Criminal Defence Solicitors

Urgent Introduction

Being arrested, investigated, or charged with a criminal offence is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Whether it's happened to you, or to someone you love, the decisions made in the first few hours - before an interview, before a first hearing, before a single word is said to the police - can shape everything that follows.

Moeen & Co. Solicitors provides urgent, experienced criminal defence representation at every stage of the criminal justice process: from the moment of arrest or a request to attend a voluntary interview, through police station representation, Magistrates' Court, and - where a case is serious enough - Crown Court. We act for clients across London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hertfordshire, and we're available to advise you regardless of the time of day.

You don't need to have all the answers before you call us. You don't need to know what you're being accused of, what stage your case is at, or what happens next. You just need to call, and we'll take it from there.

We act for both privately paying clients and those eligible for legal aid, and we'll always be upfront with you about your funding options before any work begins - there's no obligation, and no pressure, in that first conversation.

CALL NOW: 0203 959 7755
SRA Regulated · SRA ID 8005458 · Legal Aid Agency Accredited

Table of Contents

Why Early Advice Matters

Many people assume that speaking to a solicitor is something that happens later - once you've been charged, or once a court date has been set. In criminal cases, that assumption can cost you.

The earliest stages of a criminal investigation are often the most important. What you say, or don't say, during a police interview can be used as evidence throughout the rest of your case. The advice you get before that interview can determine whether you're charged at all, what you're charged with, and how strong your defence will be if the matter goes further.

This is why the right to free, independent legal advice at the police station exists, and why we'd always encourage you to use it - even if you believe you've done nothing wrong, even if the police tell you it's "not necessary," and even if you're only being asked to "help with enquiries." These situations are exactly where early advice makes the biggest difference, because they're also the situations where people are most likely to go in unrepresented.

The same principle applies at every later stage of a case. A rushed guilty plea at a first hearing, made without proper advice, can be very difficult to undo later. A missed opportunity to challenge evidence early on can weaken a defence that might otherwise have succeeded. Early, informed advice keeps your options open for as long as possible, and closes down as few routes as possible before you've had the chance to consider them properly.

Voluntary Police Interview vs Arrest: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common misunderstandings we come across is the belief that if you haven't been arrested, you don't need - or aren't entitled to - a solicitor. This isn't correct, and it's an important enough distinction that we've built it into how we structure our advice.

What Is a Voluntary Police Interview?

If the police want to speak to you about a suspected offence but don't believe your arrest is necessary, you may be asked to attend the police station "voluntarily" for an interview under caution. This might come as a phone call, a letter, or an officer visiting you at home. It can feel informal, even low-key - but a voluntary interview under caution carries exactly the same legal weight as an interview following an arrest. Anything you say can still be used in evidence, and the same caution is read to you at the start.

Because it doesn't come with the drama of an arrest - no handcuffs, no custody suite, often no urgency at all in how it's communicated to you - people frequently attend these interviews unrepresented, assuming it's a formality or that having a solicitor present would make them look guilty. Neither is true. You are entitled to free legal advice for a voluntary interview in exactly the same way as if you'd been arrested, and attending with a solicitor is standard, sensible practice, not a sign of guilt.

What Is Police Station Representation Following Arrest?

If you're arrested, you're taken into custody at a police station, your detention is formally authorised, and you're interviewed as part of that detention. This is a more immediately pressured situation, often unfolding in hours rather than the days or weeks you might have before a voluntary interview appointment. The right to free legal advice applies here too, and applies immediately.

Why We Treat These as Separate Services

Although both situations involve a police interview under caution, the practical circumstances, the timeline, and the way people approach us differ enough that we handle them as distinct services. If you've been asked to attend a voluntary interview, you often have valuable time to prepare properly before you go in - time that's easy to waste if you don't realise how much it matters. If you've been arrested, the priority is immediate representation, as fast as we can get to you or reach you by phone.

Whichever situation you're in, the underlying advice is the same: don't attend either type of interview without speaking to a solicitor first, however informal it seems.

Your Rights During a Police Investigation

It's easy to feel powerless during an arrest, a voluntary interview, or any stage of a police investigation, but you have important rights throughout the process. These apply whether you've been arrested or have simply been asked to attend an interview:

• The right to free, independent legal advice - at any time, regardless of the offence, and regardless of whether you could otherwise afford a solicitor privately
• The right to have someone informed of your arrest or your attendance at the police station
• The right to consult the Codes of Practice governing how you should be treated during questioning and, where applicable, in custody
• The right to an interpreter, if English isn't your first language
• The right to have an appropriate adult present, if you are under 18 or considered vulnerable
• The right to remain silent, though the implications of doing so should always be discussed with your solicitor beforehand, since it can affect a case differently depending on the circumstances
• The right to take breaks, including for food, rest, and - where relevant - medical attention

You are never obliged to answer police questions without a solicitor present, whether you've been arrested or attended voluntarily, and asking for one is never an admission of guilt. It's simply making sure your side of events is heard properly, and that nothing is said that could be misunderstood or used against you unfairly later on.

