Criminal Lawyers
Draycott Browne is one of the UK’s leading criminal defence law firms. Based in Manchester, we represent individuals and businesses across England and Wales in cases where reputation, livelihood and liberty may be at risk.
If you have been accused of a criminal offence, charged with a crime or need advice about challenging a conviction or sentence, our Criminal Solicitors in Manchester provide clear, decisive legal representation when it matters most.
Established in 1998, Draycott Browne has built its reputation on the quality of its criminal defence work and the commitment shown to every client. Our solicitors provide expert advice and representation at police stations, during criminal investigations and throughout court proceedings.
We are accredited under the Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation scheme, reflecting the professional standards and specialist knowledge expected of an established criminal defence practice.
We provide both Legal Aid and privately funded representation, giving clients access to experienced criminal lawyers regardless of their circumstances. If you need urgent advice, contact Draycott Browne today.
We understand the pressure that comes with a criminal investigation or prosecution. You will receive clear advice, direct access to experienced solicitors and complete commitment from a legal team that understands what is at stake. We combine determination, discretion with the technical quality and skill required when your reputation, career and liberty may be at risk. Talk to our experts today.
Case Study
Ched Evans
Not Guilty
Draycott Browne Solicitors are delighted to confirm the verdict of not guilty in the case of Ched Evans. The verdict, delivered unanimously, finally brings to an end a case that began on the 31st May 2011.
Case Study
Successful Outcome
Cardiff City striker, Lee Tomlin
On 3rd November, Lee Tomlin appeared before the Crown Court at Leicester in relation to an allegation of causing Grievous Bodily Harm. As a result of representations made upon his behalf, no evidence was offered and a Not Guilty verdict was entered.
Case Study
Gene Ormsby
No Destruction Order
Shaun Draycott conducted the successful representation of Rugby League Professional, Gene Ormsby, in relation to proceedings brought against him under the Dangerous Dogs Act....."
Case Study
Lloyd Jones
Not Guilty
Lloyd Jones appeared before the Crown Court at Gloucester in relation to an allegation of causing grievous bodily harm. No evidence was offered and a verdict of not guilty was entered.
Case Study
Liverpool's Longest Fraud Trial
In the longest fraud trial Liverpool's Crown Court has seen, Rob Mann of Draycott Browne conducted the successful representation of former Conservative councillor David Richard Barton. A not guilty verdict was returned after 137 days of trial allowing David to finally put his life back on track.
Case Study
June 2020 – Judgement reserved by the Court of Appeal in the case of former Worcestershire cricketer, Alex Hepburn
Mr. Draycott was instructed to offer advice and assistance in relation to an appeal against conviction for a serious sexual assualt. A verdict is awaited.
Case Study
November 2019 – exceptional Court of Appeal success
In November of 2019, Draycott Browne Limited secured a further success at the Court of Appeal.We were called upon to consider grounds of appeal that had been drafted by our predecessors who had represented our client at trial
Case Study
Acquitted
Rugby Star, Anthony Gelling - Acquitted of Wounding
May 2021 - Former Warrington Wolves & Cook Islands International Rugby Star, Anthony Gelling, Acquitted of Wounding
Case Study
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Successful Outcome
Draycott Browne Solicitors secure a positive outcome for Ex-Manchester United full back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, in relation to what was a rather complicated and potentially serious Driving Offence case.
Our Aim
Our aim at Draycott Browne is clear. To provide first class criminal defence and pursue the best possible outcome for every client we represent. We believe that high quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone facing criminal allegations regardless of their financial circumstances.
With over 25 years of experience in criminal defence, we have built a formidable reputation through our work on serious and high profile cases across England and Wales. Our solicitors bring determination, technical expertise and strategic judgement to every case with an unwavering commitment to protecting our clients.
When you instruct our Criminal Defence Solicitors, we take immediate steps to protect your position. We advise you on your rights, represent you during interviews, scrutinise the evidence against you and identify weaknesses in the prosecution case. Every defence is built around the allegations, evidence and risks you face with a clear strategy designed to secure the strongest possible result.
Our experience extends across serious crime, fraud, financial crime, sexual offences, business crime, regulatory investigations and driving offences. Whatever the allegation, our approach remains the same. We prepare thoroughly, challenge the case against you with precision and provide relentless representation from the earliest stage of an investigation through to court proceedings.
If you are under investigation or have been accused of a criminal offence, early legal representation can be critical. Speak to Draycott Browne's Criminal Defence Solicitors in Manchester today for expert advice and immediate representation.
Our Criminal Lawyers in Manchester
Specialist RASSO Expertise

Draycott Browne is renowned for its specialist expertise in defending allegations of serious sexual offences. These cases demand technical precision, discretion and a detailed understanding of how allegations are investigated and prosecuted.
An accusation alone can have serious consequences for your reputation, relationships and career. A conviction may also result in a custodial sentence and notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Our solicitors have substantial experience defending rape and attempted rape allegations, including in high profile proceedings.
We examine the evidence with care, including witness accounts, digital communications, forensic material and disclosure, identifying inconsistencies and weaknesses that may be critical to your defence.
Early advice can make a decisive difference. Speak to our specialist Solicitors as soon as possible for confidential advice and representation focused on protecting your position and your future.
Privately Funded Criminal Lawyers
Draycott Browne offers the highest possible standards of professional excellence, with our privately funded criminal law defence representation.
With the assurance of guaranteed access to our most experienced Criminal Solicitors, we are the only choice for those in search of advice and representation to a standard that will not be paid for by the Legal Aid Agency.
Criminal Defence Lawyers: Legal Aid
Our dedication to providing a first-rate Legal aid criminal defence service is unwavering. We continue to build upon our reputation as leading Legal Aid solicitors, providing the expert help you need, when you need it.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Irrespective of the nature of the offence of which you have been accused, we can provide assistance while you are in police custody and representation when you appear before the courts.
We also support clients beyond this stage, providing advice on the appeal process, prisoners’ rights and parole hearings.
Contact the best Criminal Solicitors in Manchester today.






