Criminal Defence Solicitors in London

Arrested? Facing an interview? Call 0203 959 7755 now. We answer 24/7.

If you're the one in trouble — or someone you love is being held at a London police station right now — the most important thing you can do is pick up the phone. We're a criminal defence solicitor in London available around the clock, and every hour you wait makes the case harder to fight.

Legal aid pays for police station advice regardless of your income. You have nothing to lose by calling.

CALL NOW: 0203 959 7755

Moeen & Co. Solicitors. SRA regulated. Legal Aid Agency accredited. Same solicitor from your first call to the final hearing — no handoffs, no unfamiliar barristers turning up on the day.

Table of Contents

Why Every Hour Counts After a London Arrest

The first hours after arrest decide the case. Not the trial. The first hours.

Most people think the courtroom is where a criminal case is won or lost. It isn't.

Cases are shaped in police interviews. In what gets said before a solicitor arrives. In what evidence gets preserved — or lost — while nobody's chasing it.

Every hour that passes without legal advice is an hour of options gone.

What the police can do right now

If someone's just been arrested, the police can hold them for 24 hours without charge. Extend that to 36 with a senior officer's sign-off. Push it to 96 hours in serious cases with a magistrate's approval.

The clock is already running. It doesn't stop because the family hasn't found out yet.

What's already happening in the custody suite

Right now, if a family member is being held at a London police station:

• They'll be asked if they want a solicitor

• They'll be interviewed — with or without one

• Everything they say goes on the record

• The record goes to the CPS, who decide on charge

Get a solicitor in the door before that interview. Not after.

CALL 0203 959 7755. Ask for Moeen & Co. by name.

What happens if you wait

Evidence disappears. CCTV in London overwrites within days. Witnesses forget. Messages get deleted. Phone locations become impossible to pull.

If a case gets built without your side of the story on it, that's the case that goes to court.

Don't wait. Call 0203 959 7755 now.

If You've Been Arrested Right Now — Do These Things

If you're reading this from a London police station, or someone's just told you they've been arrested, here's what matters in the next hour.

1. Ask for us by name

You have the right to a solicitor. Legal aid pays for it. You do not have to accept the duty solicitor.

Tell the custody sergeant: "I want Moeen & Co. Solicitors."

Give our number: 0203 959 7755.

2. Say nothing about the case

Not to the sergeant. Not to other people at the police station. Not on the phone home.

Everything you say from now on can end up in the file. Only the private conversation with your solicitor is protected.

3. Don't sign anything

Custody records. Interview consent forms. Bail paperwork. Read what's put in front of you. If you're not sure what it means, wait to speak to us first.

4. Understand the caution

Before the interview, they'll read you the caution. It sounds simple but it isn't.

You don't have to speak. But silence on something you later try to argue in court can be used against you. And anything you do say goes in as evidence.

That trap — silence versus speaking — is why you need advice before the interview, not after.

5. Get someone to call us

You have the right to have one person told you've been arrested. Use it. Tell them to call 0203 959 7755. We can start working before we've even spoken to you.

If a family member is in custody now — call 0203 959 7755 immediately.

If a Family Member's Been Arrested in London

Most calls we get after a London arrest come from a partner, a parent, a sibling. Not from the person in custody.

If that's you, here's what to do — in order.

Step 1: Call us first

Not the police. Not other family. Not friends. Us.

0203 959 7755. Any hour.

We can start work on the case before you even know where they are.

Step 2: Write down what you know

Where the arrest happened. Roughly what time. Any officer names or unit numbers you were told. What, if anything, you were told about why.

Even fragments help.

Step 3: Call 101 to find out where they are

The police non-emergency line handles custody enquiries. You'll need:

• Their full name

• Their date of birth

• Roughly when and where they were arrested

They'll tell you which suite the person is being held at.

Step 4: Don't post anything online

The instinct to tell people is natural. Don't.

Anything on social media, in group chats, in messages — any of it can end up in the case file. Speculation before the facts are clear creates real problems later.

Step 5: Come back to us with the location

Once you know which custody suite they're in, we can get specific — about the interview, about likely bail conditions, about what to expect next.

