+44 (0)161 228 2244

Serious Crime Defence Solicitors

Our expert Serious Crime Solicitors have been providing legal advice and representation in serious crime cases since 1998 and have been instrumental in achieving optimal outcomes in cases of the most serious and high-profile nature for the last 25+ years, so you can rest assured you have chosen the best legal team.

At Draycott Browne, we understand the life-altering implications of a criminal conviction and possess the expertise and skills necessary to assist you. Regardless of the severity of the offence, our Serious Crime Solicitors are fully prepared to uphold your rights and provide comprehensive guidance at every stage of the process. We will engage in thorough discussions about your options, defence strategy, and potential outcomes.

We are a highly regarded Serious Crime Law Firm in the industry for consistently delivering outstanding results, and we are dedicated to providing extensive legal representation.

If you are facing charges for a serious crime and need expert advice and representation, call the number at the top of this page or complete our enquiry form to request a callback.

What is a Serious Crime? 

There are three categories of criminal offences in the UK, they are summary offences, either way offences and indictable only offences. A serious crime falls under an indictable only offence and can only be heard in the Crown Court.

There are some specific circumstances that may apply, where it is first heard in the Magistrates Court, but then it will be immediately sent to the Crown Court to be dealt with by a judge.

If you plead "not guilty," your case will be heard by the court in front of a judge and jury. All serious crime cases must undergo a trial in the Crown Court unless the defendant pleads guilty. The jury will decide on the defendant's innocence or guilt but it is always for the judge to pass the sentence.

The consequences of being found guilty of a serious crime can be severe, so it's important to have the legal representation of expert Serious Crime Solicitors at every step, from police station representation to the trial.

Speak to an expert

Our legal team is available 7 days a week

Criminal Defence Expertise for Serious Crime Offences

Specialist expertise in navigating all matters related to serious crime offences.

Armed Robbery
Assault / GBH
Blackmail and Extortion
Criminal Conspiracy Offences
Drug Offences
Extradition & International Crime
Firearm Offences
Internet and Cyber Crime
Knife Crime
Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
Manslaughter
Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
Murder
Robbery
Terrorism

Our Expert Serious Crime Solicitors

Shaun Draycott

Shaun Draycott

Managing Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Rob Mann

Rob Mann

Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Venessa Schweitzer

Venessa Schweitzer

Consultant Litigator
Caitlin Cardwell

Caitlin Cardwell

Crown Court Litigator
Meet the Team

How Can Our Serious Crime Solicitors Help?

Facing allegations of a serious criminal offence can be overwhelming. From the moment you contact Draycott Browne, we act quickly to protect your rights, explain your legal position and begin building a strong defence strategy.

Our experienced team provides clear advice and strategic representation at every stage of your case. We can help by:

  • Providing immediate legal advice following arrest or the start of an investigation
  • Representing you during police interviews and ensuring your rights are protected
  • Challenging search warrants and the lawfulness of evidence obtained against you
  • Advising on bail applications and seeking to minimise restrictive conditions
  • Reviewing the prosecution evidence and identifying weaknesses in the case
  • Preparing a bespoke defence strategy based on the allegations and available evidence
  • Representing you throughout Crown Court proceedings with skilled courtroom advocacy
  • Working with leading experts where specialist evidence is required to strengthen your defence

We understand the seriousness of these allegations and the impact they can have on your future, your family and your reputation. Our Serious Crime Solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate support when you need it most.

The earlier you seek expert legal representation, the greater the opportunity to protect your position and achieve the best possible outcome. 

What is a Serious Crime Prevention Order?

A Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) is a civil order that can be imposed by courts in the UK to protect the public by preventing, restricting, or disrupting a person's involvement in serious crime.

For the court to impose the SCPO, it must believe that doing so would protect the public by preventing the person's involvement in further serious crime. SCPOs last for no more than five years. Breaching the terms of an SCPO during this time is considered a criminal offence

Who Will Deal With Your Serious Crime Case?

Shaun Draycott is the SRA-approved Managing Director of Draycott Browne. He has a wealth of knowledge in defending serious crime cases, with almost 30 years of experience in representing those accused of or charged with the most complex criminal offences.

