On Sunday 17th September, Amanda Perrins took part in a very wet Memory Walk to raise for the...
Since we started our business in the early 1980s we have become one of the leading and most highly-respected legal practices in Wales in the field of criminal defence work. We specialise not only in general criminal defence (including motoring offences) but also defend more serious and complex matters such as serious fraud, regulatory offences, large-scale drug conspiracies and even murder.
Our criminal defence team are right up-to-date with the latest legal developments and are experienced in defending the most complex and serious cases as well as the more routine cases that appear before the courts. We hold the Law Society's Criminal Litigation Accreditation which covers all types of criminal law work. Such is the expertise and level of training of our team that, in recent years, two of our solicitors have gone on to become full-time judges.
The modern criminal justice system requires us to have not just an in-depth knowledge of each type of offence but also an in-depth knowledge of issues such as admissibility of evidence, obtaining maximum disclosure of evidence from the prosecution, and a sound understanding of how prosecuting agencies operate. These are all crucial factors that allow us to mount the very best defence on behalf of our clients.
Criminal Legal Aid Work
All law firms undertaking criminal legal aid work are required to undergo a rigorous independent quality control peer review audit in order that the Legal Aid Agency can satisfy itself that legal aid providers are giving a consistently good service to their clients. In 2017, we were pleased to have been awarded the prestigious score of “(1) Excellence”, which independently says something about the quality of service we give our clients. In fact, as at March 2018 we are one of only 13 law firms in the country (3 of which are in Wales) to have achieved this rating.
Criminal Defence
If you are suspected of a criminal offence or have been charged with one, we can provide a highly experienced and proactive criminal defence team that can provide the representation you need. We pride ourselves on advising our clients in terms they need to hear rather than what may like to hear. We have a highly dedicated team of lawyers, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Here, at hpjv solicitors, we have a dedicated team of solicitors, in-house Higher Rights Advocates, accredited police station representatives and case workers, who can provide a specialist and seamless service through the entire Criminal Justice System; representing you from the Police Station through to the Magistrates Court, the Crown Court and, if necessary, the Appeal Courts. This door to door service sets us aside in Wales and demonstrates our expertise and commitment to our clients. Where necessary we have access to specialist external experts (such as scientists, computer experts), tried and tested by us to provide the best defence for our clients.
Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions
Our criminal team can also provide you with advice and assistance where a housing authority or the police are applying to the County Court for an anti-social behaviour injunction (ASBI) against you and we are able to represent you with free legal aid (regardless of your financial circumstances) if you have been arrested for breaching an ASBI.
Access to Justice & Legal Aid
Access to Justice has always been at the very heart of the hpjv ethos. We have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency and can provide publicly funded representation, where appropriate. Free Legal Aid remains available without reservation when a person, whatever their financial circumstances, is detained at the police station. If you find yourself in that position it is imperative you seek expert advice from us immediately using our out of hours emergency number if necessary. Our police station representatives are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we can be at the police station to represent you within no more than 30 minutes of the scheduled interview time. Legal Aid is also available for court hearings, subject to merits and means tests. We are more than happy to discuss legal aid funding with you and whether it is available for your case.
Where Legal Aid is not available, we will provide detailed costs advice from the outset as well as investigating whether alternative funding is available, for example, through insurance or third-party funding. In many cases, we are able to agree payment by a fixed fee payable at the start of your case, so that you know you will not get a surprise bill at the end of your case.
We are currently the only law firm in Wales to assist the Law Society for England and Wales specifically in the criminal Law field. We provide the only Welsh representative on the Law Society’s Access to Justice Committee and Criminal Law Committee. This demonstrates that we are at the forefront, not only of criminal defence representation but also in advocating and shaping the future of criminal law and representation.
At hpjv solicitors we pride ourselves in being able to provide a sympathetic, expert and professional service to all our clients, whatever their circumstances or needs. Client Care is one of our Core Values: we recognise that each and every client is a unique individual with unique requirements and we will do our very best to make sure we help you choose the best options for your needs and circumstances.
Contact our criminal law solicitors in Cardiff, Newport and Chepstow
If you are facing the possibility of proceedings in a Magistrates Court or Crown Court or need advice about an interview you have had, or are about to have, with the police, the DWP, Trading Standards (or any other prosecuting agency), contact us today for a free, no obligation, friendly chat with one of our team in Cardiff, Newport or Chepstow. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you may find some peace of mind.
