Services
Overview
Maguires Solicitors are a specialist firm of criminal defence solicitors specialising in:
- Appeals
- Business Crime, including Criminal Financial Defence
- Serious Crime, including Sexual Offences and Drug Related Offences
- Court Representation, including Magistrates Court Representation and Road Traffic Offences
- Police Station Representation
Our criminal solicitors can advise and assist you on the best Legal Aid and public funding options available to you. We will guide you through your matter with sensitivity and understanding whilst explaining everything to you in plain English.
Services
Serious Crimes Advice & Representation
The team at Maguires Solicitors have had over 25 years experience in defending in complex serious criminal prosecutions. If you have been accused of committing a serious crime it is imperative that you get expert legal advice at the earliest possible time. Our serious crime solicitors can advise and represent you at all stages of an investigation or prosecution, whether at a police station or in court.
We work closely with the Criminal Bar to ensure our clients have access to the exceptional advocates in court. We also work closely with a range of experts whether in forensic sciences, crime scene investigators, Psychiatrists, and forensic accountants
Our serious crime experience includes:
- Prosecutions in Crown Court
- Drug Related Crime & Offence Solicitors
- Homicide and other Violent Crimes Defence
- Offences Relating to Stealing
- Sexual Offences Defence Lawyers
- Terrorist Offence Lawyers
Your dedicated criminal defence solicitor will provide you and your family with the support you need during what can be one of the most distressing times in a persons life. We will assist you through complex legal procedures and make sure our explanations are in terms you understand, no legal jargon. We will also be able to advise you on funding options so please do not hesitate to contact our team.
To discuss a serious crime offence please call 0161 835 9872 today or complete our contact form and one of our criminal solicitors will be in touch shortly.
Crown Court Representation
All serious Crimes are heard in the Crown Court.
Some can only ever be heard there (indictable only offences) such as murder, blackmail, perverting the course of Justice. That is because these crimes are always considered serious, regardless of the circumstances.
Some offences can be heard either in the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court. Known as ‘either way’ offences, they reflect the fact that sometimes the same offence can be committed in very different circumstances. For example stealing a trailer containing 16 pallets of Scotch is theft in the same way that stealing one bottle. The difference is the loss to the victim, hundreds of thousands of pounds compared with a few pounds. The magistrates decide whether they have sufficient power to deal with the case and allocate it accordingly. They are likely to allocate the theft of pallets of scotch to the Crown Court, where a Judge has the power to impose a greater sentence.
In the Crown Court it is a Crown Court Judge that adjudicates in your case and if you have a trial it is a Jury that decides whether you are guilty or not.
In the Crown court the advocates (barristers and solicitors) and judges usually wear wigs and gowns. Maguires Solicitors are higher court advocates with a broad range of experience in representing defendants in the Crown Court. Ronan Maguire has been practicing in the Higher Court Advocate for over 20 years.
Drug Related Crime & Offence Solicitors
If you have been accused of possessing or selling drugs it is imperative that you speak to a specialist solicitor at the earliest possible time. Maguires have a specialist team of drug offence solicitors who are available 24/7 and can advise you at the police station if you have been arrested. Whatever time of day or night, call our criminal defence solicitors on 0161 835 9872 and we will be there to help you through this daunting time.
With years of experience, the team at Maguires have a wealth of experience and knowledge in:
- Serious Organised Crime (SOCA Prosecutions)
- Conspiracy to Supply
- Possession with Intent to Supply
- Cultivation and Manufacture of Illegal Substances
- Import and Export of Drugs
- Minor Possession Cases
- Couriering/Transportation of Drugs
Our drug offence solicitors will work tirelessly to ensure the best result is achieved for you. We work with expert witnesses and analysis specialists and we have close ties with forensic consultants who will look at all other aspects of your matter.
If your assets have been frozen, we can advise and assist you with a release of funds application so that you can pay for your legal representation.