Right now, ring 0203 959 7755. Don't wait to know more first.

You've Been Asked to Attend a Voluntary Interview

A voluntary interview is not "just a chat." The word voluntary is misleading.

You get a letter. Maybe a phone call. The tone is calm. They're asking you to come in and answer some questions. No arrest, no urgency in the voice.

This is the trap.

The interview under caution that follows is legally identical to one after an arrest. The caution is the same. The interview record is used the same way. The consequences are the same.

What people get wrong

• They think they don't need a solicitor

• They think being honest will sort it out

• They think showing up cooperatively looks good

• They think they can "just explain" what happened

Every one of those assumptions damages the case.

What to do when the letter arrives

Call us. Straight away. Not the morning of the appointment. Now.

As a voluntary police interview solicitor London clients call ahead of every appointment, our advice is always the same: preparation time is the only thing you have. Don't waste it.

What we do before you go in

• Go through the allegation with you in detail

• Explain what the police already have and don't have

• Work through what you should and shouldn't say

• Prepare you for the questions they'll ask

• Attend the interview with you

Legal aid covers this. Cost is not a reason to go in without a solicitor.

Got a voluntary interview letter? Call 0203 959 7755 before you do anything else.

What Our London Criminal Solicitors Do

We handle every stage of a criminal case for London clients. One solicitor. No handoffs.

Police station attendance

We attend police stations across London for interviews under arrest and voluntary interviews under caution. 24 hours. Legal aid pays for police station work regardless of income.

Magistrates' Court

First hearings. Bail applications. Either-way plea decisions. Summary trials. Sentencing. We're in Magistrates' Courts across London on a weekly basis.

Crown Court

Serious offences and either-way cases sent up from the Magistrates' Court. Formal disclosure, evidence bundles, witness handling, trial advocacy.

Moeen Khan is a Solicitor Advocate. Crown Court work stays with him — no outside barrister brought in at the last minute.

Appeals

Where a conviction or sentence looks wrong, appeal may be viable. Time limits are tight — sometimes only days. Call quickly if this is what you need.

Pre-charge advice

If you think you might be under investigation but the police haven't contacted you yet, get advice now. Being prepared is far better than reacting when the letter arrives.

Whichever stage you're at — call 0203 959 7755.

Offences We Defend for London Clients

Every offence type below has a dedicated page with detailed information.

Drug Offence Solicitor London

Possession. Supply. Production. Cases involving cannabis, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, ketamine, prescription drugs. What gets said in the first interview often decides whether the charge is personal use or supply. Call 0203 959 7755 before that interview happens.

Assault Solicitor London

Common assault. ABH. GBH. Section 47. Section 20. Section 18. The charge you face depends on the injury and the intent — and how the incident gets described at interview shapes both. Get advice first.

Domestic Violence Solicitor London

Allegations of violence, threats, or coercive control in a domestic setting. Bail conditions almost always come with contact restrictions, sometimes exclusion from a shared home. We handle these with the discretion and speed they need.

Sexual Assault Solicitor London

Sexual assault allegations are among the most serious a person can face. Discreet handling from the first contact. Experienced representation through to trial.

Rape Defence Solicitor London

Rape cases are indictable-only. They go directly to Crown Court. Experienced representation from the earliest stage makes more difference here than in almost any other case type.

Money Laundering Solicitor London

Financial crime work — money laundering, Proceeds of Crime Act cases, confiscation proceedings. Document-heavy cases that run for months. Preparation matters.

Drink Drive Solicitor London

Roadside stops. Failed breath tests. Blood samples. Low-reading to high-reading. Special reasons arguments. Your licence and your job are usually the real stakes.

Drug Drive Solicitor London

Since roadside drug testing was introduced, drug driving prosecutions are common. Technical defences exist in the right cases — procedural failures, analysis issues. We'll tell you honestly if any apply to yours.

Failing to Stop Solicitor London

Failing to stop or report after a collision. The offence name is misleading. Points, insurance costs, potentially a driving ban — the consequences are heavier than the charge sounds.

