the most serious, e.g., injuries needing stitches or a minor procedure. The maximum prison sentence is 5 years.

Grievous Bodily Harm covers really serious injuries (e.g., permanent disability or broken limbs). The maximum sentence is 5 years, but if GBH is intentional, it can carry life imprisonment.

Assaults can be dealt with in a number of ways and are categorised as follows, in ascending order of seriousness:

  • Common Assault
  • Assault resulting in Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
  • Assault resulting in Grievous Bodily Harm or Wounding (GBH)
  • Assault resulting in Grievous Bodily Harm or Wounding with intent to do so

Whilst the court can impose a prison sentence for all such offences, the likelihood and length will depend on the level of charge and any aggravating features such as:

  • Previous convictions, particularly for similar offences
  • Vulnerable victim e.g. elderly or infirm
  • Group attack
  • Weapon used

Yes, if you are convicted. Murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

It depends on the facts. Custody is likelier where there are aggravating factors (e.g. high-value property, relevant previous convictions, vulnerable victim, breach of trust, planning, or professional hallmarks). Even if custody is imposed, it can sometimes be suspended with requirements such as unpaid work or a curfew.

Officers often seize devices to examine them for potential evidence. Get in touch with us promptly so we can advise on whether the seizure was lawful and what to expect next. 

Speak to us immediately. We will obtain the case papers, advise you on law and procedure, prepare your defence thoroughly, and present your case in court.