What we offer
Client care is of paramount importance to us.
We offer a flexible service tailored to individual needs, whether you are summonsed or charged, including “out of hours” and remote appointments, which are available on request.
We provide an “out of hours” emergency service, if you or someone you know is arrested.
What we can do
We act in all areas of criminal defence, including for mentally ill and vulnerable defendants.
We represent people in the police station, the Magistrates Courts, Youth Courts, Crown Courts and Higher Courts.
We are experts in acting for students and young people and particularly those arrested for public order offences, political protest and activism.
We regularly instruct experts to assist the defence case and use barristers from leading London chambers.
Protest Cases and Activism
All our solicitors have extensive experience in public order and protest-related work.
We have defended numerous anti-war and arms trade campaigners, animal rights activists, environmentalists, squatters, student activists and anti-fascist protestors.
Lydia Dagostino acted for all defendants in a high profile criminal conspiracy. The nine defendants were accused of causing thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage at an arms manufacturers, during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.
All bar one of the defendants were found “not guilty”, after successfully arguing that they had legal justification for their actions.
In 2013/2014, we acted for dozens of people arrested at the Anti-Fracking protests in Balcombe. The majority of those arrested were acquitted or had their cases discontinued, including Caroline Lucas MP.
Lydia Dagostino is the co-ordinator for the Non-Police, Non-State Core Participants’ legal teams in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
Violent Crime
We have extensive experience in violent crime including murder, torture, robbery and serious assaults. We understand and appreciate how even a minor allegation of assault can have drastic consequences on people’s lives. We have extensive experience in violent crime including murder, torture, robbery and serious assaults.
Internet Crime
We are experienced in all types of internet crime, including large scale computer hacking, identity theft, fraud and offences surrounding indecent images (see also Sex Offences).
Fraud and Theft
We act in all types of fraud (white and blue collar) and theft related offences. In the past we have acted, for example, in mortgage fraud cases, a large scale competition fraud, benefit-related fraud and employee theft.
We act in all linked proceedings for forfeiture and confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Drugs
We act for defendants arrested in large scale drug conspiracies, all levels of supply, possession, cultivation and “test purchase cases”.
We have acted in importation cases and in defence work involving mules. We are experienced in all linked proceedings for forfeiture and confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Driving Offences
We understand the dramatic effect that the loss of a person’s driving licence can have on their lives and livelihood. We are experienced in this complex area of law and have, in the past, acted in defending cases where we have successfully argued both ‘Special Reasons’ and ‘Exceptional Hardship’.
We have acted in a number of cases where serious accidents have occurred and have instructed experts to analyse the accident scene to establish fault. Some cases attract legal aid.
Our Fees
Guilty Plea/Straightforward Hearing: £400 + VAT
Exceptional Hardship Hearing : £500 + VAT
(One appearance)
Other/more complicated matters:
£220.00 per hour + VAT (Senior Solicitor)
£200.00 per hour + VAT (Solicitor)
£150.00 per hour + VAT (Other)
Sex Offences
We are experienced in acting in a broad range of sex offences including the most serious rape, sexual assaults, historic sexual allegations, indecent images, underage sex and all related offences and sanctions.
We understand the consequences that arrest, charge and trial can have on a person’s life as well as the implications of how even a conviction for the most minor offence can result in details having to be entered on to the Sex Offenders Register.
Professionals in Trouble
We have extensive experience in acting for a range of professionals facing criminal proceedings from all walks of life. In the past we have acted for journalists, solicitors, teachers, medical professionals, charity and youth workers, accountants, company directors and taxi drivers.
We understand how a criminal record can damage and destroy employment prospects and livelihoods.
Young People
We are experienced in acting for all young people in the police station, Youth Court and Magistrates Courts.
We are sensitive to the needs of young people as they go through the criminal justice system. We understand how overwhelming the process can be for young people.
We have acted for school students arrested at protests and for children as young as 11 years old