Facing any of these? Call 0203 959 7755 now.

What Happens Step by Step After Arrest

If you've been arrested in London, this is what to expect.

At the custody suite

The custody sergeant reviews the arrest. They decide whether to authorise detention. Your rights get read to you.

Right now — ask for a solicitor. Ask for us by name. Legal aid pays for it.

Before the interview

You're entitled to a private consultation with your solicitor first. Use it. This is where we work out what should and shouldn't be said.

If we're not there yet, don't be interviewed. Wait.

During the interview

We sit next to you. The officer reads the caution. They ask questions. You answer — or don't — based on what we've worked out together.

The interview is recorded. Nothing is off the record. Not one word.

After the interview — four things can happen

Charged. A court date at the local Magistrates' Court is set. You get the charge sheet. You're released on bail (with or without conditions) or held to appear the next working day.

Bailed under investigation. Released, but the case continues. Bail conditions may attach. Breaking them is itself a criminal offence.

Released under investigation (RUI). No charge, no conditions, no return date — but the case is still open. Can drag on for months. Stay in touch with your solicitor.

No further action. Case dropped. Best outcome — but there can still be questions about how the arrest sits on your record.

First court hearing

If you're charged, you'll appear at the local Magistrates' Court. Details confirmed. Plea entered where appropriate. Bail decided.

We prepare you before the day. Nothing important gets decided on the courthouse steps.

Crown Court

Serious cases go up. Longer timescale — months, not weeks. Judge and jury. Formal disclosure.

Moeen Khan handles Crown Court advocacy himself. Same solicitor throughout.

Sentencing

A conviction leads to sentencing. Courts follow guidelines — but mitigation prepared properly can move a sentence significantly.

Appeals

If the outcome is wrong, appeal may be an option. Time limits are strict.

Whichever stage you're at — 0203 959 7755.

Your Rights — Every One of Them

The police should explain these at the station. They often don't do it in a way that lands. Know them before you're in the room.

• Independent legal advice at every stage — paid by legal aid at the police station regardless of income

• One person of your choice notified about your arrest

• Access to the PACE Codes of Practice — the rules for how you should be treated in custody

• An interpreter at no cost if English isn't your first language

• An appropriate adult if you're under 18 or vulnerable

• The right to remain silent — though whether that helps or hurts your case is a judgment for legal advice

• Breaks for food, rest, and medical attention where needed

Asking for a solicitor doesn't make you look guilty. Officers see solicitors requested every shift. What actually causes trouble is trying to handle an interview alone.

Use your right to a solicitor. Call 0203 959 7755.

Don't Do These Things

Before we get to what you should do, here's what makes cases worse.

Don't post about it online

Not on Facebook. Not on Instagram. Not in a WhatsApp group. Not in a text to a friend who might screenshot it.

Anything typed can be recovered. It ends up in the case file. It gets read in court.

Don't try to explain it to the police without a solicitor

You will not "clear it up." The interview is designed to gather evidence, not to give you a fair hearing.

Whatever you're planning to say, say it with a solicitor sitting next to you.

Don't contact the alleged victim or witnesses

Not to explain. Not to apologise. Not to "sort things out." Not through a friend.

Contact — even indirect contact — often becomes a separate offence on top of the original allegation.

Don't ignore the paperwork

Interview letters. Bail conditions. Court summonses. Every deadline matters.

Missing a court date is itself an offence. Missing a bail condition is itself an offence.

Don't wait to see what happens

Cases don't get better with time. Evidence disappears. Options close.

Call 0203 959 7755 now. Don't wait.

Which Court Your Case Goes To

Every criminal offence falls into one of three categories. The category decides which court hears the case.

Summary offences

Lower-tariff matters. Most driving offences, minor public order, low-value shoplifting.

Heard at the Magistrates' Court. No jury. Faster process. Limited sentencing powers.

Either-way offences

The middle band. Many assaults, thefts, drug offences.

Can be dealt with at the Magistrates' Court, or sent up to Crown Court where the seriousness warrants it. The decision affects preparation and the potential sentence.

