CRIMINAL LAW

How we can help you

As a department, Keppe Rofer have a number of legal specialists who deal with Magistrates as well as Crown Court work. There are also a number of highly experienced legal assistants with a wealth of knowledge for preparing cases, not only in the Crown Court, but the Court of Appeal as Keppe Rofer's Criminal Law Group has a Country wide reputation for excellence.

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Many 'high profile' cases are handled and daily appearances are made in both Magistrates and Crown Courts.

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​As well as having a wealth of experience and success representing clients charged with general criminal offences before the Magistrates' Court and the Crown Court, we have expertise in representing clients throughout England and Wales who have been charged with the following offences -

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• Fraud

• Money Laundering

• HMRC Prosecutions for Tax Frauds and Cheating the Revenue

• Trading Standards Prosecutions

• Environmental Protection Prosecutions

• Modern Slavery

• Serious Drugs Cases involving both Importation and Supply

• Serious Sexual Offences

We also have expertise in advising upon the legality of Restraint Orders issued under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and representing clients facing Confiscation Proceedings.

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A 24-hour emergency call out service is provided for immediate advice to clients under arrest at a Police Station. This service is operated by lawyers with particular expertise and experience of giving advice in such circumstances. It is essential that the best advice be given as early as possible in every case, as this may obviously avoid the necessity of court appearances.

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Legal Aid may be available, subject to the client's means and circumstances.

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Magistrates Court and the Crown Court

Criminal Offences are divided into three categories, summary offences, offences triable either way and indictable only offences. Summary Offences may only be tried in the Magistrates' Court. Either way offences can be tried in either the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court before a judge and jury. The place of the trial will depend on the seriousness of the offence and the decision will be made at the Magistrates' Court as to whether this matter is serious enough for a Crown Court Trial. Offences triable only on indictment must be tried in the Crown Court.

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All proceedings commence as a result of a criminal charge or summons which will state the date and time of the first Court appointment.