If you or someone close to you has been arrested, asked to attend a voluntary interview, or charged, our criminal defence solicitors give urgent, expert advice across London, at the police station and in court. You have the right to free, independent legal advice at the police station regardless of your income, and legal aid may cover your defence. Contact us as early as possible, because decisions made in the first hours can affect everything that follows.
Get advice before you are interviewed
Being arrested or investigated is frightening, and the choices you make early on matter more than most people realise. You are entitled to free and independent legal advice at the police station, whatever your income, and it is almost always a mistake to be interviewed without it. A solicitor can find out what the police actually have, advise you on whether and how to answer questions, and make sure the interview is conducted fairly. If you have been asked to attend a "voluntary" interview, remember that it is still an interview under caution and what you say can be used in evidence, so take advice first.
What we defend
We advise and represent clients on a wide range of criminal matters, including police station interviews, motoring offences, public order, assault and violence allegations, drugs offences, theft and fraud, and more serious cases heard in the Crown Court. Whatever the allegation, the approach is the same: understand the evidence, protect your rights, and build the strongest defence available to you.
The courts that serve East London
Knowing where your case will be heard helps you understand the process. Most cases start in the magistrates' court. In East London these are principally Thames Magistrates' Court on Bow Road and Stratford Magistrates' Court, which handle summary and lower-level either-way offences, first appearances, bail applications and sentencing [Source: HM Courts and Tribunals Service]. More serious cases are sent to the Crown Court, and for East London and much of Essex that is Snaresbrook Crown Court in Redbridge, which is the busiest stand-alone Crown Court in the country, hearing in the region of 7,000 cases a year across its courtrooms [Source: HMCTS / Snaresbrook Crown Court]. We represent clients through every stage, from the police station to the magistrates' court and, where a case escalates, at the Crown Court.
Police station, magistrates' court and Crown Court
We can represent you at each stage: attending the police station for your interview, appearing with you in the magistrates' court, and preparing your case and instructing counsel for the Crown Court where needed. Early, expert representation often changes the outcome, from avoiding a charge altogether, to keeping a case in the magistrates' court, to reducing the seriousness of what you face.
Legal aid and fees
Advice at the police station is free to everyone, regardless of means. For representation in court, legal aid may be available depending on the offence and your financial circumstances, and we will check your eligibility straight away. Where legal aid does not apply, we offer clear, private fee arrangements agreed with you in advance, so you always know where you stand.
Why us
You deal with a named criminal defence solicitor who handles your case personally and is contactable when it matters. Deen & Co is a boutique firm regulated by the SRA (No. 560747) that takes the time to understand your situation rather than treating you as a file number.
FAQ
I have been asked to attend a voluntary interview. Do I need a solicitor?
Yes. A voluntary interview is still under caution and can be used in evidence. Take advice first; it is free at the police station.
Is advice at the police station really free?
Yes, for everyone, whatever your income.
Will I get legal aid for court?
Possibly, depending on the offence and your finances. We check eligibility immediately.
Where will my case be heard?
Usually a local magistrates' court such as Thames or Stratford first, and if it is serious, Snaresbrook Crown Court [Source: HMCTS].