Indictable-only offences

The most serious end. Rape. Serious sexual offences. GBH with intent. Major drug supply.

Cannot be dealt with at the Magistrates' Court. Have to go to Crown Court.

Who decides on charge

For anything above minor offences, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) makes the charging decision, not the police directly.

Two tests: is there enough evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction, and is prosecuting in the public interest?

A solicitor can sometimes make representations before that decision is taken — but only where they're involved early enough to do it.

Get involved early. Call 0203 959 7755.

Why London Clients Choose Moeen & Co.

There are hundreds of criminal defence firms in London. Their marketing all looks the same. Here's what actually separates one from another.

We're SRA regulated and Legal Aid Agency accredited

The baseline. Any firm without both shouldn't be on your shortlist.

We answer the phone at 3am

Arrests happen at 3am. Interview letters land on Saturdays. A criminal lawyer London clients can actually reach when the situation requires it is not a marketing line for us — it's the operating model.

Same solicitor start to finish

The person who takes your first call is the same one at the final hearing. No file handoffs. No unfamiliar barristers turning up at Crown Court.

Moeen Khan handles Crown Court advocacy himself

His Solicitor Advocate qualification means he doesn't need to instruct outside counsel at committal. The same solicitor sees the case all the way through.

We prepare every case properly

A first-time driving offence gets the same care as a Crown Court trial. As an experienced criminal solicitor London clients rely on, we don't cut corners based on fee level.

We speak plainly

No legal jargon. No talking down. You should come off every call with us clearer about your situation, not more confused.

Call 0203 959 7755. Test us on any of the above.

How the Fees Work

Two funding routes. We explain which one applies to your case before any work starts.

Legal aid

Police station advice is on legal aid regardless of your income. No means test at that stage. Always available.

For court proceedings, legal aid depends on your finances and the offence type. As a legal aid solicitor London clients rely on, our Legal Aid Agency accreditation means we assess your eligibility openly in the first call.

If you're specifically looking for legal aid criminal defence London options — police station advice is covered whatever your situation. Don't let cost stop you calling.

Private funding

If you don't qualify for legal aid — because your income sits above the threshold, or the offence type is outside legal aid scope — private funding is the alternative.

Some clients prefer private funding even where they qualify for legal aid, because it offers more flexibility.

The standard of preparation and representation is the same either way.

Not sure which applies to you? Call 0203 959 7755 for a straight answer.

Younger Clients and Vulnerable Adults

Not everyone comes to a police interview on equal footing.

Under-18s and adults with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or other vulnerabilities are entitled to an appropriate adult in the interview. That's an independent person whose job is to safeguard the interviewee's interests. It sits alongside legal representation — it doesn't replace it.

If you're a parent calling about a child, or a relative calling for someone with a vulnerability, mention it in the first conversation. It changes how we approach the case from the start.

Call 0203 959 7755. Tell us who you're calling about and their situation.

The Assumptions That Cause the Most Damage

"It's only a voluntary interview"

It isn't. Same caution. Same record. Same consequences.

"Asking for a solicitor will make me look guilty"

It won't. Officers see solicitors requested every day.

What actually raises concerns is trying to handle the interview alone.

"I can't afford a solicitor"

Police station advice is on legal aid regardless of income. Cost is not a reason to go unrepresented.

"If I just tell the truth, it'll come out right"

Being truthful matters. So does how the truth is delivered.

A police interview is structured, guided, and recorded. How something is said — in what order, in response to what specific question — changes how the record reads. Honesty needs preparation to actually help.

"Legal aid means whoever's on the duty roster"

You can request Moeen & Co. specifically under legal aid. Our accreditation means the request will be honoured. You choose your solicitor.

Choose us. Call 0203 959 7755.

What Not to Say to the Police

Before you've spoken to a solicitor, keep it simple:

• "I want a solicitor. I want Moeen & Co. Solicitors. Their number is 0203 959 7755."

• "I don't want to answer questions until my solicitor arrives."

• "I don't consent to anything without legal advice."

