Criminal Law

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Criminal Defence at Woodstock Legal Services


Being contacted by the police or accused of a criminal offence can be frightening and overwhelming, and the decisions you make early on can have a significant impact on the outcome. Woodstock Legal Services offers clear, confidential criminal defence advice to individuals across England and Wales, helping you understand your position and protect your rights from the outset.


Our criminal defence solicitors advise at every stage of a criminal investigation, including police station interviews, voluntary interviews under caution, bail and release under investigation, and pre-charge representations. Getting the right advice before you speak to the police can make all the difference.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who listens without judgement, explains your options in plain English, and gives you honest, realistic advice about your case, so you can make informed decisions at a difficult time.


Magistrates’ & Crown Court Representation


If you’ve been charged with an offence, having the right legal representation is essential. Woodstock Legal Services represents clients in criminal proceedings, from first appearances in the Magistrates’ Court to trials in the Crown Court.


Our criminal solicitors prepare your defence thoroughly. We review the prosecution evidence, identify weaknesses in the case against you, and advise on your plea and the strongest strategy for your circumstances. Where a conviction is likely, we present persuasive mitigation to help secure the best possible outcome.


Throughout your case, your lawyer keeps you informed at every stage, prepares you for each hearing, and makes sure you know exactly what to expect, so you never have to face the process alone.


Motoring Offences


A motoring conviction can affect your licence, your job and your independence. Woodstock Legal Services advises drivers across England and Wales on a wide range of motoring offences, including speeding, drink and drug driving, careless or dangerous driving, and offences that could lead to a driving ban.



Our solicitors can advise on whether to contest the allegation, represent you in court, and, where you face disqualification under the totting-up rules, help you argue exceptional hardship to keep your licence. We give you clear advice on your options and the likely outcome, so you can decide how to proceed with confidence.

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Criminal Law FAQs

  • I’ve been asked to attend a voluntary police interview. Do I need a solicitor?

    Yes, it’s strongly recommended. A voluntary interview is still an interview under caution, and anything you say can be used as evidence if your case goes to court. You have the right to free and independent legal advice before and during the interview. A solicitor can find out what the police know before you’re questioned, advise you on whether and how to answer, and make sure the interview is conducted fairly. Contact us as soon as you’re invited to attend.

  • Is legal advice at the police station free?

    Everyone has the right to free and independent legal advice at the police station, whether you’ve been arrested or are attending a voluntary interview. You can ask for the duty solicitor or for a solicitor of your choice. If you’d prefer to instruct us privately, we’ll explain how our fees work at the outset, so you know exactly where you stand.

  • What happens after I’m charged with an offence?

    After you’re charged, you’ll be given a date to appear at the magistrates’ court. Less serious cases are usually dealt with there, while more serious offences are sent to the Crown Court. At an early stage, you’ll be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, a decision that can significantly affect the outcome of your case, including any sentence. Our criminal defence solicitors will review the evidence against you and advise you on the best approach before you make that decision.

  • Can I get legal aid for my criminal case?

    Legal aid may be available for criminal cases, depending on your financial circumstances and the seriousness of the charge. Police station advice is available free to everyone, but representation in court is subject to a means test and an “interests of justice” test. When you contact us, we’ll explain the funding options for your case clearly, so there are no surprises.

  • Could I lose my driving licence?

    You may face a driving ban if you’re convicted of certain serious motoring offences, such as drink driving, or if you build up 12 or more penalty points within three years under the totting-up rules. In some totting-up cases, you can ask the court not to disqualify you by showing that a ban would cause exceptional hardship, for example to your job or to people who depend on you. Our solicitors can assess your case and help you present the strongest possible argument.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our criminal defence solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re facing a police interview or a court hearing, your case gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Confidential, Non-Judgemental Advice

Facing a criminal allegation is stressful, whatever the circumstances. We listen without judgement, treat every matter in the strictest confidence, and give you honest, practical advice to help you protect your future.

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Criminal Law Client Testimonials

Ravi Thatai

"My experience with Woodstock Legal Services has been very positive so far. They have helped me during a very stressful situation and have enabled me to feel that I have done everything I can. Each step has been clearly explained, which has been very reassuring. Thank you for your ongoing support."

Ravi Thatai

"I have felt understood, respected and reassured under the knowledgeable, friendly and extremely competent care of Mr Ravi Thatai at Woodstock Legal Services. Would recommend!"

Reviews taken from Google from October 2026