Rob Mann is a director at Draycott Browne who regularly appears before the Crown Court. In recent years, he has specialised in the defence of serious crime cases, including murder, armed robbery, drug importation and supply and firearms offences.

Both of them are assisted by experienced litigators and administrators, so you can be assured of having robust criminal defence representation available to you.

Serious Crime Cases We Defend

Serious crime allegations cover some of the most significant offences under UK criminal law. These investigations often involve extensive police enquiries, forensic evidence, digital communications, witness testimony, and lengthy Crown Court proceedings. Convictions can carry severe penalties, making early legal representation essential.

At Draycott Browne, our Serious Crime Solicitors have extensive experience defending clients facing the most serious criminal allegations. We provide strategic legal advice from the earliest stages of an investigation, protecting your rights while building a robust defence tailored to your individual circumstances.

Murder, involves allegations that a person intentionally and unlawfully caused the death of another. These cases are among the most serious prosecuted by the courts and often require detailed analysis of forensic evidence, witness testimony, medical reports, and expert opinion.

Manslaughter, involves allegations that a person unlawfully caused another person's death without the intent required for murder, or where responsibility is reduced by the circumstances. These cases often involve detailed legal arguments surrounding intent, negligence, or diminished responsibility.

Terrorism, involves allegations connected with the planning, preparation, funding, encouragement, or commission of terrorist activity. These investigations are frequently conducted by specialist counter terrorism units and often involve extensive digital and intelligence evidence.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, involve allegations of exploiting individuals through forced labour, servitude, criminal exploitation, or arranging the movement of people for exploitation. These investigations are often lengthy and involve multiple defendants, financial evidence, and international enquiries.

Firearm Offences, involve allegations relating to the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, importation, or supply of firearms or prohibited weapons. These offences are frequently linked to organised crime investigations and other serious criminal allegations.

Robbery and Armed Robbery, involve allegations that force or the threat of force was used to steal money, property, or valuable goods from another person. Armed robbery cases involve the use or possession of a firearm or other offensive weapon during the offence, making them among the most serious robbery allegations prosecuted before the Crown Court.

Drug Offences, range from allegations of possession with intent to supply through to large scale drug trafficking, importation, exportation, and organised criminal activity. Serious cases often involve covert surveillance, forensic evidence, and financial investigations.

Knife Crime, involves allegations relating to the possession, use, or supply of knives and other bladed articles. These cases often arise alongside allegations of violence, robbery, or public order offences.

Assault and Grievous Bodily Harm, involve allegations that another person suffered unlawful violence or serious physical injury. Cases often depend upon medical evidence, witness accounts, CCTV footage, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

If you are under investigation or have been accused of any serious criminal offence, obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible is essential. Our experienced Serious Crime Solicitors provide strategic, practical advice from the outset, protecting your rights and building a robust defence designed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Specialist Serious Crime Lawyers

  • 24/7 Availability
  • Proven Success in High Profile Cases
  • Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation

Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Serious Crime Solicitors today.

Get in Touch

24 Hour Availability

Arrests are rarely anticipated, and they are not always at a convenient time for those involved. That is why our legal advisors are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to assist you at the police station whenever you need us.

Legal Aid

Legal fees can be an unexpected cost that you may struggle to afford. By applying for legal aid, you can relieve financial stress during your case, leaving you to focus on what matters. Our legal aid solicitors will guide you through the process of applying for legal aid, ensuring you have the best possible chance of a successful application.

Contact our Serious Crime Solicitors

If you are accused of a serious crime, it's important to seek the best criminal defence representation available. Draycott Browne's criminal solicitors in Manchester are highly respected in the legal profession and are known for consistently excellent results.

Our Serious Crime Solicitors have extensive technical knowledge to provide you with the quality representation you deserve. We take pride in our dedication and professionalism and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for all our clients. We will work tirelessly on your behalf with attention to detail and determination to ensure you have a strong and effective serious crime defence.

With your freedom at stake, settling for anything less than the quality legal expertise provided by Draycott Browne is not an option.

Draycott Browne is one of Manchester's top criminal law firms, providing specialised criminal defence representation to clients in Manchester, Liverpool, and London. Our services are available to clients throughout England and Wales.

If you or a loved one needs first-class legal advice and representation from experienced serious crime lawyers, call Draycott Browne today at +44 (0)161 228 2244.

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