That's it. Those three lines. Nothing about the allegation. Nothing about where you were. Nothing about who you know.

Silence is not an admission. Silence gives us time to arrive.

Say those lines. Then call us — or get someone to call us. 0203 959 7755.

Terms You'll Hear

The caution

The formal wording read to you before an interview under caution begins. Silence on a point you later argue in court can count against you. Anything you say goes on the record.

Charged

The step that moves a case from a police investigation to court proceedings.

Bail

Release while the case continues. Can come with conditions attached — reporting, curfews, no-contact orders, exclusion zones. Breaching bail is itself a criminal offence.

Remand

Being held in custody instead of released. Reserved for cases with specific concerns about flight, further offences, or witness interference.

Either-way

An offence that can be dealt with at either the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court.

Indictable-only

An offence that has to go to Crown Court.

Released under investigation

Not charged, but the case is still open. No court date. No fixed timeframe. Can run for months.

Legal professional privilege

The rule that keeps everything you tell your solicitor confidential. The police, CPS, and court cannot access it without your permission. Absolute.

Any of these apply to your situation? Call 0203 959 7755.

Common Questions

How quickly can you get to a London police station?

For urgent police station attendance in London, we prioritise the call and dispatch as fast as arrangements allow. Initial phone advice usually happens straight away. Call 0203 959 7755.

Do you cover all of London?

Yes. We take instructions from clients across London. Call and we'll confirm we can act on your specific matter.

Is your line really open 24/7?

Yes. Arrests don't happen 9 to 5, and we don't work 9 to 5 either. 0203 959 7755.

Do I have to pay before you'll help?

No. Police station advice is on legal aid regardless of income. Cost is not a reason to hold back from calling.

What if I already have a solicitor and want to switch?

You can change solicitors at any stage. If your current firm isn't working out, call us and we'll explain how a transfer of representation works.

The police haven't contacted me yet, but I think they might. Can I get advice now?

Yes. Pre-charge advice puts you in a prepared position rather than reacting when a letter or call finally arrives. 0203 959 7755.

What if I ignore a voluntary interview letter?

Ignoring one can push the police to arrest you instead so they can interview you under arrest conditions. That's a worse position. Attend voluntarily with legal advice — call us first.

What if English isn't my first language?

You're entitled to an interpreter for interviews and court hearings at no cost. We arrange this as part of case preparation.

Can you handle a case at the Crown Court?

Yes. Moeen Khan is a Solicitor Advocate — Crown Court cases stay with him rather than being passed to an outside barrister.

Can you handle an appeal?

Yes. Time limits are tight. Call quickly if this is what you need.

Is everything I tell you confidential?

Yes — completely. Legal professional privilege covers everything. Nothing reaches the police, CPS, or court unless you release it.

What does "released under investigation" mean?

You haven't been charged, but the investigation is still open. No court date. No fixed deadline. Stay in touch with your solicitor — RUI cases can move suddenly after months of silence.

Should I go to the police station on my own if they've asked me to?

Not without legal advice first. Call 0203 959 7755 before you go anywhere near a police station voluntarily.

What should I do if my child has been arrested?

Call us first. 0203 959 7755. Mention that they're under 18 so we can make sure the appropriate adult process is handled correctly.

How do I know where in London my family member is being held?

Call 101 with their full name, date of birth, and rough time and location of arrest. Or call us — 0203 959 7755 — and we can help you work it out.

What if I've been served a court summons?

Get in touch with the summons in front of you. Call 0203 959 7755 and we'll go through what it says and what to do before the listed date.

Can I get bail?

Bail applications are a standard part of criminal cases. Whether bail is granted, and on what conditions, depends on the offence and the circumstances. We handle bail applications at first hearing and, where circumstances change, later.

What if I'm remanded in custody?

We continue to work the case. Regular visits, further bail applications where the circumstances support them, and preparation for trial or plea.

Do I need to attend every court hearing?

For Magistrates' Court hearings, generally yes. For some Crown Court hearings where you're not required, we can attend on your behalf. We'll tell you which is which.

What happens at sentencing?

