Crown Court Representation

The criminal defence team at Hamnett Osborne Tisshaw have widespread experience of preparing cases for trial in the Crown Court.  The team also includes solicitors with higher rights of audience.  This means that they have experience of representing clients before a judge and jury.  We also have close links with the best barristers’ chambers in the local area and in London.

Some advocates are masters of jury persuasion, others have great experience in handling complex and time consuming cases and others have accumulated expertise in negotiating the best deal for their clients.

If your case is one which may proceed to the Crown Court then we will provide advice in relation to the procedures involved.  We will also seek to instruct an advocate with the appropriate expertise for your case which will give you the best chance of success in the Crown Court.

Will my case be heard in the Crown Court?

Trial by jury remains a fundamental principle of our criminal justice system.

Some offences are deemed so serious that they may only be tried in the Crown Court.

Most petty offences can only be tried in the Magistrates Court.  However, the majority of cases may be tried in the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court.  Cases may be committed to the Crown Court because the Magistrates do not consider their powers to be sufficient.  Even where the Magistrates are willing to hear a case, a defendant will still have the option to elect for a Crown Court trial.  The decision whether to elect can be as important as the decision whether to plead guilty or not guilty.  Informed legal advice on this issue at an early stage in the case is essential.