Crown Court

Only the most serious offences are dealt with in the Crown Court and often the stakes are very high. 

It is hugely important that you instruct a Criminal Defence Solicitor in which you trust and can have confidence.

We have successfully represented client’s all over the UK for the most serious criminal offences including:-

• Murder and Conspiracy to Murder
• Conspiracy to Supply/Import Controlled Drugs
• Firearms offences including manufacture and supply
• Violent Disorder
• Death by Dangerous/Careless Driving
• Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent – Section 18
• White Collar Fraud – Including Conspiracy to Defraud
• Serious Sexual Offences

We pride ourselves on the professional preparation of your case. We work closely with, and instruct, the most appropriate Barristers (Counsel) on your behalf to ensure that you are properly represented. 

Contact us now to discuss representation.

Crown Court questions:

Will my case be dealt with at the Crown Court?

Some offences such as Conspiracies, Robbery and Murder can only be dealt with by the Crown Court. 

Other offences for example theft, assault and drug supply may be dealt with by the Crown Court. This will depend on the available sentencing powers for your offence and whether the Magistrates decide that your case is too serious to be dealt with by the Magistrates Court.

The Magistrates will refer the sentencing guidelines to determine this. Our team will go through these guidelines with you to advise you as to the likely Court in which the case will be dealt. We can play an instrumental part in persuading the Court as to how the case could be dealt with.

In some scenarios the Magistrates may decide that your case can be dealt with in the Magistrates Court but we may believe that it is in your interest to choose to have a trial before a Jury in the Crown Court and advise you to elect Crown Court trial. This very much depends on the facts of your case.

What does my solicitor do in the Crown Court?

As your instructed solicitor in the Crown Court we will go through all the evidence with you and advise you as to the evidence and the law. 

We will prepare your case, listen to what you have to say and advise you as to your plea. We will contact witnesses and instruct experts on your behalf, if we feel your case warrants expert evidence. 

It is often said the role of the solicitor is to alleviate the clients concerns and fears during their case. Here at Chris Stevenson Solicitors we pride ourselves in our ability to advise you clearly and supportively. 

We will either undertake the advocacy in the Crown Court ourselves, or instruct a Barrister on your behalf. We have strong links with Barrister’s chambers both locally and further afield. 

We pride ourselves on instructing the right advocate for the individual. We have instructed some of the most prominent barristers in the country, as we have dealt with cases that have attracted local and national media attention. 

Ultimately we will do all that we can to achieve the best possible outcome for you in your case. 

Representation at the Crown Court?

At the Crown Court you will be represented either by a Barrister or a Solicitor Advocate. Here at Chris Stevenson Solicitors we pride ourselves on our advocacy and have strong links with Barrister’s Chambers.

This helps us instruct the right Barrister for your case.

Will I have to pay for my representation at the Crown Court?

In all cases we will discuss with you whether you are eligible for Legal Aid.

All cases that are dealt with in the Crown Court will meet the interest of justice criteria which the Legal Aid Agency apply in deciding whether or not Legal Aid should be granted to you. 

Legal Aid in the Crown Court is means tested and you may have to pay a contribution towards your Legal Aid in the Crown Court. Your legal aid costs may also be recoverable based on your financial assets. 

We have represented many clients that have instructed us on a private client basis as legal was either unavailable or not right for them.

Contact us immediately to discuss representation.

What happens if I do not quality for Legal Aid? 

If you do not qualify for Legal Aid, we will be happy to represent you on a private client basis.

We will assess your case and discuss your fees from the outset. Chris Stevenson Solicitors have been instructed on numerous privately paid criminal defence cases and deliver a high quality service.