Courts follow published sentencing guidelines — a baseline for the offence, adjusted up for aggravating features and down for mitigation. Proper mitigation preparation can shift the sentence significantly.

What if I miss a court date?

Missing a court date is itself an offence. Call us as soon as possible if this has happened — 0203 959 7755 — so we can address it before it gets worse.

Can you help if I'm being investigated but not arrested?

Yes. Getting advice at the investigation stage — before any arrest or interview — is one of the best times to instruct a solicitor.

What if a family member is being held at a London police station right now?

Call 0203 959 7755 now. Don't wait to know more. We can start work on the case immediately and help you locate them.

Are you part of a bigger firm?

Moeen & Co. is an independent firm led by Moeen Khan, Solicitor Advocate. That means the person you speak to first is the person handling your case.

What if I've been arrested outside London — can you still help?

Get in touch and we'll discuss it. Our primary coverage is across London and surrounding areas. 0203 959 7755.

What happens after the case ends?

If there's a sentence, we explain what compliance looks like. If the outcome looks wrong, appeal may be viable. If the case ended without conviction, questions about record retention can sometimes arise that we can advise on.

Can I be represented by Moeen Khan personally?

Where the matter warrants it, yes. Get in touch and we'll discuss.

Is there any reason not to call you now?

No. Call 0203 959 7755.

Any other questions? Call 0203 959 7755.

If You've Been Charged in London — What Now

Charged means the case is heading to court. You need advice today, not next week.

A charge sheet in your hand means the police and CPS have decided the case is going forward.

From this point, every deadline matters. Every hearing matters. Every conversation about the case matters.

Read the charge sheet carefully

It tells you what you've been charged with. It tells you when your first hearing is. It tells you what bail conditions apply, if any.

If any of it isn't clear, ring us. 0203 959 7755.

Comply with every bail condition

Reporting to a police station. Curfews. No-contact orders. Exclusion zones.

Breaking any bail condition is itself a criminal offence. It also makes your case harder to defend.

If a bail condition is unworkable — clashes with your job, your childcare, your home — call us. We can apply to have it varied. But we do that through the court, not by ignoring it.

Turn up to every hearing

Missing a court date is itself an offence. It can lead to a warrant for your arrest.

If there's a genuine reason you can't attend — illness, transport failure — tell your solicitor before the hearing, not after.

Don't discuss the case

Not with the alleged victim. Not with witnesses. Not on social media. Not in group chats.

Every conversation you have about the case can find its way back into evidence.

Charged with an offence in London? Ring 0203 959 7755 today.

Trial Preparation — What We Actually Do

If your case goes to trial, this is what we do behind the scenes. Understanding it helps you understand why early instruction matters so much.

Review the prosecution case

We go through every page of the material the prosecution serves. Witness statements. Exhibits. CCTV. Digital evidence. Officer notes.

We look for what supports the case against you — and, more importantly, what undermines it.

Identify what's missing

The prosecution has to disclose material that might undermine their case or support the defence. It doesn't always happen automatically. We push for it.

Missing CCTV. Unserved witness statements. Third-party records. Phone data.

Instruct experts where needed

Some cases need expert evidence — a forensic scientist, a phone analyst, a medical expert. We identify where that's needed and bring the right expert into the case.

Prepare you for cross-examination

If you're going to give evidence, you need to be ready for the questions the prosecution will ask. We work through them with you before the trial.

Handle witnesses

Witnesses you want to call. Witnesses the prosecution wants to call. Vulnerable witness measures. Special measures applications.

Build the defence case

Your account. The evidence that supports it. The weaknesses in the prosecution case. All of it comes together into how the defence is presented at trial.

The earlier we're instructed, the more of this preparation we can do. Call 0203 959 7755.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

A criminal conviction changes things — sometimes permanently. Before you decide to "handle it yourself," here's what's actually at stake.

Your job

Many jobs require a clean criminal record. Some require a DBS check. Some contracts terminate automatically on conviction.

If your work involves children, vulnerable adults, driving, financial services, security, or professional licensing, a conviction can end your career.