How the Criminal Justice Process Works

Every case is different, but most criminal matters in England and Wales follow a broadly similar path. Understanding roughly what to expect at each stage can make a frightening, unfamiliar process feel more manageable - and helps you understand why the advice we give at each point matters.

1. Arrest and Detention

If you're arrested, you'll be taken to a police station and your detention will be authorised by a custody officer, who must be satisfied that detention is necessary. You have the right to free legal advice at this stage, regardless of the offence - this is not means-tested and doesn't affect your right to legal aid later in the case. You'll also be told the grounds for your arrest and given the opportunity to have someone notified.

2. Voluntary Attendance for Interview

If you're not arrested but asked to attend for a voluntary interview, you'll usually be given advance notice - sometimes days or weeks. This is valuable time. Use it to contact a solicitor before the appointment, not on the way there. We can advise you on what to expect, help you understand the allegation as far as it's been disclosed, and, where appropriate, attend the interview with you.

3. The Police Interview

Before any interview under caution - whether following arrest or attending voluntarily - you're entitled to speak privately with a solicitor, either in person or by phone, and to have a solicitor present during the interview itself. The interviewing officer will read you a caution, explaining that anything you say may be given in evidence. What's said, or not said, in this interview can matter a great deal later on, which is why advice at this stage - not after it - is so important.

4. Charge, Bail, or Release Under Investigation

Following interview, the police (or, in more serious matters, the Crown Prosecution Service) will decide what happens next. Broadly, this falls into a few outcomes: you may be charged and given a court date; released on bail with conditions while enquiries continue; released under investigation ("RUI") without a fixed timeframe; or told that no further action will be taken. Each of these has different practical implications, and we'll explain clearly what yours means for you.

5. First Hearing at the Magistrates' Court

If you're charged, your first appearance will usually be at the Magistrates' Court. Some matters - generally less serious, "summary" offences - are dealt with entirely at this level. Others, particularly more serious "either-way" or "indictable" offences, are sent to the Crown Court, sometimes following an initial hearing at the Magistrates' Court. We'll advise you on plea, bail, and what happens next well before this hearing, so you're not making decisions on the spot in a courtroom.

6. Crown Court Proceedings

Serious or indictable offences are heard before a judge and jury at the Crown Court. These cases typically involve considerably more preparation - reviewing evidence in detail, considering witness accounts, and building a defence strategy over weeks or months rather than days. The stakes are higher, and so is the value of experienced representation from the earliest possible stage, rather than being brought in only once a trial date is close.

7. Sentencing

If a case results in a conviction, whether by guilty plea or following trial, the court moves to sentencing. Courts follow sentencing guidelines that take into account the seriousness of the offence and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Well-prepared mitigation - presented clearly and with appropriate supporting evidence - can materially affect the outcome, which is why we treat this stage with the same care as the rest of a case, not as an afterthought.

8. Appeals

If you believe a conviction or sentence was wrong, there may be grounds to appeal, either from the Magistrates' Court to the Crown Court, or from the Crown Court to the Court of Appeal, depending on where your case was heard. Appeals have strict time limits, so if you're considering this route, it's important to get advice as quickly as possible after the outcome.

We support clients through every one of these stages - not just one part of the process, then a referral elsewhere. The solicitor who takes your first call is often still involved when your case concludes.

Our Criminal Defence Services

Each service below links to its own dedicated page, with full detail on how we can help and location pages covering your local area.

Voluntary Police Interview

Free, independent advice before and during a voluntary interview under caution. If you've been asked to attend a police station without being arrested, speak to us before you go - not on the day.

Police Station Representation

Free, independent advice at the police station following arrest, any time of day or night. We can attend in person or advise you by phone before you're interviewed.

Magistrates' Court Solicitors

Representation for first hearings, bail applications, and summary trials. We prepare your case thoroughly and make sure you understand every decision before it's made.

Crown Court Solicitors

Defence for serious and indictable offences heard before a judge and jury. Crown Court cases demand detailed preparation, and we build your defence from the earliest possible stage.

Drug Offence Solicitors

Defence against possession, supply, and production charges, from cannabis possession through to more serious supply allegations.

