Private Criminal Defence Representation

I am a criminal defence barrister practising in London, specialising in serious and complex criminal cases. I act for privately paying clients at all stages of criminal proceedings, including investigation, trial, sentence, and appeal.

I also accept instructions under the Direct Access scheme, which allows privately paying clients to instruct a criminal defence barrister directly in appropriate cases.

What Is Private Criminal Defence?

Private criminal defence involves instructing a barrister on a privately funded basis rather than relying on legal aid.

Clients may choose private criminal defence where:

  • legal aid is not available, or they do not wish to use  it

  • they wish to instruct a particular barrister who will not accept legal aid cases

  • the case is serious or complex

  • early specialist advice is required

  • they want clarity about representation and fees.

Private representation can be used at any stage of a criminal case, from pre-charge advice through to trial and appeal and can be arranged directly with a barrister or via a solicitor.

When Do People Choose Private Criminal Defence?

Clients commonly seek private criminal defence where they:

  • are under police investigation

  • face serious criminal charges

  • require urgent advice

  • are dissatisfied with existing representation

  • wish to instruct a specialist advocate for trial or appeal

Private defence is particularly common in serious and complex criminal cases, where experience and focused advocacy are critical.

Private Criminal Defence and Direct Access

Private criminal defence is often provided through the Direct Access scheme.

Direct Access allows privately paying clients to:

  • instruct a criminal defence barrister directly

  • receive specialist advice at an early stage

  • deal directly with the advocate responsible for the case

  • avoid unnecessary duplication of work

Direct Access is regulated by the Bar Council and is suitable in many, though not all, criminal cases.

Where Direct Access is not appropriate, I will advise you at an early stage and explain the options available, including instructing a solicitor where necessary.

What Can a Private Criminal Defence Barrister Do?

As a privately instructed criminal defence barrister, I may:

  • provide advice on the strength of the prosecution case

  • advise on plea and sentence

  • prepare for hearings and trial

  • represent clients in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal

  • advise on appeals and post-conviction matters

  • provide advice and representation on disciplinary and regulatory cases.

I will always explain clearly the scope of work, what can be undertaken directly, and whether a solicitor is required for any aspect of the case.

Serious and Complex Criminal Cases

My private criminal defence practice focuses on serious and complex criminal cases, including trials and appeals.

These may involve:

  • substantial evidence

  • multiple defendants

  • complex legal issues

  • significant consequences for the client

In such cases, early and experienced advice can make a critical difference.

Fees for Private Criminal Defence

Fees for private criminal defence are agreed in advance and depend on:

  • the nature and seriousness of the case

  • the stage of proceedings

  • the work required

I aim to be transparent and proportionate in relation to fees. Where legal aid may be available, I will advise you accordingly.

Legal Aid and Private Representation

Legal aid is not available by way of Direct Access. However, I do act for legally aided clients when instructed by a solicitor.

If you are unsure whether legal aid may be available, you are welcome to make contact to discuss your position. I will advise you where appropriate.

 

Making a Confidential Enquiry

If you are considering private criminal defence representation, you may contact me for an initial confidential discussion.

I will consider whether private representation or Direct Access is suitable and explain the available options clearly.

All enquiries are treated in confidence and without obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private criminal defence better than legal aid?

Not necessarily. The appropriate form of representation depends on the case, eligibility for legal aid, and the client’s objectives. I will advise candidly on the most appropriate course.

Can I instruct you privately for just part of my case?

In some cases, yes. This may include advice, conferences, or representation at a particular hearing. This will depend on the nature of the case and will be discussed in advance.

Can private criminal defence be used for appeals?

Yes. Private representation is commonly used for appeals against conviction or sentence and for post-conviction advice.

Is my enquiry confidential?

Yes. All enquiries are treated confidentially and without obligation.

Experience

I am a criminal defence barrister practising in London, specialising in serious and complex criminal cases, including trials and appeals. I accept Direct Access instructions from privately paying clients and act for legally aided clients where appropriate.

I appear regularly in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal and also represent clients at professional regulatory and disciplinary hearings.

I practise from the top ranked chambers of 2BR.

London