Your ability to travel

Some countries refuse entry to people with criminal convictions. The USA, Canada, and Australia all ask about criminal history on their visa forms.

A conviction now can close doors decades later.

Your driving licence

Driving offences carry penalty points. Enough points means disqualification. Serious offences carry immediate disqualification.

If you rely on driving for work — or for family — losing your licence changes everything.

Your immigration status

If you're not a British citizen, a criminal conviction can affect your right to remain in the UK. Some convictions trigger automatic deportation proceedings.

If this applies to you, get advice immediately. 0203 959 7755.

Your family

Criminal cases involving domestic allegations, children, or shared housing have knock-on effects that go beyond the criminal case itself. Family court proceedings often run in parallel.

Your record

A conviction stays on your record. Some become spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act after a set period. Others don't. Some appear on standard DBS checks forever.

This is why the case matters. This is why you need proper representation. Call 0203 959 7755.

What to Do Before Your First Court Date

If you've got a court date in the diary, here's what to do before you attend.

Get legal representation in place

Don't turn up to court without a solicitor. Not even for a "simple" matter.

Ring 0203 959 7755 as soon as you have the court date, not the day before.

Meet with your solicitor beforehand

We need time to go through the papers, understand the case, work out the plea position, and prepare you for what happens on the day.

A meeting the morning of court is not enough time for a proper hearing.

Know what plea you're entering — and why

A guilty plea has consequences. So does a not-guilty plea. The choice is yours, but it needs to be an informed choice made with legal advice.

Never enter a plea in court without discussing it with your solicitor first.

Get your documents in order

Anything the court might need to see — proof of employment, character references, medical evidence, financial information for a means form — should be ready in advance.

Plan your journey

Being late for a court hearing looks bad and can cause your case to be called last, meaning you wait all day.

Aim to arrive at least 45 minutes early. Bring photo ID.

Dress smart-casual

Not a suit. Not casualwear. Something in between. You want to look like someone taking the process seriously.

Turn your phone off before you walk in

A phone going off in the courtroom can be treated as contempt.

Court date coming up? Call 0203 959 7755 now.

Common Offences in Detail

Some of the offences we deal with most often for London clients. Each has its own dedicated page for full detail.

Possession with intent to supply

The line between simple possession and supply comes down to quantity, packaging, cash, phone messages, and what gets said in interview.

A charge of supply carries much longer sentences than possession. The way the interview is handled often determines which charge you face.

Call 0203 959 7755 before the interview. Not after.

Section 20 GBH

Grievous bodily harm without intent. Either-way offence. Can be dealt with at Magistrates' or Crown Court depending on seriousness.

Self-defence, provocation, and the sequence of events all matter. So does how injuries came about.

Common assault

Summary offence. Can be tried at Magistrates' Court. Where the alleged victim is a partner or family member, additional factors apply.

Domestic burglary

An indictable-only offence. Goes to Crown Court. Sentences can be significant, especially for repeat offences or occupied dwellings.

Robbery

Indictable-only. Crown Court. Where a weapon is alleged, the sentencing bracket goes up sharply.

Fraud

Ranges from small-scale to very serious. Complex cases involve extensive digital evidence and can run for months in preparation.

Public order offences

Section 4, Section 4A, Section 5. The specific offence depends on what was said or done and to whom. Racially or religiously aggravated versions carry higher sentences.

Theft and shoplifting

Summary offences in most cases. Value matters. Repeat convictions escalate the sentencing position.

Threats to kill

Either-way offence. Serious. Context around what was said and to whom matters significantly.

Facing any of these? Call 0203 959 7755.

Your First 60 Minutes — A Checklist

If you've just been arrested, or someone you love has, here's the plan for the next hour. In order.

Minute 0 to 5

Ring 0203 959 7755. Even before you know all the details. We start work as soon as you call.

Minute 5 to 15

Get the basics down. Where. When. Which force. What they were told.

If you don't know the answers yet, that's fine. Ring us anyway.

Minute 15 to 30

Call 101 to confirm the custody suite location if you don't already know.

Have the name, date of birth, and rough time and place of arrest ready.

