Criminal Defence

From the establishment of the firm Burnett Barker have been passionate about helping people through the criminal justice system and our experienced and committed criminal team is headed by Declan Gallagher.

In an increasingly cynical world we still believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty and that our clients come first.

It is our job to help those we look after through what can be confusing and stressful proceedings and assist them in understanding the vagaries of the criminal law.

We represent clients in police stations, Youth, Magistrates and Crown Courts, most often in the east of England.

In the Police Station

Being in a Police Station is a stressful experience and however innocent you feel, the wrong thing said or done at this stage can cause difficulties later on

If you are unfortunate enough to be arrested or otherwise interviewed at a police station or elsewhere in connection with a criminal offence ask for Declan Gallagher or Graham Boutel.

Advice in a Police Station is generally covered by public funding.
‘You have the right to free and independent legal advice.'

In the Magistrates Court

If you have been to the police station and charged with a criminal offence, or have received a summons to go to court, your case will initially be heard by the Magistrates’ Court

Magistrates’ courts deal with a wide variety of crime from motoring offences to assaults, environmental crime to false trade descriptions, dangerous dogs to malicious communications - and much more.

There is significant pressure from the Magistrates' Court system for cases to progress swiftly. It is vital therefore that you get in touch with us as soon as you possibly can to avoid delays and possible penalties that could result.

We can take your details and assess your eligibility for legal aid. Legal aid is based on a two-stage qualifying test, the first being the merits of your case and the second being an assessment of your means. If you do not qualify for legal aid, we can provide you with details of our competitive private charges.

In the Crown Court

All cases start in the Magistrates' Court but more serious cases can go on to the Crown Court. The more serious the case the more likely it is that it will be transferred straight from the Magistrates Court to the Crown Court.

In the Crown Court you will be represented by a lawyer from this firm or, more usually, by a barrister selected and approved by us on the basis of experience, competence and suitability.

Legal Aid is not means tested in the Crown Court, but if you lose your case you are likely to be ordered to pay a contribution towards the costs of your defence as well as those of the prosecution.

Our typical Crown Court case-load might include:

• crimes of violence up to and including murder
• money laundering
• sexual offences including rape
• fraud, burglary and other offences of dishonesty
• drug related offences ranging from simple possession to large scale importation, production and supply

For friendly no-nonsense advice you can trust, contact Burnett Barker Solicitors.