Assault Solicitors

Representation for common assault, ABH, GBH, and related charges, including cases involving self-defence.

Domestic Violence Solicitors

Sensitive, discreet defence for those accused of domestic abuse offences, handled with the confidentiality this area demands.

Sexual Assault Solicitors

Specialist defence for those facing sexual assault allegations, handled with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Rape Defence Solicitors

Experienced, specialist representation for those facing rape allegations - among the most serious charges in criminal law, requiring the most experienced representation available.

Money Laundering Solicitors

Defence for financial crime allegations, including cases under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and confiscation proceedings.

Drink Drive Solicitors

Representation for drink driving charges, including high-reading, repeat offence, and "special reasons" cases.

Drug Drive Solicitors

Defence against drug driving allegations, including challenges to roadside and laboratory testing procedures.

Failing to Stop Solicitors

Advice and representation for those accused of failing to stop or report a road traffic collision.

How to Prepare - Whether You've Been Arrested or Asked to Attend Voluntarily

What you do in the hours or days before a police interview can make a genuine difference. A few practical points we'd always raise with clients:

• Don't discuss the allegation with friends, family, or on social media before speaking to us - anything said elsewhere can sometimes resurface in unexpected ways
• Write down what you remember about the day or event in question while it's fresh, for your own reference, not to hand to police
• Bring any relevant paperwork you've been given - a voluntary interview letter, bail notice, or charge sheet - to your first conversation with us
• Don't attend a voluntary interview appointment early or without contacting us first, even if it feels like the simplest option
• If you're on medication or have a health condition relevant to being interviewed, let us know before the interview so it can be raised with the police if needed

None of this is about hiding anything - it's about making sure your account is given properly, at the right time, in the right way, with someone in your corner who understands the process.

How We Work With You

1. You call us

However late, however early, however unsure you are of what's happening - call, and we'll talk you through it. Our line is available for urgent enquiries outside normal office hours.

2. We assess your case

We'll ask what's happened so far, what stage you're at, and what you need immediately - whether that's attendance at a police station tonight, advice ahead of a voluntary interview next week, or preparation for a hearing already in the diary.

3. We explain your options clearly

No legal jargon, no assumptions about what you already know. We'll explain what's likely to happen next and what your realistic options are, so you're making decisions with a proper understanding of the consequences.

4. We prepare your defence properly

Every case gets the same level of preparation, whether it's a first-time, low-level offence or a serious Crown Court matter. We review the evidence, identify what's being alleged and why, and build your defence around the specific facts of your situation.

5. We stay with you

From first contact through to the conclusion of your case, you'll deal with people who already know your case - not a different solicitor at every stage, and not a hand-off to someone unfamiliar with your file once things get serious.

Meet Our Criminal Defence Team

Moeen & Co. Solicitors is led by Moeen Khan, Solicitor Advocate, with experience representing clients across the full range of criminal matters, from police station advice through to Crown Court trials. As a Solicitor Advocate, Moeen is able to represent clients personally in higher courts, providing continuity that isn't always possible where cases are handed to a barrister only once they reach the Crown Court.

Our approach is built around being reachable when it matters, explaining things clearly rather than in legal shorthand, and treating every client's case - regardless of its size - with the same level of preparation and attention.

Why Choose Moeen & Co.

Fast response, when it matters most

Criminal matters are time-critical. A delay of even a few hours in getting advice can affect the outcome of an interview or hearing. We prioritise urgent enquiries accordingly, and make ourselves available outside standard office hours for exactly this reason.

SRA regulated, with the standards that come with it

Moeen & Co. is a fully regulated firm, which means the advice you receive comes with professional accountability and recognised standards of conduct, overseen independently of the firm itself.

Experience across the full process

Rather than referring clients elsewhere as a case moves from police station to court, we handle every stage ourselves - so the person who first heard your case is still involved when it matters most, rather than a new solicitor picking up the file partway through.

Legal aid and private funding options

We'll discuss the funding route available to you honestly, and explain what it means in practical terms before any work begins, so there are no surprises later.

Local knowledge across a wide area

Based in Hayes, we regularly appear before courts across London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hertfordshire, and understand the local court processes, listing practices, and typical timelines in these areas.

(Note: keep all claims general and verifiable - avoid stating win rates, "best," or guaranteed outcomes per SRA advertising rules)

Funding Your Case: Legal Aid and Private Representation

One of the first questions most clients have is how their case will be paid for. Broadly, there are two routes, and we'll help you understand which applies to you.