Minute 30 to 45

Come back to us with the location. We coordinate the police station attendance.

At the same time — stop discussing the case with anyone else. No calls. No texts. No posts.

Minute 45 to 60

If you're the family member, sit tight and wait for updates from us. Don't try to reach the custody suite directly. Don't drive to the station.

If you're the person in custody, insist to the sergeant that you want Moeen & Co. Solicitors and give our number.

Start your 60 minutes now. Call 0203 959 7755.

Answering the Most Urgent Questions Fast

"Can you get here in the next hour?"

Where police station attendance is needed urgently, we prioritise it. Call and we'll tell you honestly what we can arrange.

"Will this go on my record?"

Depends on the outcome. A conviction goes on your record. A caution goes on your record. No further action doesn't create a criminal record but the arrest itself may still appear on some checks.

We advise on this specifically for your case.

"Am I definitely going to be charged?"

No. Being arrested is not the same as being charged. Cases can end at any stage — no further action, out-of-court disposal, or diversion. What you say at interview, and what representations we make afterwards, affects the outcome.

"Is prison likely?"

Depends on the offence, the circumstances, and your history. We give you an honest assessment — not the worst case, not the best case, the realistic case — as soon as we have the full picture.

"How much is this going to cost me?"

Police station advice is on legal aid regardless of income. Court work depends on your finances and the offence type. Private work is quoted openly before any work starts.

Nothing gets billed without you knowing what you're agreeing to.

"What if I've done something wrong and want to admit it?"

Even where you accept responsibility, the way that gets communicated to the police matters. A basis of plea, mitigation, and how the case is presented all affect the outcome. Never admit anything without a solicitor.

"What if I'm innocent?"

Even more reason to get proper representation. Innocent people can and do get convicted when the case is handled badly at the police station stage. Silence, confusion, or trying to "explain" without preparation all cause damage.

Any of these your situation? Call 0203 959 7755.

If You're a Professional or Public Figure

If you work in a regulated profession, or you're a public figure, or a conviction would end your career, the case needs to be handled with an eye on more than just the criminal outcome.

Discretion

We handle sensitive cases with the confidentiality they need. Legal professional privilege applies from the first call.

Professional consequences

Some regulated professions require you to notify your regulator when charged, not when convicted. Missing that notification is itself a professional conduct issue.

We advise on when and how to make those notifications.

Reputation management

Where media attention is a real concern, the criminal defence has to be run with an awareness of what becomes public and when.

Sensitive case? Call 0203 959 7755 in confidence.

Don't Wait. Call Now.

The case gets harder every hour. Call 0203 959 7755 now.

You've read this far. That means something is wrong — either for you or for someone close to you.

The next step is one phone call. That's it.

Legal aid pays for police station advice. It costs you nothing to speak to us.

Whether it's an arrest, a charge, an interview letter, or a court date already in the diary — the earlier we're involved, the more we can do.

CALL 0203 959 7755 NOW.

Moeen & Co. Solicitors. Criminal defence in London. 24/7 availability. SRA regulated. Legal Aid Agency accredited.

One solicitor. Start to finish. No handoffs.

0203 959 7755

Areas We Cover

• Criminal Defence Solicitors Alperton
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Barnet
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Battersea
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Brixton
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Canary Wharf
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Chelsea
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Croydon
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Ealing
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Egham
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Enfield
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Finsbury
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Golders Green
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Hackney
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Hampstead
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Hanwell
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Haringey
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Harlington
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Harrow
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Heston
• Criminal Defence Solicitors High Wycombe
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Hillingdon
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Holloway
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Hounslow
• Criminal Defence Solicitors in Hayes
• Criminal Defence Solicitors in London
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Kensington
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Kingston
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Kingston upon Thames
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Marylebone
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Mayfair
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Northolt
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Peckham
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Putney
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Ruislip
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Shepherd's Bush
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Slough
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Stratford
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Teddington
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Tooting
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Uxbridge
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Walthamstow
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Walworth
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Wembley
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Willesden
• Criminal Defence Solicitors Wimbledon