The Crown Court is where the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales are heard — cases that are too serious for the Magistrates’ Court. It deals with indictable offences that go directly to the Crown Court, as well as either-way offences that are sent from the Magistrates’ Court.
These cases can involve extremely serious allegations, including:
At Wilkstone Law, our experienced criminal defence solicitors and higher court advocates represent clients facing prosecution in the Crown Court. We deliver straightforward, pragmatic advice, meticulous case preparation, and robust advocacy throughout every stage of proceedings.
We understand that being accused of a criminal offence and facing court proceedings can be overwhelming. Our role is to provide steady support, straightforward guidance, and a first-class defence from the outset through to the conclusion of your case.
Speak with a legal expert
Reassurance and possible next steps
Learn about costs involved (no obligation)
Completely confidential conversation
Although every case is different, Crown Court proceedings generally follow a structured process. Appreciating how the process operates is fundamentally important towards obtaining the strongest achievable outcome.
Most Crown Court cases begin in the Magistrates’ Court, where serious offences are either sent for trial or committed for sentencing.
At the first Crown Court hearing, you will be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. The court will then set directions for the case, including disclosure of evidence and the timetable for trial preparation.
If you plead not guilty, your case will proceed to trial. This may involve:
If you are convicted, or if you plead guilty, the court will move to sentencing. The judge will consider:
Wilkstone Law has built a strong reputation through acting on behalf of clients facing complex and serious criminal allegations.
Our defence team prepares every case thoroughly, including:
Our objective is always to secure the best possible result, irrespective of whether that means charges being dropped, reduced, successfully defended, or achieving the most lenient sentence available.
Being arrested or remanded can be an extremely stressful experience.
We provide immediate advice and representation in relation to bail applications and hearings, including:
If you are arrested or charged, we can advise you from the earliest stage, protecting your rights and beginning preparation of your defence immediately.
Many defendants qualify for legal aid in Crown Court proceedings, subject to the means and interests of justice tests.
We will assist you throughout the Legal Aid Agency assessment procedure while making certain you gain clarity on your entitlement and available funding options.
If you do not qualify for legal aid, we will offer straightforward and fully open advice regarding private funding and costs from the outset.
If your case does not result in the outcome you hoped for, we can advise on appeals against conviction or sentence.
Our team will carefully review the evidence, trial process, and sentencing decision before advising whether there are viable grounds for appeal.
Wilkstone Law has extensive experience through acting on behalf of clients facing serious criminal cases across England and Wales.
We regularly appear before major Crown Courts, including:
We also work closely with leading barristers and King’s Counsel (KCs) to ensure our clients benefit from the finest level of advocacy in the most complex cases.
We support our clients through every stage of criminal proceedings — beginning with police station interviews and continuing through to appeals.
Our team will keep you fully informed, prepare your case to the highest standard, and fight tirelessly to protect your interests.
Every aspect of your defence is carefully prepared and scrutinised.
We have extensive experience defending serious and complex criminal allegations.
Our solicitors provide determined, strategic, and client-focused representation throughout your case.
We work with some of the country’s leading advocates in serious criminal matters.
We are able to assist you in dealing with the legal aid process and funding requirements.
Our team has represented clients across a wide range of serious criminal cases and Crown Court proceedings.
We provide straightforward, pragmatic guidance focused on securing the strongest available result for our clients.
Whether you are facing a serious criminal allegation, preparing for a Crown Court trial, or urgently require legal advice following arrest, Wilkstone Law is here to help.
Our Crown Court specialists and criminal defence solicitors are committed to protecting your rights, scrutinising every aspect of your case, and fighting to secure the strongest available result on your behalf.
"Thank you so much for your hard work on the case…. we are delighted with the outcome"
"I just wanted to thank you again for all your help and advice over the last few months. Your calm, reassurance and professionalism has been so helpful"
"I appreciate all your help and support this year. During a very difficult time your approach, guidance and immaculate communication gave me comfort and clarity when I needed it most"
"Jon Wilkins leads the Firm which runs like clockwork - he is a very impressive lawyer"
"Jon Wilkins has excellent client skills and a great grasp of detail"
"Skilled at handling a range of fraud, general crime and motoring offences, his client base includes High Profile and High Net Worth individuals"
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrudLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud
If you have been arrested, you should not answer police questions until you have received expert legal advice from criminal defence solicitors.
You should only confirm your name and basic personal details before requesting legal representation. You are entitled to free legal advice whilst in police custody, and early representation at the police station can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal investigation.
Wilkstone Law provide immediate police station representation and expert legal advice for clients accused of criminal offences throughout Cardiff and across England and Wales.
If you have been released on police bail or released under investigation, it is important to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible.
Our criminal defence solicitors can review the evidence, advise you in relation to the investigation and consider whether pre-charge engagement with the police may be appropriate. In some criminal cases, early representations can result in allegations being dropped or no further action being taken.
We can also advise upon:
Early strategic advice can strengthen your defence and improve the outcome of your case.
Wilkstone Law can provide independent expert legal advice and a second opinion regarding your criminal defence matter.
Our solicitors can obtain the police disclosure and paperwork from the Duty Solicitor, review the evidence and advise whether the legal advice previously provided was appropriate in the circumstances.
We regularly assist clients who require ongoing representation following release from police custody and can take over conduct of the case where appropriate.
Call us as soon as possible – we will agree a fixed fee consultation to discuss and advise upon your case. At this meeting, we will advise you upon what happens next and will apply for copies of the police statements and evidence before your first court appearance.
We will carefully consider the evidence and advise you upon the strength of the police evidence and upon any defence that you may have to the charges you face. There may be urgent steps that we advise you to take to strengthen your defence before you appear in court.
The first appearance in any court case is at the Magistrates Court – we can appear in court on your behalf to represent you.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and required to attend court, you should seek legal advice immediately.
Our criminal defence solicitors in Cardiff can advise you upon:
The first hearing in a criminal case will usually take place before the Magistrates’ Court. Early preparation and expert representation can make a significant difference to the progression and outcome of proceedings.
Yes. The first call to Wilkstone Law is free.
During the initial call, we can provide general guidance regarding next steps and arrange a fixed fee consultation to discuss your case in greater detail. However, we cannot provide case-specific legal advice until formally instructed.
Consultations can usually be arranged at short notice either in person, by telephone, or via video conference.
Our fixed fee consultations start from £500 plus VAT.
Following the initial consultation, we are often able to provide a fixed fee quotation for representation throughout the lifetime of your criminal case.
Legal fees will depend upon several factors including:
Wilkstone Law also advise clients in relation to legal aid and Legal Aid Agency funding where available.
Wilkstone Law are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Our Managing Director, Jon Wilkins, is recognised as a Grade A Solicitor by the Legal Aid Agency and is a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500.
Our criminal defence solicitors are highly regarded for providing expert legal advice and representation in serious and complex criminal cases.