Criminal Law Services

We have a committed team of Criminal lawyers across Hampshire and West Sussex who are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our Criminal Law specialists have an excellent reputation for representing clients across all criminal matters. Whether in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court or Police Station, your case will be handled by a team with an outstanding professional reputation.

Our services include the defence of:

• Murder and Manslaughter
• Corporate Manslaughter
• White collar crime
• Assaults
• Dishonesty
• Fraud
• Sexual allegations
• Drugs offences
• Driving matters
• Domestic offences
• Benefit fraud

Criminal Litigation Solicitors

We understand the worry and anxiety faced by those who have been arrested or are being prosecuted. Your job, career and possibly your freedom are at stake, so you need help from experienced advisors. Wannops has an unrivalled reputation for providing high-quality representation. If you use our firm, you can be confident that you have the best team on your side.

Arrest & Police Station Advice

We offer a 24-hour service to those who have been arrested and can arrange voluntary attendance for interviews to avoid unnecessary arrest and detention. If you have been arrested, asked to attend a police station, or if a regulatory body is investigating you, we can help. We will advise throughout the investigation to ensure your rights are being protected.

Large Scale And Complex Fraud

Our Criminal lawyers regularly represent people accused of fraud and financial misconduct, which usually calls for a detailed and methodical approach. We work with specialists in the field to gain a clear picture of the evidence, which enables us to respond in the most effective way possible.

Services Provided

A member of our team will be allocated to your case, which includes:

• Attendance at the police station
• Take your instructions, consider the evidence and provide advice
• Attendance and representation at the Magistrates Court
• Preparation and representation in more complex cases, including not guilty pleas, trials, special reasons arguments, exceptional hardship applications, applications to restore a driving licence early and crown court trials

Fees

Legal aid may be available depending on your financial position, the nature of the case and whether it is to be dealt with in the Magistrates’ or Crown Court.

Our solicitors’ charging rate depends on their experience level.

Fixed fees can be offered in some cases depending on the case’s complexity.

Guilty Pleas

• Drunk/drug driving
• Driving without due care and attention
• Speeding
• Failing to provide driver details
• No insurance/tax

This type of case will cost £500 plus VAT.

The fee does not include the instruction and costs of any expert witness, taking statements from any witnesses, advice and assistance with making special reasons or exceptional hardship argument, or advice or help with any appeal.

It is difficult to estimate how long your case will take at court as it will depend on the court listing for that day; however, we would anticipate being at court with you for up to half a day (morning or afternoon).

Other Cases

• Not guilty pleas
• Newton hearings
• Special reasons
• Exceptional hardship arguments

A simple case will cost £1,500 – £2,500 plus VAT.

This includes an initial meeting with you to obtain instructions and consider the evidence; advising you as to plea and sentence; arranging to take witness statements; identifying and instructing an expert witness; attending court and representing you during the hearing; discussing the outcome, and advising on an appeal.

This does not include experts and other third-party charges.

Complex Cases

• A magistrates trial involving a large number of witnesses
• A trial expected to last longer than half a day
• Cases involving the instruction of expert witnesses such as accident investigators or medical experts
• Cases requiring site visits
• A complex or novel area of law
• Crown court cases

For higher complexity and Crown Court cases we will provide a cost estimate on an individual case basis.

This does not include experts and other third-party charges.