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help General Crime

Representation

We have years of experience representing the innocent. We stand up to the prosecution who will always be represented by an experienced Solicitor or Barrister. We know how to fight and win cases and can help you in a number of different circumstances if you need legal representation.

Our experienced Crime Solicitors regularly represent a wide range of clients at police stations and in court. We’re here to help you. 

HJA Chambers firm logo 2025Our Crime team have been ranked in the Chambers & Partners 2025 legal directory. The team was praised for being “committed to their clients and delivering an excellent service.

Legal 500 UK - Top Tier Firm-2025

Hodge Jones & Allen importantly present a human face to its clients at what is a very frightening time in their clients’ lives. The team members have a strong knowledge of their area, but if they need clarification they will seek it rather than bluff. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork, with strength in depth.” – Legal 500, 2025

 

we can help.

0330 822 3451

request a call back.

    Where Can We Represent You?

    At The Police Station

    You are always entitled to free legal advice and representation if the police are going to interview under caution, or you have been arrested.

    At The Magistrate’s Court

    Our crime solicitors regularly represent clients in the Magistrates’ Court which deals with the vast majority of criminal cases. All cases will start with a Magistrate and a large majority will be concluded in this court.

    There are certain offences that can only be dealt with by a lay magistrate or a district judge and these are known as ‘summary only’ cases. These include most motoring offences.

    At The Crown Court

    The Crown Court will deal with more serious offences for example robbery, murder, serious assaults and rape. All Crown Court cases will start in the Magistrate’s Court.

    "VERY POLITE, PROFESSIONAL AND EXCELLENT ADVICE AND SERVICE. MADE ME FULLY AWARE OF MY LEGAL RIGHTS AND HOW TO CONDUCT MYSELF IN THE INTERVIEW."

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    Legal Aid

    To gain free representation, we will need to make an application to the Legal Aid Agency, which include two tests:

    Interests Of Justice Test

    With this test the LAA will take into account a number of factors, for example the seriousness of the allegation or if a complicated point of law is involved. Our experienced Lawyers can usually tell you straight away whether your case is likely to pass this test.

    Legal aid is rarely granted for motoring cases but there are exceptions. Call our team for further advice.

    Financial Means Test

    The LAA will also assess your income and expenditure to see whether you are eligible. We can carry out this assessment for you.

    Private Representation

    Don’t worry if you’re not entitled to legal aid – one of our Solicitors will represent you privately. Call our Solicitors and we will agree a fee with you. They are reasonable and we will agree with you, in advance. We promise there are no hidden extras.

    Under 18s

    You will not have to pay towards costs if you are under 18 when you make your application or, if you are receiving benefits – income-based jobseekers allowance, income support and other allowances.

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    Why Choose Hodge Jones & Allen?

    We have years of experience in supporting people like you in a range of different circumstances.

    Our expert Lawyers have the knowledge to help you every step of the way when it comes to defending an alleged criminal offence. We know what to do to win cases and can help you to rebuild your life.

    Call our specialist crime team now on
    0330 822 3451
    or request a call back.

     

    Our crime solicitors are available 24/7. If you need to contact them urgently outside of the normal working hours, please call 0808 274 8226 instead.

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    Meet Our Team Of Legal Experts
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    Raj Chada
    Partner
    Ruth Harris
    Ruth Harris
    Partner
    Caroline Liggins
    Caroline Liggins
    Partner
    Chloe Hartnell
    Chloe Hartnell
    Partner
    Darrell Ennis-Gayle
    Darrell Ennis-Gayle
    Partner
    Graeme Hydari
    Graeme Hydari
    Partner
    Jessica Davis
    Partner
    Kerry Spence
    Kerry Spence
    Partner
    Laura O'Brien
    Laura O’Brien
    Partner
    Mike Schwarz
    Mike Schwarz
    Partner
    Sean Caulfield
    Sean Caulfield
    Partner
    Ailsa McNeil
    Ailsa McNeil
    Solicitor
    Amy Coulter
    Amy Coulter
    Solicitor
    Aneka Thirurajah
    Aneka Thirurajah
    Senior Associate
    Anna Williams
    Anna Williams
    Paralegal
    Ben Follows
    Ben Follows
    Paralegal
    Bethany Gerrard
    Bethany Gerrard
    Trainee
    Casey Jenkins
    Senior Associate
    Earnestina Rajaratnam
    Earnestina Rajaratnam
    Paralegal
    Eliza Bell
    Trainee
    Elizabeth Andrewartha
    Solicitor
    Ella Ferriter
    Paralegal
    Emily McNally
    Emily McNally
    Solicitor
    Fatima Qaid
    Fatima Qaid
    Paralegal
    Francesca Cociani
    Francesca Cociani
    Senior Associate
    George Steel
    George Steel
    Solicitor
    Georgia Prichard
    Georgia Prichard
    Trainee
    Ghislaine Sandoval
    Ghislaine Sandoval
    Associate
    Jessica Atkinson
    Jessica Atkinson
    Solicitor
    Jessica Murray
    Jessica Murray
    Associate
    Jiawen Guo
    Paralegal
    Justin Stuart-Mills
    Consultant Solicitor
    Katie McFadden
    Katie McFadden
    Associate
    Katy O'Mara
    Katy O’Mara
    Associate
    Kiran Mehta
    Kiran Mehta
    Consultant
    Lara Ideo
    Solicitor
    Marina Afzal-Khan
    Marina Afzal-Khan
    Paralegal
    May Spencer
    May Spencer
    Paralegal
    Michael Ackah
    Senior Associate
    Priya Pandya
    Priya Pandya
    Paralegal
    Rabiah Farooq
    Rabiah Farooq
    Trainee
    Rebecca Field
    Rebecca Field
    Solicitor
    Scarlett Roberts
    Scarlett Roberts
    Trainee
    Shelby Keppel
    Shelby Cusick
    Consultant
    Shyan MacTavish_Website
    Shyan MacTavish
    Associate
    Tosin Akinboboye
    Tosin Akinboboye
    Solicitor
    Viviane Bablin
    Viviane Bablin
    Solicitor
    Further Reading
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