Legal Aid

Legal aid is available for police station advice regardless of your means, whether you've been arrested or are attending a voluntary interview - this isn't means-tested at this stage. For court proceedings, legal aid may be available depending on your financial circumstances and the nature of the offence, assessed against published financial eligibility criteria. Moeen & Co. is accredited by the Legal Aid Agency, and we'll assess your eligibility as part of our initial conversation with you, without any pressure to choose one route over the other.

Private Funding

Some clients prefer, or need, to fund their case privately - whether because they don't meet the legal aid financial criteria, want to choose specific representation, or the case falls outside the scope of legal aid entirely. We're transparent about costs from the outset, and can discuss how fees are structured for your particular case, so you know what to expect before proceeding.

No Surprises

We'll never leave you guessing about how a case is being funded, or spring unexpected costs on you partway through. This is one of the first things we discuss, not something left until later - and if your circumstances or the nature of the case change, we'll revisit funding with you rather than assuming the original arrangement still applies.

Vulnerable Clients and Appropriate Adults

Some clients need additional support during a police investigation, whether because of their age, a mental health condition, a learning disability, or another form of vulnerability. If you or someone you're contacting us on behalf of falls into this category, it's important this is flagged early.

Anyone under 18, and any adult considered vulnerable, is entitled to have an appropriate adult present during a police interview - someone independent of the investigation, there to support and safeguard the interviewee, in addition to (not instead of) legal representation. We can advise on how this works in practice, and make sure the right support is in place before an interview goes ahead.

If you're a parent or family member contacting us on behalf of someone who fits this description, let us know as early as possible so we can plan accordingly, including liaising with an appropriate adult service where needed.

Areas We Cover

We represent clients at police stations and courts across London and the surrounding counties. Wherever you're based, select your location for advice specific to your local area, including relevant courts and police stations. Each area below links to its own dedicated page once published, forming the backbone of how our criminal defence content is connected across the site.

West & Central London

Covering Hillingdon, Ruislip, Yiewsley, Denham, West Drayton, Harlington, Uxbridge, Ealing, Hanwell, Greenford, Northolt, Perivale, Acton, Hounslow, Heston, Chiswick, Brentford, Isleworth, Southall, Hayes, Wembley, Alperton, Willesden, Harlesden, Kensington, Marylebone, Mayfair, Chelsea, Victoria, Bank, and Liverpool Street. This is our home region - Moeen & Co. is based in Hayes, and we appear regularly at courts throughout West and Central London.

North & East London

Covering Holloway, Haringey, Hampstead, Hackney, Golders Green, Finsbury, Barnet, Enfield, Walthamstow, Stratford, and Canary Wharf, with representation available at the relevant local courts and police stations across these areas.

South & South West London

Covering Battersea, Brixton, Peckham, Putney, Tooting, Walworth, Wimbledon, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Feltham, Shepherd's Bush, and Croydon.

Berkshire & Buckinghamshire

Covering Slough, Langley, Iver, Windsor, Ascot, High Wycombe, and Egham, with local knowledge of the courts serving these areas.

Surrey

Covering Woking, Staines-upon-Thames, Ashford, and Sunbury-on-Thames.

Hertfordshire

Covering Watford and the surrounding area.

Common Misconceptions About Criminal Defence

A lot of the anxiety around police contact comes from assumptions that turn out not to be true. A few of the ones we hear most often:

"Asking for a solicitor makes me look guilty"

This is one of the most common - and most damaging - misconceptions. Asking for legal advice is a right available to everyone, guilty or innocent, and it exists precisely because getting the process right matters regardless of the outcome. Police officers are used to it, and it carries no weight in how your case is assessed.

"It's just a voluntary interview, so I don't really need a solicitor"

As covered above, a voluntary interview is not a lesser process. The caution is the same, the legal consequences of what's said are the same, and the value of preparation beforehand is the same.

"If I tell the truth, I don't need representation"

Telling the truth is important, but how an account is presented, what's clarified, and what context is added around it all matter too. Many clients who intended only to "tell the truth" in an unrepresented interview found afterwards that key context was missing from how their account was recorded or understood.

"I can't afford a solicitor, so I'll just go without one"

Free legal advice is available at the police station regardless of your income, whether you've been arrested or are attending voluntarily. Cost should never be the reason someone attends an interview unrepresented.

"Legal aid means I don't get to choose my own solicitor"

You're generally free to choose your own solicitor even where legal aid applies, provided that solicitor is accredited to carry out legal aid work. Moeen & Co. is accredited by the Legal Aid Agency, so this applies to us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I've been arrested?

Ask for a solicitor immediately. You have the right to free, independent legal advice at the police station regardless of the offence, and this doesn't cost anything or affect your right to legal aid later. Contact Moeen & Co. as soon as possible so we can attend or advise you before you're interviewed.