Our drug offence solicitors are on your side and we are here to provide you with the best representation you could ask for. Speak to Maguires Solicitors today on 0161 835 9872 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our criminal defence solicitors will be in touch promptly.
Homicide & Violent Crimes Defence
We understand that if you have been accused of homicide or committing a violent crime, it can be an extremely stressful and daunting time for you and your family. Whether you need police station representation or court representation, Maguires criminal defence solicitors are here to help. Our homicide and violent crime defence solicitors are available 24/7 so do not hesitate to call us on 0161 835 9872.
We have a wealth of experience on the following allegations, to name a few:
- Murder & Attempted Murder
- Violent Disorder
- Possession of Firearms, Bladed Articles & Offensive Weapons
- Grievous Bodily Harm s18
- Actual Bodily Harm s20
- Assault s47
- Common Assault s39
- Manslaughter
Our homicide defence solicitors work closely with forensic specialists and expert witnesses to build the best possible case for you. Whether you have been charged or you are under investigation, Maguires Solicitors can advise and assist you at any stage.
We understand how sensitive these cases can be which is why we uphold strict confidentiality procedures. Our criminal defence solicitors will provide you and your family with the support you need during this distressing time and explain every step of the process to you in plain and simple English.
Get the expert representation you deserve by calling Maguires Solicitors today on 0161 835 9872 or complete our enquiry form and one of our homicide and violent crime defence solicitors will be in touch promptly.
Offences Relating to Theft
Maguires have a team of experienced theft defence solicitors who are here to advise and assist you whether at the police station or in court. We are here to represent you and build a strong defence to get you the best outcome. Our theft defence solicitors are available 24/7 so please call us on 0161 835 9872.
Our criminal defence solicitors can advise and assist you in the following circumstances:
- Theft
- Robbery
- Burglary
Whether your matter relates to a theft from your employer or the theft of a vehicle, Maguires Solicitors are here to help. No matter how minor or major the accusation of theft might be our defence solicitors will work tirelessly and with expert professionals to provide the support you and your family need during this time.
Get in touch with Maguires Solicitors today on 0161 835 9872 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our theft defence solicitors will be in touch promptly.
Sexual Offences Defence Lawyers
Sexual offences are one of the most sensitive out there and Maguires Solicitors understands this which is why we have stringent confidentiality rules. Whether at the police station or in court our sexual offences solicitors are here to provide you with the best possible advice as well as support for you and your family. Our team are on hand 24/7 and it is imperative to get expert representation at the earliest possible time. Call 0161 835 9872 today and we will help you build your case.
Our sexual offence solicitors have experience in:
- Rape
- Historical Rape
- Abuse
Our team work closely with experts in the field who can analyse evidence, computer files and work with expert witnesses. We understand how daunting a sexual offence allegation can be and our solicitors will approach your case with sensitivity and we will explain every step of the process to you in plain and simple English.
Call our criminal defence solicitors today on 0161 835 9872 or complete our enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch promptly.
Terrorism Offence Lawyers
- Weapons Training
- Bomb Threats (hoax or otherwise)
- Terrorist Funding
- Frozen Assets/Confiscation Order
Maguires Solicitors acted on one of the largest terrorist investigations in the country, where two of our clients were detained under a new Act, which meant they could be detained for up to 42 days without charge. Ronan Maguire attended to them at the police station every day for over 20 days. With his advice and support the suspects were released without charge.
Fraud
Specialist Appeals Solicitors
Maguires Solicitors have a solid record of successful Appeals, both in the Crown Court and Court of Criminal Appeal in London. This means that Maguires Solicitors have successfully had convictions overturned and sentences reduced.
Our appeals solicitors have a wealth of knowledge and experience in:
- Higher Courts Advocacy at the Crown Court & Court of Appeal
- Prison Law, such as adjudications
- Bail Applications
- General advice and assistance
If you feel that your case was not dealt with properly or that there was an error of judgment or procedure during your trial please get in touch with us and we can advise you with regard to appealing a decision in the Crown Court. Call Maguires Solicitors today on 0161 835 9872 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our appeal solicitors will be in touch promptly.
