Serious Crime Defence Solicitors

Our specialist Serious Crime Solicitors have a proven track record of success when it comes to defending those accused of these offences.

Renowned across the industry for achieving consistently excellent results, we will provide you with exceptional legal representation, working diligently to build a strong and effective defence. Our Serious Crime team form an integral part of our Manchester Criminal Defence Solicitors team.

This may be an overwhelming and anxious time but we are here to offer our support and expertise and will treat you with the utmost respect and understanding at all times. We will work tirelessly on your behalf with a dedication that is second to none.

We are aware that a criminal conviction may have life-changing consequences. We have the knowledge and skills to help.  No matter how serious the offence, we are well equipped to defend your rights. We will guide you through each stage of the process and discuss your options, defence strategy and advise you on the possible outcomes.

For cost-effective, legal advice contact our criminal defence experts today.

Our considerable expertise in criminal defence has seen us shortlisted as finalists for Crime Team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards in both 2019 and 2020.

What is a serious crime?

Offences which belong to the serious crime category are those that are known as “indictable only” offences. This means that, unlike other offences, these can only be heard in the Crown Court. They cannot be processed by the Magistrates Court.

The first hearing of these cases takes place in the Magistrates Court, but you will simply be sent to the Crown Court unless some specific exceptional circumstances apply to your case.

If you plead “not guilty”, your case will be heard by the Court, in front of a judge and jury. Unless the defendant pleads guilty, all serious crime cases must undergo a trial in the Crown Court.

The consequences of being found guilty of a serious crime can be very severe, so it is important to have the legal representation of expert Serious Crime Solicitors at every step of the way, from police station representation to the trial.

Serious Crimes and their penalties

Serious crimes tend to incur more severe penalties than other crimes including significant custodial sentences and large fines. It is imperative that, if you are facing such an allegation, you seek immediate legal advice.

Examples of serious crimes include:

Drugs Offences

Drugs offences including supply, production, importation and exportation are taken extremely seriously and often result in significant custodial sentences. The maximum sentence, for example, for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply is life imprisonment.

Serious Fraud

Serious Fraud Convictions generally involve large custodial sentences and may also involve the freezing of assets belonging to the accused, or confiscation orders being issued as part of the legislative process laid out by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This act allows enforcement agencies to recover money accumulated as a result of the crime.

Serious Fraud cases are usually investigated by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), but other agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) or even counter-terrorism teams could be involved. SFO investigations are extremely robust and thorough. Investigations (and court cases for that matter) can endure for prolonged periods of time.

This is often due to the complex nature of the fraud committed which may include transfers and movements of large amounts of monies (often cross border), hence Fraud investigations can be particularly sophisticated.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking offences are covered by the Modern Slavery Act (2015) and can result in lengthy custodial sentences, including life imprisonment along with large financial penalties.

Manslaughter and Murder

Causing the death of another person carries serious consequences including lengthy prison sentences, with the sentence for murder being life imprisonment. Our Serious Crime Solicitors have years of experience in the defence of murder and manslaughter cases, and can help you reach the best possible outcome.

Robbery

This is a serious crime. A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.  It includes everything from street robbery/mugging to business and commercial robbery. The maximum penalty for robbery is life imprisonment, so getting the support of expert robbery solicitors is crucial.

Assault and Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

Most serious assault offences are committed contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act (1861) and can carry severe penalties, the maximum of which is life imprisonment. Depending on the severity of the assault it can be dealt with either in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court.

Sexual Offences

The term sexual offence encompasses many crimes including sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, grooming and exploitation. Offences of this nature are taken extremely seriously by the police and the courts and may attract significant sentences of imprisonment including life in prison.

Speak  to one of our Sexual Offence Solicitors if you are facing allegations of current or historical sex crimes

Terrorism Offences

This is a complex and ever-changing area of law and includes a wide range of offences including the promoting, funding and preparation of terrorist acts, training for acts of terrorism, the making or possession of devices or materials and making terrorist threats all of which can attract lengthy custodial sentences.

How can our Serious Crime Solicitors help?

If you have been accused of or are under investigation for a serious crime, we urge you to contact us without delay. We are here to secure you the best possible outcome and have the expertise and specialism necessary to build an effective and robust defence on your behalf.

We possess an attention to detail that ensures that we gather all the necessary evidence and documentation to support your case.

We will provide you with tailored advice based on your individual circumstances. We take a straight-forward, jargon-free approach and will provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of your situation.

We can represent you at all stages of the proceedings including:

• Police station attendance and investigations
• Securing bail on your behalf
• Thorough preparation of your defence for trial at Court
• Providing you with first-class representation in both the Magistrates and Crown Court
• Helping with the appeals process where necessary

We take great pride in working towards a successful conclusion for all our clients and will do everything in our power to achieve the very best result.

Funding your Criminal Defence

At Clifford Johnston & Co., we’re committed to ensuring that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of quality legal assistance. Whether you’re considering publicly or privately funded legal defence, we’re here to provide exceptional support.

You may qualify for legal aid, and we’re ready to assist you in assessing your eligibility and guiding you through the application process, allowing you to focus on building a strong defence.

Contact the Serious Crime Defence team today

If you have been accused of a serious crime offence, you cannot afford to cut corner on your defence. Having the support of Serious Crime Solicitors with years of experience in and out of the Crown Court will make the difference for your case, and get you the best possible outcome in such a stressful situation.

By choosing to work with Clifford Johnston & Co. you will have an exceptional team fighting your corner.

We have offices across Stockport and Manchester, and regularly support individuals in serious crime defence cases across the UK.

For affordable and cost-effective legal advice contact our Criminal Solicitors in Manchester or our Serious Crime Lawyers in Stockport today.