Direct Access Criminal Law Barristers
Private criminal defence from specialist advocates. Choose your own Barrister for powerful court representation.
What Direct Access Criminal Barristers Actually Do
Criminal Barristers are court specialists who provide expert defence advocacy and strategic guidance
Court Advocacy
Your Barrister can:
- Magistrates court trials
- Crown court trials
- Bail applications
- Sentencing hearings
- Appeals against conviction
- Appeals against sentence
Legal Strategy
- Prosecution case analysis
- Defence strategy development
- Plea advice (guilty or not guilty)
- Sentencing mitigation
- Bail conditions negotiation
- Appeal prospects assessment
Document Drafting
Your Barrister can draft:
- Defence case statements
- Grounds of appeal
- Basis of plea documents
- Bail applications
- Skeleton arguments
- Written mitigation
Your Barrister drafts these documents. You handle filing and service.
What You Handle
- Paying privately (no legal aid)
- Gathering defence evidence
- Attending all court hearings
- Following bail conditions
- Court correspondence
- Witness coordination
Your Barrister can draft documents for you. You are responsible for filing them at court and serving them on the other party.
Criminal Law Services We Cover
Expert Barristers ready to help with all aspects of criminal law.
Motoring Offences
Drink driving, dangerous driving and licence protection. Expert defence to protect your livelihood when driving is essential.
Assault Charges
Common assault, ABH, GBH defence. Expert representation including self-defence claims.
Theft and Fraud
Shoplifting, burglary, fraud. Specialist defence for dishonesty charges.
Drug Offences
Possession, supply and production charges. Expert defence from simple possession to supply conspiracies.
White Collar Crime
Fraud, money laundering, corporate crime. Specialist representation for SFO prosecutions.
Criminal Appeals
Appeal conviction or sentence. Expert advocacy when you believe the verdict was wrong.
Important: When Direct Access Is Available
These hearings are available via Direct Access for privately funded cases only.
You CAN use Direct Access for:
- All privately funded criminal defence
- Magistrates and crown court cases
- Criminal appeals at all levels
You CANNOT use Direct Access for:
- Legal aid cases (must use Solicitor)
- Police station representation (call duty Solicitor)
- Cases where you cannot afford private fees
Not sure if your case is suitable?
Complete our free case assessment. We'll honestly tell you if Direct Access is right for your situation or if you'd be better off with a Solicitor or legal aid.
Get Free Case AssessmentIs Direct Access Right for You?
Perfect for Direct Access
You're ideal if you:
- Can afford private defence fees
- Want to choose your own Barrister
- Serious charges requiring top advocacy
- Sensitive cases needing discretion
- Appeals requiring specialists
- Professional reputation protection
Consider a Solicitor If
You need someone to:
- You qualify for legal aid
- Need police station representation
- Want full case management
- Complex multi-defendant cases
- Extensive defence statement prep
- Prefer one point of contact
The Direct Access Process
From first contact to court resolution
- 1Arrest or Charge
Initial Contact
Contact your Barrister directly after arrest or charge for immediate advice.
- 2Preparation
Case Review
Your Barrister reviews evidence and advises on defence strategy.
- 3Plea and Directions
Plea Advice
Receive expert advice on whether to plead guilty or not guilty.
- 4Trial
Court Representation
Your Barrister provides skilled advocacy in court.
- 5Appeal
Post-Trial Advice
Advice on appeals or sentencing mitigation if necessary.
Indicative Fees for Criminal Law
Typical private defence costs for magistrates and crown court cases
| Service | Junior Counsel | Senior Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Magistrates Court Trial | £1,800 - £4,000 | £3,000 - £8,000 |
| Crown Court Trial | £8,000 - £15,000 | £15,000 - £50,000+ |
Magistrates Court Trial
Junior Counsel
£1,800 - £4,000
Senior Counsel
£3,000 - £8,000
Crown Court Trial
Junior Counsel
£8,000 - £15,000
Senior Counsel
£15,000 - £50,000+
Very serious cases (murder, major fraud) can exceed £100,000. Most quote fixed fees after reviewing case.
All fees are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Court fees are separate and paid directly to the court.
Want an exact quote for your case?
Get Free Case AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with criminal law Barristers
Can I use Direct Access for criminal defence?
Yes, but only if paying privately. Legal aid cases must go through Solicitor. Many choose private representation for sensitive cases or where they don't qualify for legal aid.
Should I plead guilty or not guilty?
Only decide after legal advice. Your Barrister will advise on prosecution evidence strength, acquittal prospects and likely sentence for guilty plea versus conviction after trial. Never plead without proper advice.
What about police station representation?
If arrested, call duty Solicitor for free police station representation. This is crucial and available regardless of means. A Barrister can then advise on trial representation once charged.
What is difference between magistrates and crown court?
Magistrates handles less serious offences with max 6 months per offence. Crown court deals with serious offences before judge and jury with higher sentencing powers including life.
Can I appeal if convicted?
Yes. Appeal against conviction if verdict unsafe or against sentence if too harsh. From magistrates to crown court. From crown court to Court of Appeal. Your Barrister advises on merits and time limits (usually 28 days).
How much does private defence cost?
Simple magistrates £1,800-£4,000. Crown trials £10,000-£50,000 depending on seriousness. Very serious cases (murder, major fraud) can exceed £100,000. Most quote fixed fees after reviewing case.
What is sentencing discount for guilty plea?
Pleading guilty early results in up to one-third reduction. At first hearing: maximum reduction. On trial day: minimal or none. Your Barrister advises on timing.
Will I get criminal record?
If convicted, yes. But your Barrister can argue for discharge (absolute or conditional) which means no record. For minor offences, magistrates may grant discharge.
Get Expert Criminal Defence Today
Powerful court advocacy from specialist Barristers while saving 30-50% by choosing Direct Access
Or call us: 0800 302 9921 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
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