Criminal Law
Private Criminal Defence Solicitors in Brighton
We work with you to create a powerful statement, putting you in the best position possible to get the outcome you are striving for.
Criminal Law
Why we are a leader in private criminal law.
The Criminal Team prides itself on a long list of successful cases – we are clear that clients come to us to win. We regard ourselves as “Trial Lawyers” with extensive experience at the highest level. The firm undertakes agency instructions anywhere in the United Kingdom or the world and has experience of organised crime cases.
Martin Cray holds a Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate (Criminal) and regularly represents clients in Crown Court jury trials.
The firm has particular experience in complex fraud, diminished responsibility in murder and multi-million-pound drug importation and drugs trafficking cases. The firm has acted on single, double and triple murder cases and has obtained acquittals on single and multiple murder charges.
Martin Cray and James Yates are solicitor advocates, meaning we can offer representation in-house rather than needing to outsource your court representation. Martin Cray conducts advocacy himself in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court and has vast experience in the Court of Appeal and also the House of Lords (now the supreme court). He has previously appeared before the Privy Council, where he secured exceptional outcomes for clients.
James Yates regularly conducts advocacy himself in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court and at police interviews. We also work closely with local barristers to ensure that the best service and advice is attained.
We have recently acted on instructions including
- Driving offences
- GBH charges
- Historic or current sexual abuse
- Fraud
- Criminal defence
Our Reputation
"I went to Martin Cray to help me solve a serious problem I had spent a couple of months trying to sort out. My solicitor did a fantastic job and got me the result I required within a few days. Hopefully I won't require a solicitor again, but if I do I would not hesitate to use this company."
"Martin Cray & Co were a very real and steady rock, ever-knowledgeable, approachable, forthright and always on time with documents and advice, too."
Police Interviews
If the police have been in contact with you.
We always strongly advise that if the Police have been in contact with you and asked for you to attend at a Police station or at your home for an interview that you ensure that you have one of our private criminal law solicitors present. We can deal with the Police on your behalf and in advance of the interview.
We are regularly able to obtain further advance disclosure from the Police more than they would normally be able to disclose directly to someone who was called to interview. We are able to give you details and bespoke advice in advance of that interview with the Police. If you have been contacted by the Police and asked to attend an interview, give us a call as soon as possible as it is imperative that you do not go to any interview alone. Find our more about how we can help in a police interview.
We can also act for you if your matter is further down the line. There might be an upcoming Court appearance or you may want a change of solicitor. If you want to talk about this, please just get in touch.
Warning - police interviews
If you have been asked to attend a police interview, it is vital, in our opinion, that one of our private criminal law solicitors attends with you. Please do not think that just because you have “nothing to hide” it is appropriate to face a professional detective, in a recorded interview, alone. If you are in any doubt, please call us.
The Solicitors in Brighton for a First-Class Service
As a boutique litigation firm, we have the time and availability to deal directly with our clients at any time. We choose to have a smaller client base so that we can provide a more personal service.
Every case starts with a conversation.
We take the time to understand you and your case before assigning you to the best solicitor our firm has to offer. Based on their specialisms and experience, we want to ensure you work alongside a solicitor who is able to fully advocate your case.