5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in London to Have on Your Side
I’ve seen how quickly a possible criminal case can make an ordinary week feel anything but ordinary. Even hiring a professional security company feels less dramatic and more like sensible preparation.
When police questions or charges enter the picture, you want a solicitor who knows exactly where you stand. The best criminal defense in London should bring calm, clarity, and a firm grasp of your rights.
There’s no shortage of criminal law firms across London, but choosing under pressure isn’t exactly ideal. We’ve narrowed down the strongest options, including their legal expertise, fees, and what you can expect from the process.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in London?
Private criminal defence fees in London vary by solicitor seniority and how far the case progresses. Junior solicitors typically charge £150 to £350 per hour, while senior partners may charge £400 to £600+ per hour.
Police station attendance usually costs around £800 to £1,200, excluding VAT. This may cover interview advice, disclosure review, and an initial defence strategy.
A guilty plea at the Magistrates’ Court can cost about £500 to £1,500. A full Magistrates’ Court trial is more likely to run from £1,500 to £3,500.
Crown Court cases are considerably pricier. A guilty plea may cost £3,000 to £7,000, while a full trial can reach £7,000 to £15,000+.
Complex cases involving expert evidence, several hearing days, or senior barristers can cost more. It’s worth asking for a written fee estimate before formally instructing a solicitor.
1. Bark & Co Solicitors
Address: Hamilton House, 1 Temple Avenue, Temple
Contact: 0207 353 1990 / [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM (24-hour phone availability)
Bark & Co is the sort of firm I’d look at when a criminal case starts getting seriously complicated.
Its strength lies in complex fraud, financial crime, and heavyweight investigations involving bodies such as the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority.
Founder Giles Bark-Jones brings decades of experience in serious criminal work, including drug conspiracies and major fraud cases.
I like that the firm’s expertise feels particularly suited to executives, professionals, and businesses facing investigations where the paperwork alone could fill a small library.
There’s 24-hour telephone assistance for urgent matters, which is reassuring if police trouble arrives outside office hours.
The firm’s central Temple location is handy too, especially for clients dealing with London courts and regulators.
A possible drawback is that this level of specialist expertise may come with a higher price tag than more general criminal defence firms. It may feel like more firepower than you need for a relatively straightforward case.
Customer Reviews
Professional Support Through a Stressful Criminal Case
Special thank you to Stephanie at Bark & Co who provided an excellent service and legal representation for a criminal case. Her work was highly professional, and very happy with the outcome achieved!
She is very knowledgeable, reliable and has excellent communication by always providing regular updates throughout the process. She also offered strong support to the family during what was a stressful period.
Highly skilled and provided comprehensive service from start to finish. Highly recommend!!!
- Julien J, Google Review
Outstanding Service Over Years of Legal Cases
TM Eye have used Bark & Co for over 8 years in both criminal and civil proceedings in over 60 cases. They provide an outstanding service that is professional, friendly and cost-effective. They are client-focused with an attention to detail second to none.
- TM EYE, Google Review
2. Berkeley Square Solicitors
Address: 2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House, Mayfair
Contact: 0203 858 0851 / [email protected]
Hours: 24/7 phone availability
Berkeley Square Solicitors feels built for people who’d rather have a senior lawyer in the room than wonder who’s actually running the case.
Its boutique setup puts strong emphasis on partner-level attention, which is reassuring when your name, career, or business reputation is on the line.
Daniel Godden brings particularly useful expertise in police powers and investigations, including work on Blackstone’s Criminal Practice. Roger Sahota adds serious strength in fraud, regulatory matters, cross-border financial crime, and asset-related cases.
I’d especially consider them for pre-charge work, where acting early can sometimes keep a bad situation from becoming a much bigger one.
Their 24/7 assistance is another practical plus when police enquiries refuse to respect office hours.
The main drawback is that legal aid is generally limited, so this is mainly a privately funded option. Extra barrister, expert, or travel costs may apply depending on the case.
Customer Reviews
Excellent Support Through a Difficult Crown Court Case
I cannot recommend Berkley Square Solicitors enough for the care, expertise and the amazing result they got for us at the Crown Court for a close member of my family who was going through a drug trafficking charge. Matt did an amazing job on the day of the sentencing, and from start to finish, Patrick was amazing with communication, explaining the processes and helping us get together the evidence we needed. I phoned around over 40 criminal defence lawyers and instantly knew that Patrick / the Berkeley Solicitors team were the ones for us.
- Leanne Orr, Google Review
They Helped Me Avoid a Criminal Conviction
I contacted Berkeley Square Solicitors regarding a train fare evasion case – may seem trivial but for me was a massive deal. I could not risk a criminal record in my line of work! Patrick O’Hanlon came back to me immediately and within a week, he had put a case together and, even though he had warned me train companies rarely settle out of court anymore, he had secured an administrative disposal and had the court case withdrawn. I had to pay costs (of course), but it was worth it!
