Criminal Department

If you are prosecuted because your dog has bitten someone or if it’s an illegal breed, you will want someone with expert knowledge to represent you and to help get your dog returned safely home.

Our team understand that being accused of a criminal offence can be a distressing time for any dog owner. It is because of this that you will receive expert and sympathetic advice at all stages of your matter.

It is vital that you call us as soon as possible to arrange an appointment and we can discuss your individual circumstances.

Free Initial Telephone Options Appointment

We provide a free initial telephone options appointment to see how we can assist in your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

Allegations of illegal breeds

In the UK there are a number of breeds that are illegal to own, including:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Pit Bull Terrier

Whether your dog is that of a banned type is dependent on the way it looks, rather than that of the breed or name. We understand that allegations of owning an illegal breed can be a distressing time as a dog owner.

Our team are experienced in successfully defending allegations of illegal breeds, working with organisations who can provide further support and advice to owners.

Allegations of dogs dangerously out of control

Allegations that your dog is dangerously out of control are understandably distressing. Our team have successfully defended allegations of dogs being dangerously out of control and have been able to persuade the courts to defer from imposing destruction orders.

Our dedicated team can assist you if you have been invited to the police station for an interview, you have a court hearing before the magistrate’s court, or if you wish to make an appeal.

Our team will guide you through the procedures and advise sympathetically on all of your options.

Funding

You may be entitled to free initial legal advice and representation under Legal Aid. Speak to us today to find out more.

We can also act on a private paying basis.

How we can help

At Elliot Mather, our dedicated Criminal defence team offer friendly and professional advice. We understand that going through the criminal procedure is distressing for all concerned.

Our team are experienced in defending a range of allegations relating to dogs, ensuring our clients receive accurate and efficient advice at all times.

Location

Our solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.

How to get in contact

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us on 0330 333 2613 for a no-obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

How to make contact out of hours

We operate a call out system, meaning that representation from our expert criminal law team can be requested at any time of the day or night.  The police will contact a call centre who will then telephone us immediately.

If you require assistance from one of our criminal defence solicitors when out of our normal office hours, it is vital that you call us on:

• Chesterfield: 07717802850
• Derby: 07776240152
• Mansfield: 07741592301
• Nottinghamshire: 07741592301