Court Proceedings | Howells Solicitors
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Court Proceedings

Court Proceedings

From advice during an arrest to representing you in court proceedings, everyone has the right to a defence. We are here to help guide you through the process, give clear advice and where necessary, prepare a case on your behalf. We will listen to your side of the story and advise you whether you have a valid defence whilst being a supportive, patient, non-judgemental advisor throughout.

Speak to our team today

How we can help

If you are faced with prosecution and have to appear in court we can help with your case. Our expert team of 19 experienced solicitors cover all areas of criminal law and can represent you on any case, ranging from simple road traffic offences to applications for extraditions as well as the most serious of crimes such as murder, large scale frauds and complex criminal conspiracies.

We are one of a limited number of solicitors who are authorised to represent clients under the Legal Aid scheme where the case has been adopted by the Complex Crime Unit. Typically these are large scale fraud, money laundering or drugs related cases.

We can help when you attend:

Crown Court Proceedings

Magistrates Court Proceedings

We can assist with:

  • Providing advice on the evidence of your case
  • Guiding you through the prosecution process
  • Advising you on whether or not you have a defence to the charges against you and the chances of obtaining a favourable result
  • Obtaining details of the prosecution’s case in advance of your appearance in court
  • Preparing a case on your behalf, including seeing witnesses
  • Representation in court
  • Making legal submissions to the judge and presenting your defence in the best possible light
  • Negotiating charges to be withdrawn
  • Applying for Legal Aid where it is available

However you plead, we can help.

If you plead not guilty, we can help with:

  • Representing you in court
  • Obtaining details of the prosecution’s case in advance of your appearance in court proceedings
  • Taking your instructions and preparing a case on your behalf, including seeing witnesses
  • Advising your witnesses on the rules of being a witness and prepare them for what to expect in court
  • Cross examination of the prosecution witnesses
  • If necessary, instructing experts to challenge the evidence against you
  • Making legal submissions to the court and presenting your defence in the best possible light

If you plead guilty, we can help with:

  • Representing you during court proceedings
  • Achieving the most lenient outcome possible
  • Obtaining details of the prosecution’s case in advance of your appearance in court
  • Taking your instructions and prepare a case on your behalf
  • Advising you on sentencing guidelines
  • Presenting your mitigation to the court
  • Presenting character evidence to the court
  • Advising and helping you to plan and be prepared for the sentencing day
  • Advising on sentence and whether there are any grounds for appeal

If your case is sent to the Crown Court our highly specialised Crown Court team will take you through every step of the case, discussing the evidence, advising you and explaining the process and ensuring that you get the best representation possible.

We can also help with:

  • Appeals to the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights
  • Confiscation, seizure and proceeds of crime
  • Applications for extradition
  • Complex fraud allegations
  • Police complaints
Costs

We will provide clear guidance on costs at the outset of the case and examine funding options such as Legal Aid to ensure the quality advice you need is accessible and affordable.

Find out more about Legal Aid

Our Criminal Defence specialists can support with:

Criminal Defence Articles

Criminal Defence
30 years at Howells for Criminal Defence Partner

16 Sep , 2021

Howells Solicitors

This week has seen a milestone for Partner and Criminal Defence Solicitor Mary Rose Macadam as she celebrates her 30th Anniversary of working at Howells. With such a fantastic achievement, Mary Rose Macadam explains what she enjoys most about working...
Criminal Defence
Do I need a Solicitor for a Voluntary Interview?

02 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I have been asked to attend a Police station for a voluntary interview. I feel having a Solicitor will make me seem guilty when I’m not. What would you suggest?” (more…)
Criminal Defence
Do i need a Duty Solicitor if I’m being questioned by the Police?

28 Aug , 2020

Howells Solicitors

Criminal Defence Solicitor, Helen Toyne, advises on what you should do if you find yourself in the situation where you're questioned by the Police and why you need a Duty Solicitor, in our blog post. Scary thought, but you might...
Criminal Defence
TV Cameras Now Allowed in Crown Court

16 Jan , 2020

Howells Solicitors

For the first time in England and Wales, a new legislation has been laid before parliament which will allow judges’ sentencing remarks to be broadcast on TV, online and on radio. Judges passing sentence’s in murder, sexual offences, terrorism and...
Criminal Defence
Know your rights!

16 Jan , 2018

Howells Solicitors

An informal survey of Magistrates Court cases in South Yorkshire found that as many as 70% of police interviews now take place without a solicitor. Pressure on police workloads means that suspects are often interviewed on a voluntary basis without...
Criminal Defence
Helen White joins Women in Criminal Law

17 Nov , 2017

Howells Solicitors

Howells are proud to say Helen White has joined as a founder member of the inspiring ‘Women in Criminal Law’ group. (more…)

The Court Proceedings team

Our expert criminal defence team is a highly experienced, successful and resourceful unit, focused on getting the best possible outcome for its clients. They are consistently rated highly in the prestigious Chambers Guide to the Law and Legal 500;

Chambers 2022
The prestigious Chambers Guide ranks Howells Criminal department as a top tier firm in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

Legal 500 2022

The independent guide to the Legal profession; The Legal 500, ranks Howells Criminal department as a top tier in Yorkshire and Humber in the latest 2022 guide.

The Legal 500 2018 edition said “Howells’ ‘very approachable and helpful’ criminal department has capabilities to handle a range of complex matters, with particular experience in public order law, judicial review, advising youth offenders, and cases with a civil liberties, human rights or mental health considerations.”

(The team) “also includes the ‘patient and supportive and extremely knowledgeable’ Chris Wong. Wong is recommended for defending clients facing extradition. Rotherham-based Mary Rose Macadam has particular expertise in prison law, parole board work, youth court representations and cases including a mental health element.”

Chris Wong

0114 249 6650
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Mary Rose Macadam

0114 249 6657
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Alex Nolan

0114 249 6651
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Ann Ridge

01226 805 190
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Dianne Plummer

0114 249 6629
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Gus Kennedy

01226 805 190
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Jade Agheda-Todd

0114 249 6610
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Kathryn Lill

01226 805 190
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Sarah Parkin

0114 249 6718
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