Specialist Business Crime Defence Law Firm
Based at the heart of the business community in Manchester, Maguires pride themselves upon being business friendly and many of our clients are Limited Companies. We advise and defend in the broad range of circumstances in which businesses encounter criminal investigations and prosecutions. Here are some of the areas where we have advised and successfully defended-
- Health and Safety Executive investigations- Don’t wait until it is too late, ask for advice today on how you comply with the ever increasing regulatory framework affecting safety at work. Accidents will happen, but with Maguire’s Experts guiding you, you can be confident that you are not culpable.
- Revenue and Customs- Whether at First Tier Tax Tribunals or in some the largest Criminal Prosecutions this Country has seen, Ronan Maguire has successfully represented and defended business people against the awesome power of Her Majesties Revenue and Customs. Years of experience have taught us to engage with Revenue and Customs early, and years of contact have allowed us to establish the relationships to allow us to do that. However if your relationship with HMRC has already broken down irretrievably, you will find no stronger ally than the Experts at Maguires
- SFO- The Serious Fraud Office are committed to a strategic approach to the problem of National and International Fraud. Deferred Prosecution Agreements are likely to feature more and more as the focus is more heavily upon Co-operation in an effort to avoid expensive and often futile litigation. Once again Maguires existing relationships, built up over many years of dealing directly with the SFO mean that we are ideally placed to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your business in this new landscape.
- Corruption and Bribery- Organisations are increasingly being made responsible for the actions of their employees. The Bribery Act 2010 encourages transparency and has the potential to come down very hard on those who do not put in place adequate measures to prevent acts of Corruption or Bribery. Maguires regularly defend in cases of this sort, including cases involving the Police and Public officials as well commercial organisations.
- Trading Standards- Increasingly Local authorities are taking action against businesses for breaching trading standards legislation. Whether with the assistance of the Police or not, such investigations can be crippling to businesses of whatever size. Also the Penalties can involve lengthy terms of Imprisonment. Maguires have defended in some of the largest Prosecutions of this sort anywhere in the Country. Our experience in this area leaves us ideally placed to represent you or your business.
Magistrates Court Representation
Criminal Litigation at the Magistrates Court
It is important that as soon as you find out that you are going to court that you get in touch with us. All of our solicitors are qualified to represent our clients at the Magistrates Court and all of them regularly practice there, some on a daily basis. We can advise and guide you through the court process in a way that puts your best interests first. All of our solicitors have Duty Solicitor status, this means that the Legal Services Commission has recognised their greater experience in the field of criminal law.
Maguires Solicitors have been awarded a contract with the Legal Services Commission; this means that we can undertake publicly funded cases under a Representation Order (formally known as Legal Aid). This means that many of our clients do not have to pay for their legal fees as they are eligible for funding from the state. Please see our ‘Guide to Funding Section’ for further information.
In most cases our solicitors will already have acted for you at the police station so will have a knowledge of your case, however if you were unrepresented or represented by another solicitor we can still represent you, subject to funding. If you are unsure of your situation please call us and we will happily look into it for you.
If you have never been in court before, or even if you have, we find that it helps to minimise the worry by understanding the actual court process, which we outline for you below.
Following a ‘charge’ at the police station or after receiving a ‘summons’ you will be given a date to attend at the Magistrates’ Court. In certain cases you may be arrested and then ‘produced’ at court, this means that the police take you there and keep you in the custody of the court until your case is heard that day.
This first hearing date is referred to as the ‘First Appearance’. At this hearing the Crown Prosecution Service will serve any evidence that they have that forms their case against you. We will consider these papers with you and advise you on your plea and how your case will be dealt with from that point on.
