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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 ABH?
ABH stands for Actual Bodily Harm which reflects the injuries which are sustained as a result of this level of assault. Whilst relatively minor injuries could be classed as ABH, current charging guidance suggests that such injuries would be charged as the lesser offence of Common Assault. ABH will be charged if the injuries are deemed serious. In practice, this may be the case if injuries require a number of stitches or a hospital procedure under anaesthetic. The maximum prison sentence for an assault resulting in ABH is five years.
What is GBH?
GBH stands for Grievous Bodily Harm which reflects the injuries which are sustained as a result of this level of assault. It reflects really serious injuries such as those resulting in permanent disability or broken limbs. The maximum prison sentence for an assault resulting in GBH is five years. If, however, the GBH is caused intentionally, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment applies.
Will I go to prison if I have hit someone?
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
Will I go to prison for murder?
Yes, if you are convicted. Murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
Will I go to prison for theft?
Theft can be dealt with in a number of ways. The penalty imposed at court, if you plead guilty or are convicted, will depend upon numerous factors. A prison sentence is more likely if there are aggravating features such as:
- Property of high value taken
- Previous convictions, particularly if these are for similar offences
- Vulnerable victim e.g. the elderly or infirm
- Breach of trust e.g. theft from your employer
- Pre-planning
- Hallmarks of a professional thief
If the court decides that a custodial sentence is appropriate, they have the power to suspend the sentence if they feel it is just to do so. This means that the sentencewould not have to be served if you keep out of trouble for a fixed period of time and comply with any requirements (e.g. unpaid work; curfew) imposed.
The police have taken my phone and computer and I don't know why?
The police will often seize such electronic equipment to examine its contents as potential evidence to assist with their enquiries. Please make immediate contact with a member of our team to advise whether the seizure is lawful.
I believe I am innocent, how can I prove it?
As highly experienced defence lawyers, we are committed to ensuring that justice is done. If you face criminal charges, please make immediate contact with a member of our team. We will be able to obtain details of the evidence against you, advise you on the law and procedure, fully prepare your defence and present your case at court.
