Criminal Law
Magistrates' & Crown Court Trial Solicitors in Brighton
If you are facing a criminal charge, the venue may change, but the priority is the same: you need a defence team that prepares early, thinks strategically, and is trial-ready.
Criminal Law
Specialist Representation for Trials When Your Future Is at Stake
We provide private criminal defence representation only, offering discreet, senior-led advice and robust advocacy for clients facing trial in the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court.
Urgent, confidential advice: Call 01273 673226
If you’ve been charged or summonsed: what to do now
- Do not assume the first hearing is 'just admin.' Important decisions are made early, including plea, bail, and case management. Credit for a guilty plea can be the difference between custodial and non-custodial sentences in many cases.
- Get advice before the first hearing. The approach taken at the outset can shape how the case proceeds.
- Instruct trial solicitors who will prepare properly not simply react as dates approach.
Court Venues
Magistrates' Court
Every case under the English and Welsh legal system starts its life in the Magistrates’ Court. Whether that is a driving matter or murder. If you are unsure where your case will be heard, that uncertainty alone is a reason to take advice early, because the venue determines the timetable, the procedure, and the decisions you may be expected to make quickly.
The vast majority of cases are also tried in the Magistrates’ Court. A Magistrates’ Court trial is a contested hearing where the prosecution presents its case and witnesses, and the defence has the opportunity to challenge that evidence, test credibility, and make legal submissions.
There is no jury in the Magistrates’ Court; cases are heard by magistrates or a District Judge. A strong defence here is not about ‘turning up on the day’ — it’s about being prepared, focused, and ready to deal with the issues that will actually decide the verdict. That is what we are experts at.
We treat any allegation as seriously as the next, we understand the impact of allegations on your livelihood, future and reputation, and will build as robust of a defence as possible in every case.
Magistrates' Court - key facts
- Starting point for all criminal cases in England and Wales
- No jury - decided by magistrates or a District Judge
- Vast majority of cases tried here
- Important decisions made at the first hearing
- Preparation and strategy are critical from the outset
Court Venues
Crown Court
The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases. It is overseen by a judge who manages the case and legal issues, and where a case goes to trial it is usually decided by a jury. If your matter is going to the Crown Court, the process is more formal, the preparation is more exacting, and the strategic decisions you make early can have long-term consequences.
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 drug trafficking cases. The firm has acted on single, double and triple murder cases and has obtained acquittals on single and multiple murder charges.
Crown Court – key facts
- Deals with the most serious criminal cases
- Trial decided by a jury
- More formal process and exacting preparation required
- Martin Cray holds Higher Courts Advocacy Certificate (Criminal)
- Extensive experience at Crown Court jury trials
- Acquittals obtained on single and multiple murder charges