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01 Dec 2025

If you find yourself facing a criminal investigation or charges, one of the most important things you need to think about is whether you’re going to hire a criminal solicitor or not. These legal professionals are vital for protecting your rights and can help you to understand your options. Not only this, but they’ll also guide you through what can be a very stressful and complex process that can otherwise be difficult to navigate. In this article we explore what exactly a criminal solicitor does and why you might need one. Keep reading to find out more.

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What does a criminal solicitor do?

When looking for a criminal solicitor, the first thing you need to understand is what exactly they do, so you can see how they can help you. Put simply, a criminal solicitor is a lawyer who specializes in criminal law such as theft, assault, fraud, drug offences and other serious crimes. They are the people who can provide you with expert advice, representation and defense throughout the legal process to ensure you get the right outcome for your case. There are many things they can help with, and you might need them for all of the process, or just part of it, this is up to you. Some of the key responsibilities that a Criminal Solicitor has include:

They offer legal advice – A criminal solicitor will assess your situation, tell you what the accusations are that have been made against you, and outline the different outcomes that might occur. They will help you understand your rights and what to say or do next to best help your case and mean you don’t get into further trouble.

They will represent you at the policy station – If you are pulled into the police station either because you’re arrested or if you’ve been asked to attend a police interview, you can call your solicitor in. They will ensure your rights are protected and that you don’t unintentionally say anything that might harm your case.

Build your defense – A solicitor will interview witnesses on your side, gather evidence, and work with experts like medical professionals and forensic teams to help build your defense. This is something super valuable they can do.

Represent you in court – In a less serious case, criminal solicitors often directly represent clients, so they can help with this. For more serious cases they might work alongside or instruct a barrister to present your case before a judge. 

They can negotiate on your behalf – Depending on the circumstances and evidence that has been given, your solicitor might negotiate plea deals, argue for reduced sentences and work to try and drop your charges.

Why might you need a criminal solicitor?

Even if you do something that’s considered minor, it can have serious, long-term consequences to your life, which makes professional legal advice really important. You might need a criminal solicitor in the following circumstances:

If You’re Arrested or Interviewed by Police
Having a solicitor present ensures that your rights are respected and that you receive fair treatment.

If You’ve Been Charged with a Crime
Whether the offence is minor or serious, a criminal solicitor can help you navigate the process and build the best possible defence.

If You’ve Been Summoned to Court
Expert legal representation increases your chances of a favourable outcome and ensures that the court hears your side of the story effectively.

If You Believe You’re Under Investigation

Even before formal charges are made, a solicitor can offer crucial guidance on how to handle enquiries and protect your position.

Why is early legal advice so important?

Early legal advice is super important for many reasons. One of the main things people tend to do which doesn’t help their case is wait too long to get in touch with a solicitor. This means the case can progress and go against them. Getting legal help as easily as possible means you can have evidence preserved that might not be otherwise, potential defenses can be identified, and missteps in the process can be avoided. In essence, it can give you a much better chance of building a strong case for you and hopefully a more lenient sentence or lesser punishment at the end. Having the right professional advice can be the difference between a successful defence and an outcome that’s damaging, so having their skills and expertise behind you is invaluable. 

How do you find a Criminal Solicitor?

There are a few ways you can find a criminal solicitor. Firstly, if you are arrested and brought to a police station, you can ask the duty solicitor to give advice. They’re available 24/7, and you can follow up with them later on if you want to use them for your case. You can also look online, which is one of the best ways to find the right Criminal Solicitor for you. This way you can check their credentials, find out what qualifications and experience they have and see if they’re the right fit. You can also look at reviews they’ve had from previous clients, see how much they charge, and check in what their rates are that they charge and if this is something you want to pay. 

Final thoughts

A criminal solicitor is your advocate, advisor, protector and confidante throughout the legal process when you have been accused of a crime. No matter if it’s a police interview you’re facing, court proceedings you are going through or if you just want a better understanding of your rights, their expertise means you aren’t facing it alone and have a better chance of a positive outcome. To find out more about criminal solicitors, or to hire one for yourself or a friend or relative, get in touch with us. Here at ABV Solicitors, we have an efficient team who are on hand to help answer any questions you might have, as well as get the right help you need, straight away. We’re here to help.