Over 90% of criminal cases are dealt with in the Magistrates court, by either lay Magistrates who are from the local community or by a District Judge who is a qualified lawyer. Criminal cases are commenced either by you being charged at a police station and either bailed or remanded to appear at a Magistrates Court, or commenced by summons procedure which will result in you receiving a summons through the post.
All solicitors who are part of our criminal team are highly trained to provide effective Magistrate court representation throughout Derby and surrounding areas. Whilst levels of experience differ, all members of our legal team are trained to the same standard.
Highly experienced, our trial advocates are able to provide Magistrate court representation in Derby and effectively argue your case on your behalf. Furthermore, because we have Magistrate court advocates who are fully qualified as Higher Court advocates we are able to represent clients at the Crown Courts.
If you require legal advice, you may qualify for free Magistrate Court representation through legal aid which is funded by the Legal Aid Agency. To qualify for this, there are certain requirements which your case will need to meet, but you can rest assured that all of our solicitors are more than able to advise you on whether your case will qualify or not on merits. Legal aid in the Magistrates court is also means tested.
If you do not qualify for legal aid either on merits or means we can discuss private funding with you.
Should you need legal representation in the Magistrates’ court you will be represented by one of the following members of our legal department; John Last, Rob Wetton, Paul McLeod, Amie Godson or Ande Hunter Jimenez. Telephone us directly on 01332 369090 to discuss this further.