Representation At Court

As respected criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, Ashcott Solicitors ensure that you will only ever be represented at court by an experienced criminal lawyer, be they a solicitor or, in the more serious cases, a barrister. You can be assured that our only concern and aim is getting you out of the case as soon as possible. We will get you through the nightmare that is Criminal Court proceedings as quickly, efficiently and with the best possible outcome for you in all the circumstances of your case.

All criminal cases begin with an appearance in the Magistrate’s Court. Here it is normal that a number of administrative matters take place such as identifying you, responding to the charges. Perhaps one of the most important matters that may be addressed at that first hearing is whether you can be bailed until your trial date should the Police wish you to be kept (remanded) in custody until your Trial date. Bail is a fundamental right and Ashcotts Solicitors have an exemplary record in achieving Bail for clients facing all manner of charges. See our article ‘Bail Matters’ for further insight.

In the Crown Court you will always be represented by a barrister who will advise you as to your case papers and prepare the case along with your solicitor. An increasing number of criminal defence solictors use in-house Solicitor Advocates as opposed to specialist barristers (basically because they are more cost effective for the Firm). We at Ashcotts have never adopted this approach. We believe our clients deserve the specialism and experience in a Barrister that can only be gained by years of experience in presenting cases to Crown Court Juries. Ashcott Solicitors are firmly of the view that an experienced battle hardened Barrister whose only interest is serving your Case and whom has no agenda of winning friends within the Prosecution, or in some cases the Judge, is the surest way to achieve an acquittal for you as the client.