What should I do if I've been asked to attend a voluntary police interview?

Contact a solicitor before your appointment, not on the day itself. A voluntary interview carries the same legal weight as one following an arrest, and you're entitled to free legal advice in exactly the same way. Don't assume it's a formality.

Do I need a solicitor if I haven't been charged yet?

Yes. Early advice - even before charge - can affect how the investigation proceeds and whether charges are brought at all. Waiting until after charge to seek advice means losing the opportunity to influence the earliest, and often most important, stage of a case.

Should I answer police questions without a solicitor present?

We'd always recommend speaking to a solicitor first, even briefly. What you say in a police interview can be used as evidence, and the implications of staying silent or answering questions are different in every case - this is exactly the kind of decision that benefits from advice beforehand.

Is a voluntary interview less serious than being arrested?

Not necessarily. Being asked to attend voluntarily rather than being arrested doesn't mean the allegation is minor - it can relate to serious matters. The format is different, but the potential consequences and your right to advice are the same.

How much does a criminal defence solicitor cost?

This depends on your case and whether you're eligible for legal aid. Legal aid is available for police station advice regardless of your income, and may be available for court proceedings depending on your circumstances. We'll discuss your funding options honestly before any work begins, so you understand the cost, if any, before proceeding.

Can you represent me if I'm eligible for legal aid?

Yes. Moeen & Co. is accredited by the Legal Aid Agency and regularly represents clients under legal aid funding, from police station advice through to court proceedings.

Do you cover courts outside London?

Yes. We regularly appear at courts across London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hertfordshire. See our full list of areas covered above, or contact us to confirm coverage for your specific location.

What happens after I'm charged?

You'll be given a date for your first hearing, usually at the Magistrates' Court. We'll advise you on plea, bail, and next steps well before that date, so you're not walking into court without preparation.

Will my case go to the Crown Court?

Some offences are dealt with entirely at the Magistrates' Court; more serious, "indictable" offences are sent to the Crown Court, sometimes after an initial hearing at the Magistrates' Court. We'll explain which applies to your case at the outset.

What does "released under investigation" mean?

It means the police have decided not to hold you on bail while their enquiries continue, but the investigation remains open and you may still be charged later. It's important to keep in touch with your solicitor during this period, even though there's no fixed court date yet.

Can I change solicitors partway through my case?

Yes, you're entitled to choose your own representation at any stage. If you're currently represented elsewhere and want a second opinion, or want to transfer your case to us, we can advise on how to do this.

Is what I tell my solicitor confidential?

Yes. Everything you discuss with us is protected by legal professional privilege, meaning it cannot be disclosed to the police, prosecution, or court without your permission.

What should I bring to a voluntary interview or police station attendance?

Bring any letters or paperwork you've received about the matter, identification, and details of any medication or health conditions we should be aware of. We'll talk you through anything specific to your situation beforehand.

Can a solicitor attend with me if English isn't my first language?

Yes, you're entitled to an interpreter during police interviews and court proceedings, and we can help arrange this as part of preparing for your case.

What if I'm not sure whether what happened is actually a criminal offence?

That's a very common starting point, and exactly the kind of question worth raising with us early. We can talk through what's being alleged and explain how it's likely to be treated, without any obligation.

Do you offer support outside normal office hours?

Yes. Criminal matters don't keep office hours, and neither do we for urgent enquiries - call any time if you or someone you know has been arrested or needs urgent advice.

What happens if I ignore a request to attend a voluntary interview?

Ignoring a request to attend can, in some circumstances, lead to the police deciding to arrest you instead in order to interview you. It's generally better to engage with the process, with proper legal advice in place, than to avoid it altogether.

How long can the police hold me before charging me?

There are statutory time limits on how long you can be detained without charge, and these can be extended in certain circumstances with authorisation. Your solicitor will keep track of these time limits on your behalf and challenge detention that goes beyond what's lawful.

What's the difference between a solicitor and a barrister in a criminal case?

A solicitor typically manages your case from the outset, including police station advice, court hearings, and case preparation. As a Solicitor Advocate, Moeen Khan can also represent clients directly in higher courts, which isn't always the case with a standard solicitor, where a barrister is usually instructed separately for Crown Court trial work.

Facing Arrest, Charge, or a Court Hearing? Don't Wait.

The earlier you speak to a solicitor, the more we can do to help - whether you've been arrested, asked to attend a voluntary interview, or are already facing court proceedings. Available for urgent advice, day or night.

0203 959 7755

Areas We Cover