
Legal representation you can rely on
If you are facing charges which are to be heard in the Magistrates’ Court, it’s only natural to be feeling apprehensive. In some cases, the outcome can have a life-changing impact, so seeking legal representation you can rely on is key.
Whatever the circumstances or allegations may be, Smith Partnership believes that everyone has the right to the best possible legal representation. To find out how we can help you, contact us today.
How we can help you
Our team of expert criminal defence lawyers have extensive experience in representing defendants facing a wide range of prosecutions which have been brought by:
- The Crown Prosecution Service
- The Health & Safety Executive
- Trading Standards
- The Department of Work and Pensions
- The Environment Agency
- DEFRA
Drawing from many years of experience in defending cases in Magistrates’ Courts, our solicitors tailor a proactive and pragmatic approach to suit your individual situation and reach the best possible outcome.
What to expect
Criminal offences which reach local Magistrates’ Courts are heard by magistrates drawn from the local community or by a District Judge. Depending on the severity or complexity of the case, it will either remain with the magistrates or be referred to the Crown Court if more serious or complex.
To appear at a Magistrates’ Court hearing, you would either have been summonsed or charged by the police. In both instances, it is vital to seek expert legal representation straight away to ensure you get the most appropriate result.
Our team of advocates are highly trained in building robust cases for clients facing court proceedings. Whether you plead guilty or decide to defend your case, our team has the knowledge and expertise to support you every step of the way.
Accessible and approachable advice
Our service is built on the belief that everyone has the right to legal representation. We have developed an extensive Youth Court practice which enables us to offer expert legal support in youth cases.
With offices in Derby, Leicester, Burton Upon Trent, Swadlincote and Stoke on Trent, we also offer an accessible service, meaning we are on hand to help no matter which local court you are due to appear at. We will readily arrange to cover court hearings throughout the country, where feasible.
The experience we have in defending cases at the Magistrates’ Court has highlighted just how important swift and proactive action is. For this reason, we offer a 24 hour service which allows us to ensure your legal rights are protected at all times.
We also offer advice regarding legal aid eligibility. If eligible, we will support you through the application process but if not, we will provide an honest and transparent fixed-fee quotation, as well as explanations of all other available payment options. Whatever your financial circumstances, you will receive a consistently high level of service and expertise.
Why Choose Smith Partnership?
Our criminal law team’s expertise is backed by a top tier Legal 500 ranking. Not only does this showcase our experience, it demonstrates the dedication we have to this specialist sector of law.
Where matters become more serious or complex and your case is referred to the Crown Court, our team of Higher Court Advocates are well-equipped to continue supporting you with expert legal representation.
Smith Partnership’s legal services are underpinned by excellent client care by means of clear and practical advice. We understand how important it is to be fully aware of your position and options in Magistrates’ Court cases, which is why we make it a priority to ensure that anything we communicate to you is straightforward and jargon-free at all times.
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.