Non-Motoring Crime
Motoring is the specialism.
It is not the limit.
Most of this practice is motoring defence, and that is deliberate. But twenty years in the criminal courts does not stop at the Road Traffic Act. Assault, dishonesty, drugs, public order — if you are facing an allegation heard in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court, John can act, and will tell you first whether legal aid should be paying for it.
At a glance
Legal aid and private instructionThe legal framework
After reviewing the facts and the procedural history of your case, I will identify the legislation and caselaw that apply to your case.
What this covers
Clarity first.
Then light at the end of the tunnel
Non-motoring work is the smaller part of the practice, and it is offered on exactly the same terms as the rest of it. These are the points worth understanding before you instruct anybody privately.
- The offences
- Assault and public order, theft and other dishonesty, drugs, criminal damage, harassment and communications offences, and most other matters that reach the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.
- Legal aid, said plainly
- A large proportion of people charged with a non-motoring offence qualify for criminal legal aid. If you are one of them, you will be told so in the first conversation. Paying privately for work the Legal Aid Agency would fund is rarely the right decision, and you will not be encouraged into it.
- Why clients still instruct privately
- Legal aid funds the work; it does not promise you the same solicitor at every hearing. Private instruction does — one person who has read the papers, heard your account, and will be the one standing up in court.
- Before any charge
- Advice at the police station is free under the legal aid scheme whatever you earn, and it is not generally means tested. You are entitled to ask for a named solicitor rather than the duty solicitor.
- Where the case is serious
- An either-way or indictable matter may be sent to the Crown Court. John will explain how allocation works, what it means for the case, and how representation is arranged from that point, including where counsel is instructed.
- Where it meets the motoring work
- Some cases carry both — a dangerous driving allegation with other charges attached, or a motoring matter arising out of a wider investigation. Those sit squarely within what this practice does already.
Sentencing and possible outcomes
The court has the power to dispose of cases in multiple ways. The following are a breakdown of most disposal options and what they mean.
| Potential outcome | What this means |
|---|---|
| Fine to custody | The range across these offences |
| A criminal record | Disclosable depending on the check |
| Legal aid in most cases | Checked before you are asked to pay |
What to share with me
- Any notice, letter or charge paperwork you have received
- The dates and location of any hearing or interview
- Your account of what happened and any supporting documents
- Photographs, messages, receipts, witness details or other material that may support your account
- How a conviction would affect your work, your family and anyone who depends on you
- Your main concerns and the questions you want answered
Personal representation
When you instruct me, you deal directly with me. I will ensure that you clearly understand the proposed work and what it will cost.
Explore all areas of practiceYour next step
Free initial consultationYour questions matter.
Let’s talk them through.
You don’t need all the answers.
Just start with what’s happened.