At the Magistrates Court your case is heard by magistrates or, sometimes, a District Judge. There is no jury at the Magistrates’ Court.
Road Traffic & Motoring Offence Solicitors
If you have been accused of committing a road traffic offence, get the expert advice you require from Maguires Solicitors. We are on hand 24/7 and can represent you at the police station or in court, simply call our road traffic defence solicitors today on 0161 835 9872.
Our road traffic offence solicitors have experience with:
Potentially losing your licence can have a dramatic impact on your personal and professional life which is why we will work tirelessly to build the best possible defence for you. We work closely with experts who can analyse witness statements, evidence and technical aspects. Our team have experience in taking over cases from other solicitors where the defendant has not been satisfied with the work being carried out so do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Call Maguires Solicitors today on 0161 835 9872 and let us guide you through the legal process. Alternatively, please complete our enquiry form and one of our road traffic offence solicitors will be in touch promptly.
Free Police Station Representation
Emergency 24 hour Police Station Representation following an arrest
If you find yourself under arrest you are entitled to FREE legal advice and assistance at the police station. In this situation Maguires Solicitors can attend at any time of day or night, just ask the police to call us, they have our phone number through the Duty Solicitor Call Centre.
You should never go unrepresented at the police station as the evidence collected during an interview can be used against you.
IF YOU ASK FOR MAGUIRES SOLICITORS AT ANY TIME WHILE YOU ARE DETAINED AT THE POLICE STATION THE POLICE MUST GET IN CONTACT WITH US SO THAT WE CAN TALK WITH YOU. Our contact details are held by ‘The Duty Solicitor Call Centre’ so all police custody officers can get in touch with us straight away.
After an initial arrest and interview, the police will continue to investigate any suspected crime. If they feel they have gathered enough evidence, they will charge you with the offence. Often before a charging decision, the police will submit their evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service – the CPS- for advice. These prosecution lawyers will then advise the police what to do.
Several things can happen at this stage:
Bailed Back
This means that further investigation is required or more time is needed to consider the matter by the CPS. So the person arrested is given police bail, which means they are free to go until they must return to the police station at the time and date stated. There may be conditions added to the police bail, but our solicitors advise on an individual basis in this circumstance.
Caution
The police caution or warn you formally about the offence in question. This caution will be kept as a record by the police and may be used as evidence in the future.
NFA
This stands for No Further Action, this means that the investigation is now over and that unless further evidence comes to light the police and CPS intend to take no further action against you.
Charged & Bailed to court
This is when the CPS decide that there is enough evidence against you to prove in court that you are guilty of an offence. This does not mean you are guilty, that is for the court to decide. At this stage it is important that you have an experienced and specialist firm of solicitors, such as Maguires, to put your defence forward. At this point you will be given a court date and you should call us straight away and we can discuss how we can help you on 0161 835 9872.
Charged & Remanded
This is the same as above, however you are not given bail and instead are kept in custody at the police station and taken by the police straight to court at the next opportunity (usually the following morning). If you request Maguires Solicitors at the police station we will negotiate with the police to try to get you bail in this situation so that you do not spend the night in a police cell.
If you have not been arrested, but think that the police may wish to speak with you please get in touch with us and we can look into this on your behalf.
Well Versed in Handling POCA Cases
POCA stands for Proceeds of Crime Application and is a hearing at the Crown Court to decide whether someone who has pleaded guilty or been found guilty of a criminal offence should hand over any money to the Crown if they decide it was made due to criminal activity. For example, if a person is found guilty of supplying drugs the prosecution will use an expert to determine how much money they think that person will have made from that offence.
It is extremely important that you have a solicitor with experience in this area of expertise so that they can guide you through the process and represent your best interests. The court can order that any assets can be taken from you in order to pay this money back, this can mean losing your home, car or other significant items of value.
Maguires Solicitors have dealt with numerous POCA cases and successfully reduced the amounts to be handed over significantly and sometimes even to zero.