The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal offences, as well as some cases sent up from the Magistrates’ Court for trial or sentencing. Cases here are usually heard before a judge and a jury, and the possible outcomes are more serious than at the Magistrates’ Court. Brockbanks Solicitors will explain in plain English why your case is being dealt with at the Crown Court and what to expect at each stage.

To speak on your behalf in the Crown Court, an advocate needs Higher Rights of audience, which is a recognised qualification to represent clients in the higher courts. Brockbanks Solicitors has criminal solicitors who hold Higher Rights, so the same team can prepare your case and represent you at trial or sentencing. That continuity means the person who knows your case best is the one standing up for you in court.

If you decide to plead guilty, the court moves to sentencing rather than a trial, and there is still a great deal that can be done to put your side across. We prepare and present mitigation on your behalf, which sets out the circumstances the court should take into account before deciding a sentence. Brockbanks Solicitors will talk you through your options carefully so the decision you make is fully informed and right for you.

Yes. If you have been convicted or sentenced at the Magistrates’ Court, there are routes to appeal a decision to the Crown Court, and strict time limits usually apply. Our criminal defence team can review what happened, explain whether an appeal is realistic, and represent you through the process. The sooner you get in touch, the more time we have to prepare and protect your position.

The best thing you can do is contact us as early as possible, because serious cases need careful preparation and that takes time. You can call our Whitehaven office on 08081 965462, request a callback through our website, or book a confidential meeting at one of our offices across Cumbria. Brockbanks Solicitors will then start gathering the details of your case and stand with you through every stage.

How your defence is funded depends on the case and your circumstances, and legal aid may be available towards the cost of Crown Court representation. Whether you qualify, and whether any contribution applies, is decided through a set process rather than by the firm. Brockbanks Solicitors can check where you stand and explain your funding options clearly before any work begins, so there are no surprises.