Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors

At GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates, our specialist Criminal Defence team is recognised for its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal investigations.

Whether you have been invited to attend a voluntary interview, arrested and taken to the police station, or contacted by an investigating authority, our experienced lawyers provide clear, strategic advice from the outset. Early representation during a criminal investigation is crucial, and we work proactively to protect your position, challenge evidence where appropriate, and guide you through every stage of the process.

Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyers 

Our lawyers have a wealth of experience representing clients in the police station. They are available to represent clients who have been arrested 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A lawyer will be able to obtain details of the evidence against you prior to your police interview. We will then be in a position to advise you fully about the strength of the case against you and the appropriate way of dealing with the police interview.

Investigations

How can we help you during a criminal investigation?

Our experienced criminal defence lawyers are highly skilled at identifying legal and procedural challenges during the investigation stage. This includes scrutinising the lawfulness of arrests, interviews, searches and seizures, challenging disclosure failures, raising abuse of process arguments, and identifying breaches of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. We are also alert to wider human rights issues, including unlawful detention, unfair treatment, and violations of the right to a fair trial.

How can GT Stewart help?

If you have been arrested, we understand that you will find yourself in a stressful environment, surrounded by an unfamiliar procedure – we specialise in carefully guiding our clients through the process and providing assistance with complex questions such as:

• Should you answer questions in police interviews?

• Should you agree to provide police with intimate samples?

• How long can the police keep you in custody?

• Will you get bail?

• Should you accept a police caution for this matter and how will that affect you in the future?

It is not only the police and crown prosecution service that conduct criminal investigations and proceedings, there are many other organisations who carry out investigations and prosecutions and who have similar powers to the police and crown prosecution service.

Examples of Investigations that we can assist with

Examples of the sort of investigations that we can assist with include:

• Serious Fraud Office investigations

• Financial Conduct Authority matters

• HMRC investigations into tax and revenue offences

• Local authorities and Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) investigating allegations such as benefit fraud, illegal sub-letting or misuse of a disabled parking badge.

• RSPCA investigations such as mistreatment or neglect of animals.

• National Crime Agency matters.

Legal Aid and Private work

Although legal aid is often available for those that have been arrested or invited to interview under caution, our private crime department provides a thorough and comprehensive service from highly experience lawyers. If you would like to discuss our rates, please contact us.

Why choose GT Stewart?

All of our lawyers have a broad range of experience in dealing with the different prosecuting and investigative authorities. If you are invited to an interview under caution by a prosecuting authority other than the police, then it is just as important that you obtain legal advice as if you had been arrested.