- Jo Blair, Google Review
3. Lawtons Solicitors
Address: 5 St John’s Lane, Farringdon
Contact: 0333 577 0522
Hours: 24/7 phone availability
Lawtons Solicitors is the sort of firm I’d want on speed dial if a police interview suddenly became part of the week. Its team handles serious criminal allegations from the earliest investigation stage through to Crown Court proceedings.
I particularly like its focus on pre-charge engagement, where solicitors can make representations before prosecutors decide what happens next.
The firm has experience across violent crime, fraud, drug offences, and other high-stakes cases.
There’s 24/7 telephone support too, which matters when arrests rarely arrive at a convenient hour. For more complex cases, the team can bring in barristers and specialist experts where needed.
The main drawback is that private consultations for some matters can start at a fairly hefty price.
If you want a particular senior solicitor handling your case, it’s worth confirming who’ll take the lead from the outset.
Customer Review
Compassionate Support for My Son Throughout His Case
Stephen Halloran of Lawtons represented my son this year for a charge of affray. This was very distressing for the whole family and particularly for my 20-year-old son. Stephen was amazing, treating him with the utmost respect and showing empathy for the unfortunate mess he had got himself into. Stephen’s response time to all our numerous emails was excellent, and when the case went to 3 separate court hearings, Stephen attended to give moral support to us. He instructed a barrister on our behalf and arranged meetings beforehand for us to be familiar with how the system worked.
- Yvonne Mountain, Google Review
4. BSB Solicitors
Address: 2 John Street
Contact: 020 7837 3456 / [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, 24/7 emergency police-station advice
BSB Solicitors feels like a solid pick if you want serious criminal defence without losing sight of the funding side. Partner Jonathan Black brings heavyweight experience in violent crime, extradition, and complex Crown Court work.
I like that the firm has a strong legal-aid background, which can make an intimidating process feel a bit more manageable.
It handles international arrest warrants too, so there’s useful expertise when a case crosses borders.
There’s 24/7 emergency police-station support, which is exactly what you want when trouble refuses to keep office hours. Clients who don’t qualify for legal aid may still be able to start with an initial consultation before deciding how to proceed.
The catch is that legal aid isn’t available to everyone and depends on eligibility rules. If you need private representation, costs can rise quickly in a complex case.
Customer Reviews
A Huge Relief After a Stressful Fare Evasion Case
After reading BSB Solicitors’ reviews, without a second thought, we contacted the firm regarding our daughter’s fare evasion case. Jonathan was absolutely wonderful, kind, understanding and supportive. He maintained high professionalism throughout the whole process. With his expert knowledge and experience, he has helped us to settle the case without a criminal conviction very swiftly. Our daughter received a warning and a penalty fine. It was a huge relief for us. We are very grateful to Jonathan and the firm. We would highly recommend BSB Solicitors to anyone in a similar situation.
- C L, Google Review
They Helped Me Settle the Case Without a Conviction
I received exceptional service from BSB Solicitors; the communication was amazing. I would like to thank Victoria, who handled the matters in my case with Southern Eastern Railway. She was able to appeal my case and put forward an out-of-court settlement, which enabled me not to receive a criminal record/conviction, nor go to court and pay the full charge owed to Southern Eastern Railway. I am ever so thankful for the consistent help and advice she supported me with in helping me settle my case.
- Abigail, Google Review
5. JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors
Address: The White House, 6 Bedford Square
Contact: 020 7624 7771 / [email protected]
Hours: 24/7 emergency police-station assistance
JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors feels like a strong choice when you want serious criminal experience without too much fuss.
Senior Partner Umar Zeb brings more than 30 years of experience in criminal law, with particular strength in early intervention and reputation-sensitive cases.
The firm has more than 45 years of criminal defense experience, including fraud, drugs, and other complex offences.
I like its long-standing relationship with 25 Bedford Row, where experienced barristers and King’s Counsel can be brought in for heavyweight cases.
There’s 24/7 emergency police-station support too, which is useful when an arrest lands at the worst possible hour. Its pre-charge work can involve gathering evidence and making representations before prosecutors decide what comes next.
The catch is the price, with same-day London consultations starting at £750 plus VAT. General out-of-hours contact is more limited than the emergency police-station service.
Customer Review
Outstanding Crown Court Representation That Led to a Not Guilty Outcome
Barrister Tami Sher went above and beyond in Crown Court, dealing with a very serious criminal case. Barrister Tami is knowledgeable about legislation and laws, showing great attention to detail when presenting the case on our behalf. Throughout this process, she truly listened, showed empathy and fought very well for us. Leading to a NOT guilty outcome.
Lisa Nicol has excellent communication skills, whether it be via e-mail or phone calls. During this case, Lisa kept her word, updating us with court dates and responding to our questions quickly. Showed great professionalism and was very honest.
- Roya Henry, Google Review