Crime

Holdens has one of the largest teams of criminal lawyers in the north Lancashire, south Cumbria region, with specialist solicitors serving on both the court and police station duty schemes.

Immediate advice and representation is therefore available at all times of the day and night.

Our specialist team has developed a fine reputation for their advocacy skills. We deal with all types of cases, from minor infringements, to serious offences, providing representation at police stations, magistrates courts, crown courts and beyond.

Legal funding
We can discuss eligibility and applications for legal funding with you. Where funding assistance is unavailable, you can be sure of competitive legal fees. Contact us to discuss your funding options and for assistance for applying for free representation.

Police station
Everyone has the right to advice and assistance from a solicitor either in person or over the phone, unless certain limited exceptions apply.

Any advice and assistance provided whilst you are at the police station is provided free regardless of the allegation or your personal circumstances.

Holdens can provide advice 24/7, 365 days per year. We have a team of solicitors also serving on police station duty schemes in South Cumbria and North lancashire. We can have a representative to you within 45 minutes.

Most cases start at the police station and what happens there can often have a huge impact on what happens later if your case goes to court.

It is important to ask for a solicitor as soon as you are either detained at a police station or asked to attend for a voluntary appointment. Such circumstances often lead to an interview on tape or under caution - these interviews are evidence which can be used against you.

ASK FOR HOLDENS and we will provide your confidential and expert advice whilst representing you interests during your time at the station and remember - the service is FREE!

Magistrates court
If you are charged with an offence by the police or you receive a summons in the post asking you to attend a magistrates court our team can provide you with assistance at the outset of our case and we recommend that you contact us without delay regarding your appearance before the magistrates court. As well as providing specialist advice, we can also discuss your eligibility for legal funding.

Legal funding at the magistrates court requires the completion of forms depending on your personal circumstances. Our team can assist and advise you regarding the legal funding criteria as well as taking you through the forms and information required.

Crown Court
Certain offenses give the magistrates or you, the choice to have your case heard in the Crown Court before a judge and jury. Similarly if you wish to appeal a conviction or sentence given in the magistrates court your case will be heard in a Crown Court.

If you have a decision where your case is heard then Holdens can provide comprehensive and early advice to enable you to make an appropriate and informed decision.

The Crown Court can be a daunting place and it is important that you obtain legal advice at the earliest opportunity. Holdens can arrange expert representation, our in-house Higher Court Advocate provides specialist and professional advocacy in the higher courts. We also have a team of Crown Court specialists dedicated to work in the Crown Court.

Appeals

We will provide experienced, knowledgeable advice about the likely success of appeal. If an appeal is considered appropriate, we can arrange representation throughout the appeal process.

Click here to download Holdens contact details to retain in your wallet should you find emergency assistance is required.