The City Solicitors
National Legal Aid Service
Serious Crime
Criminal Defence
Legal aid Solicitors
Magistrates Court
Our specialist Magistrates Court Team has vast experience in the full range of cases heard in magistrates’ courts. We will guide you through the process, advising you on your options and providing you with the best representation at court. We will advise you on whether or not you have a defence to the charges you face, and obtain details of the prosecution case in advance of your first appearance at court.
The firm has successfully defended clients across the full array of criminal law matters, including offences such as:
• road traffic offences
• domestic violence
• theft/handling stolen goods
• fraud
• public order offices
• harassment
• assaults
• drugs offences
• anti social behaviour orders (ASBOs) • dangerous dogs
• breach of court orders
• possession of weapons
• criminal damage
• drunk and disorderly
• taxi touting
• taking a vehicle without consent (TWOC)
Extradition
Our criminal defence solicitors are highly experienced in defending individuals who are facing extradition.
Extradition requests can be made by overseas states for those accused or convicted of relatively minor offences as well as serious allegations. Extradition requests for those wanted overseas can also be made by the UK.
We are able to help with the following aspects of extradition:
Advising prior to potential extradition proceedings being instigated with regards to Interpol Red Notice challenges or diffusions, and representations to the Secretary of State
Coordinating with our Immigration, Asylum and Nationality team where appropriate, especially if an anticipated extradition request is politically motivated
Advising before arrest regarding voluntary surrender, representations to the police, and preparing the strongest bail package
Challenging the extradition request in court, instructing expert specialist counsel to assist
Providing up to date advice on fast moving legal developments in this area.
Utilising our large database and access to lawyers overseas and experts to obtain expert reports to challenge the request
Coordinating with overseas lawyers to facilitate a compromise of the extradition request, where appropriate
Representing appellants in appeals up to the Supreme Court and representations to the Secretary of State and ECHR
We understand that being the subject of an extradition request can be a devastating experience for an individual and their family. Our team of lawyers will be there to provide specialist advice throughout the entirety of the process.
Our Services
Police Station
What happens at the police station is often more important than what occurs in the courtroom in terms of determining the outcome of a case. Most cases are won or lost at the police station. Confessions, sometimes false, are obtained from suspects, evidence is gathered, deals are done, and decisions are made which will inevitably influence the course of subsequent events. Accordingly it is vital to instruct an experienced lawyer from the outset.
Anyone detained at a police station is entitled to be represented by a solicitor of their choice. If you, a friend or a relative is being detained at a police station then please do not hesitate to contact us urgently so that we can assist. Sometimes the police will tell you to use the duty solicitor which may mean that you may not get the best representation. Remember that you should insist on using the solicitor of your choice.
Legal advice at the police station is free of charge to any person who has been arrested or is being interviewed by the police as a volunteer. You are not obliged to say anything to the police and we advise all clients to maintain their right to silence until they speak with us.
Appeal
A wrongful conviction or lengthy prison sentence can be crushing, bringing your life to a complete halt. Overturning a conviction or reducing a sentence requires enduring legal assistance. The City Solicitors is one of very law firms that can guide you through the appeals process to help clear a conviction or secure a reduced sentence.
For proven, dedicated legal representation to appeal a conviction or sentence, get in touch with our nationally renowned Criminal Defence Team now.
Putting together a solid appeals case requires a law firm that will give it the time and dedication it deserves. The City Solicitors fights to win, doing everything we can to present your appeal against a conviction or sentence as professionally as possible. We leave no stone unturned to give your appeal every opportunity for success.
We can help with:
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Establishing your right to appeal
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Appeals in the Magistrates’ Court
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Appeals in the Crown Court
Our specialist appeal team have extensive experience in providing secondary advice on appeal following conviction and sentence in the Crown Court.
We deal with both privately funded and legally aided clients. We handle all types of criminal cases on appeal, including:
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Murder/Manslaughter
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Violent Offences
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Drug offences
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Theft
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Burglary
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Rape and sex offences
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Robbery
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Fraud
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Blackmail
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False imprisonment
There is no automatic right to an appeal against a conviction or sentence from the Crown Court, permission to appeal will need to be granted by the Court of Appeal before they hear your case. The law in this area is complex and any potential appellant will require specialist advice if they are to give themselves the best chance of success.
Our appeal department deals solely in advising clients who want to appeal but have either been told that they don't have grounds to appeal by their original solicitors or barrister or have been given no advice at all.
We will work closely with you to ensure that all of your grievances with the safety of your conviction and/or the length of your sentence are fully addressed by an independent barrister with experience in appealing cases in which they were not instructed in the Crown Court.
Crown Court
The City Solicitors have extensive experience in representing clients facing trials for serious offences at Crown Court – and can advise at any stage of a charge, from a preliminary hearing at a Magistrates’ Court to Crown Court appearance and Appeal Court hearing.
The City Solicitors represents clients nationwide and can advise on a wide range of indictable offences, including:
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Computer crime/online crime
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Drugs offences (supply, manufacture of Class A or Class B drugs)
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Financial crime (white collar crime, Ponzi/Pyramid schemes)
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Fraud (serious fraud, boiler room scams, conspiracy to defraud)
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Gang crime (trafficking, drugs offences, violent crime)
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Organised crime (carousel fraud, MTIC fraud)
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Perverting the course of justice
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Public order offences (affray, violent disorder)
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Robbery and theft (robbery with violence, major robberies/heists)
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Sexual offences (rape, serious sexual assault, child sex exploitation)
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Terrorism offences (conspiracy to commit terrorism, member of a banned organisation, acts of terrorism)
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Violent crime (murder, manslaughter, threatening to commit murder or manslaughter, domestic violence on children, ABH/GBH).
Crown court representation involves preparing a compelling defence using complex evidence – and The City Solicitors lawyers offer robust criminal defence services and provide clients with first-class representation at Crown Courts, including advising on bail, remand and prisoners’ rights in custody.
The City Solicitors believes in offering clients facing charges for serious crimes a comprehensive service, including thorough preparation of a case by criminal defence lawyers with a solid background in Crown Court representation – including briefing clients on the Plea and Case Management Hearing (PCMH) and plea bargaining.
Confiscation
POCA – Cash Seizure Recovery/Appeal
If a prosecuting authority suspects that cash discovered is to be used for unlawful purposes or is the result of criminal activity, the cash can be seized pending an investigation and a possible application for forfeiture.
To secure the return of your cash, it must be proven that the cash is not going to be used for criminal purposes, and that it was not obtained through criminal conduct.
If your cash has been seized, our lawyers can be appointed to advance an application to the Court for your money to be returned.
Criminal Defence Solicitors in London
Have you been accused of an offence? Were you arrested and held in a police station for questioning? Have you been requested to attend a voluntary interview with the police? Are you facing criminal charges? Or do you simply have a concern about a possible offence? We are here to assist you.
Our criminal defence lawyers are astute, supportive and highly sophisticated, particularly known for their skills in providing strategic, sensible and practical criminal law advice, in case preparation and Court.
