We can represent clients on a private basis, or provided you qualify, we can represent you on Legal Aid.

Please note that most driving offences do not qualify for Legal Aid, and we do not offer a service where we represent clients in driving matters on Legal Aid.

If in doubt,  please contact us.

Cases involving extensive paperwork and complex evidence can feel overwhelming—but they are exactly the kind of cases we deal with every day. We are highly experienced in managing large volumes of documents and technical material, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

If your case requires specialist input, we can quickly assemble the right team. Through years of practise, our lawyers have built strong professional relationships with leading experts, including DNA analysts, encrypted-communication forensic specialists, and King’s Counsel. This allows us to provide comprehensive, high-level support tailored to your case.

The best strategy for your defence will be thoroughly discussed after a careful review of your case papers and a detailed discussion of your instructions. Often, we find it beneficial to engage your trial counsel early in the case preparation process. Throughout your case, we will maintain open and ongoing communication with you, ensuring that you are fully informed and comfortable with every step taken, providing you with the confidence that every possible avenue is being explored on your behalf.

We bring a wealth of experience to cases, having handled numerous complex and serious offences . Our approach to defence is rooted in a meticulous examination of the evidence, a thorough understanding of legal precedents, and a commitment to protecting the client’s rights at every stage of the legal process. We work hard to build a defence strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. Additionally, We maintain a strong focus on effective communication and collaboration with our clients, ensuring they are informed and actively involved in their defence strategy. This approach, allows us to provide comprehensive and effective representation for individuals facing serious charges. It’s one of the reasons, we keep getting referrals, year after year from satisfied client

A good question and one rarely asked by a client if we have represented them previously, as they are aware of the service provided.

However, for those not having the benefit of being represented by us previously, here are the reasons why we believe your case would be in good hands at Tilson Solicitors

We provide a more personalised Service: In a smaller practice, clients receive more personalised attention and have direct access to the legal team, thereby fostering a stronger solicitor-client relationship.

Senior Solicitor Involvement: Clients benefit from more direct interaction with experienced solicitors, ensuring that their case receives the attention and expertise it requires from seasoned professionals.

Agility and Flexibility: Tilsons solicitors are more agile and adaptable due to our size, enabling us to respond quickly to changing circumstances or emerging legal strategies.

Team Cohesion:  Tilsons is a close-knit team,  which fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is familiar with the details of a case, providing a seamless and unified defence.

Many of Tilsons clients find that the intimate, client-focused environment of our practice aligns well with their expectations and provides a level of service and attention that they value highly.

The duration of the legal process can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case and the jurisdiction. It’s important to note that legal proceedings often involve several stages, each with its own timeline. Here’s a general overview:

1. Investigation Phase: This occurs before any charges are formally filed and can take a variable amount of time, depending on the complexity of the case.
2. Filing of Charges: Once charges are brought, the process moves into the formal legal system. This can happen relatively quickly. At this stage, an application would be made for Legal Aid. There would be an initial hearing at the magistrate’s court, and depending on your case, you may be tried in the magistrate’s court, or if the case is complex, or you elect a Crown court trial, then your case would be transferred to the Crown court
3. Arraignment: The charges are put to you, and if you plead guilty in the magistrates court and the magistrates are satisfied that their sentencing power is enough, then you would be sentenced in the magistrate’s court, If the magistrates think that your sentence should be more than they can impose under the law, then your case would be transferred to the Crown court for sentence. 
4. If you have pleaded not guilty at the magistrates court, and provided the case is summary only, then a trial date would be set. If your offence is either way, then you can elect a trial in the magistrates court, or elect a Crown court trial. If you elect a Crown court trial, then your case would be sent to Crown Court for a PTPH hearing, and at this hearing the charges would be put to you, and you would be required to put in a plea
5. Pre-Trial Reviews: These are legal arguments or administrative matters in your case, made by either the defence or prosecution before the trial starts.
6.  Bargaining: This can occur at any stage, including before or during the trial. It may take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of both parties to negotiate.
7. Trial: If the case goes to trial, this is a significant milestone. A trial can range from a few days to several weeks, or even longer for complex cases.
8. Verdict: After the trial, the jury (or Magistrates/district Judge in a magistrates court) ) will deliberate and reach a verdict. This can happen relatively quickly or may take some time, depending on the complexity of the case.
9. Sentencing (if applicable): If the defendant is found guilty, He/she may be sentenced immediately or there will be a separate sentencing hearing scheduled for a later date.
10. Appeals (if applicable): If there are grounds for appeal, this process can extend the overall legal timeline significantly. Appeals can take several months.

It’s important to remember that these are general timelines and can vary widely based on the specific details of your case. We  will be able to provide more accurate estimates based on the circumstances of your case

The decision to go to trial ultimately depends on various factors, including the strength of the case, the available evidence, and any potential negotiations or plea bargains. If your case proceeds to trial, here’s what you can generally expect during the trial process:

1. Jury Selection (if your case is at Crown court): The process begins with the selection of a jury.

2. Opening Statements: The trial starts with opening statements from the prosecution. The statements outline what the prosecution intends to prove during the trial.

3. Presentation of Evidence: The prosecution presents its evidence first, followed by the defence. This may include witness testimonies, physical evidence, documents, and expert opinions. Both sides have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses.

4. Legal arguments: Throughout the trial, both sides (prosecution and defence) may make legal arguments or objections regarding the admissibility of evidence or other procedural matters. The judge will rule on these.

5. Closing Arguments: After all evidence has been presented, both the prosecution and defence deliver closing speeches, summarising their case and seeking to persuade the jury ( or magistrates/district judge in a Magistrates court)  to reach a particular verdict.

6. Jury Deliberation (if applicable): If a jury is involved, they will then deliberate in private to reach a verdict. This process can take hours or even days, depending on the complexity of the case.

7. Verdict: The jury (or judge/magistrates, in a Magistrates’ court trial) will announce their decision. The possible outcomes are guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, a hung jury (in a Crown court trial, if they can’t reach a decision).

8. Sentencing (if applicable): If the verdict is guilty, a separate sentencing hearing may be scheduled. This is where the judge determines the appropriate punishment.

9. Possible Appeals (if applicable): Depending on the outcome, there may be grounds for an appeal, which can extend the legal process.

It’s crucial to remember that every case is unique, and the specific details and procedures can vary based on the nature of the charges. We will provide you with more detailed information about what to expect in your specific situation.