Crown Court
Serious and complex Crown Court defence with leading counsel.
The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal offences, including murder, rape, robbery, serious fraud, and major drug offences. Cases in the Crown Court are heard by a judge and a jury of twelve members of the public. The stakes at Crown Court level are at their highest — serious custodial sentences are a real possibility, and the quality of your legal representation can make a decisive difference to the outcome of your case. BW Solicitors provides expert private Crown Court representation to clients across Ilford and London.
Crown Court Cases — What to Expect
When a case is sent to the Crown Court, it will first be listed for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH), at which the defendant enters their plea and the court makes directions for the preparation of the case. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will be listed for trial. Trials in the Crown Court can last from a single day to many weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. Our solicitors work closely with experienced barristers to ensure every aspect of your defence is as strong as possible.
- Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)
- Preparation of the defence case — obtaining evidence, instructing experts where necessary
- Instructing an experienced barrister for the trial
- Attendance at all hearings throughout the proceedings
- Jury trial representation
- Sentencing hearings and mitigation
- Appeals against conviction or sentence to the Court of Appeal
Working with a Barrister
In Crown Court cases, your solicitor will instruct a barrister (also known as counsel) to represent you at the trial and at other significant hearings. The choice of barrister is important, and our solicitors have established relationships with experienced criminal barristers across London. We will discuss the choice of counsel with you and ensure that the barrister instructed has the right experience and expertise for your specific case.
Sentencing and Appeals
If you are convicted at the Crown Court, the judge will impose a sentence. The range of sentences available includes absolute and conditional discharges, fines, community orders, suspended sentences and immediate custody. Our solicitors will present detailed and compelling mitigation on your behalf at the sentencing hearing. If you have been convicted or sentenced and believe there has been an error in law or an unduly harsh sentence, we can advise on an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
- Detailed sentencing mitigation
- Victim surcharge and ancillary orders
- Advice on appeals against conviction
- Advice on appeals against sentence
- Advice on Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) proceedings
Why Choose BW Solicitors?
Crown Court cases require the highest levels of legal expertise, preparation and advocacy. Our solicitors bring that commitment to every case, working closely with experienced barristers to give every client the best possible chance of the outcome they need. We serve clients across Ilford, East London and Greater London.