Criminal Department

We have a specialist Magistrates’ Court team who are experienced in defending and representing clients in broad range of offences across the country.

Our team understand that coming into conflict with the criminal justice system can be a distressing time for you and those closest to you. We will guide you through the process, advise you on your options and provide you with the best representation at court.

It is vital that you contact us as soon as possible to discuss your 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.

What is the Magistrates’ Court?

Virtually all criminal Court cases begin in the Magistrates’ Court, with the vast majority being completed there. The Magistrates’ Court deals with 3 kinds of offences, which are:

• Summary offences – These are considered less serious cases, such as motoring offences and minor assaults.
• ‘Either way’ offences - These are offences that can be heard within the magistrates’ Court, however, they can also be sent to Crown Court if the defendant chooses to undergo a jury trial.
• ‘Indictable only’ cases – These are serious offences such as murder and manslaughter. If the case is defined as ‘indictable only’, the Magistrates’ Court will decide whether to grant bail or not.

Our expert criminal defence solicitors have a wealth of experience defending a broad range of offences. It is vitally important that you contact a member of our team to ensure you have expert legal representation from the start of your case.

What offences are heard at Magistrates’ Court?

There are a range of offences that are heard at Magistrates’ Court, and our dedicated criminal defence team have successfully defended individuals charged with offences that span the whole spectrum of criminal law, including but not limited to:

Coming into conflict with the criminal justice system is understandably a confusing and distressing time. Our expert team will obtain from the Crown Prosecution Service the details of the case being brought against you in advance of the first hearing, and advise you on whether or not you have a credible defence to the charges that you face.

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

We understand that going through the criminal justice system is distressing, however, our team are always committed to delivering a robust, friendly and professional service.

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

• Assault
• Sexual offence defence
• Theft
• Theft at work