Criminal Law Solicitors in Leicester

In Leicester, being subject to a criminal investigation or prosecution is an incredibly daunting experience, with both your freedom and reputation at stake. It is crucial to secure legal representation that combines extensive expertise with an unwavering commitment to protecting your rights. 

Having a skilled legal team by your side can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in such situations, we are dedicated to providing robust and fearless defence, ensuring that your voice is heard and your interests are safeguarded at every step.

How we can help you

  • Funding – We offer a free, no-obligation telephone consultation to discuss your case. Our team can provide guidance on both publicly and privately funded legal representation for all stages of your matter
  • Police Stations – We provide free, independent legal representation and specialist advice during police station interviews, covering a wide range of offences and police powers
  • Magistrates and Crown Court – Our experienced team offers expert representation and guidance throughout your proceedings, regardless of the stage your case has reached
  • Youth Court – For individuals under 18, legal proceedings in the Youth Court and Crown Court differ significantly from adult cases. Our child-focused approach ensures collaboration with relevant agencies to achieve the best possible outcome
  • Private Prosecutions – Our specialists offer defence and expert advice in private prosecutions, including matters initiated by the Local Authority (e.g., school attendance), RSPCA, Taxi Licence Appeals, and Trading Standards

Meet Our Leicester Crime Team

Why Choose Smith Partnership?

At Smith Partnership in Leicester, our Criminal Law Team provide expert legal support in dealing with any relevant scenario. We are able to provide a multi-lingual service with lawyers fluent in Punjabi, Gujarati, Urdu, and Hindi. 

We are dedicated to ensuring clear communication and personalised guidance, making the legal process accessible and straightforward for clients from all backgrounds.

Contact our team today

To find out how our expert team of law solicitors can help you, contact us today on 0330 123 1229, send us an email via info@smithpartnership.co.uk or complete our contact form.

I had the honour of being represented by Vasanti regarding a case which I was innocent of in 2018, a very troubling time for me personally. Having a lawyer that I could confide in helped through my emotional trauma of being wrongfully charged. Being very approachable and understanding of my anxiety was priceless, I couldn’t have asked for a better representative and would highly recommend her.

- Client, Crime

Beth, I would also like to take this opportunity to say that I have been in the financial services sector for 36 years & have never had so quick & efficient service from a solicitor or practice, you are a credit to your company & profession. Thank you for being so efficient.

- Client, Crime

FAQs

No. On arrest, the police have the right to take your fingerprints and do not need your permission.

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.

A warrant is a document generally issued by the Court or the Police authorising an arrest or the searching of premises. A warrant is commonly issued where a defendant has failed to attend Court thereby authorising his or her arrest and placement before the first available Court. 

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.

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.

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.

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.