Best General Criminal Defence Solicitors in England

Compare the best General Criminal Defence solicitors and lawyers in England, ranked by verified client reviews: 1,968 law firms, updated 29 October 2026.

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    • 10 questions answered
    • 71 legal firms matched Narrowed down from 305
    Showing 41–60 of 1,968 firms Ranked by client reviews

    General criminal defence covers representing individuals accused of crimes in England. A solicitor in this area helps from initial police station advice through to court appearances, advising on bail, pleas and potential defences, reviewing evidence, and negotiating with the Crown Prosecution Service. They draft and respond to claims, gather witnesses and expert evidence, and manage disclosure. The focus is on protecting the client’s rights, ensuring fair proceedings, and guiding strategic choices at each stage of the criminal process.

    41

    Hewitts

    Featured
    4.8 1,075 Reviews

    13 General Criminal Defence reviews

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (10)

    Callum Terry Leads the General Criminal Defence team Callum Terry Partner 5.0 from 1 client review
    James Taylor Works with James Taylor
    “Callum worked on my case and did an excellent job. I would certainly recommend him and would definitely use Callum and Hewitts again. ”
    A client review matching your search · about Callum Terry
    • Efficient service
    • Clear communication
    • Friendly staff
    • Conveyancing Quality SchemeFamily LawChildren LawThe Law Society
    42

    Tank Jowett

    5.0 306 Reviews

    299 General Criminal Defence reviews 15 satisfied clients this year

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (246)Drugs offences (17)Assault (15)

    43

    Patterson Law Limited

    4.8 3,651 Reviews

    69 General Criminal Defence reviews 3 reviews this year

    Reviewed for Legal aid (7)Criminal defence - All (6)

    44

    Manak Solicitors

    4.9 1,303 Reviews

    89 General Criminal Defence reviews 13 top marks for expertise this year

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (47)

    45

    Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP

    4.5 1,371 Reviews

    7 General Criminal Defence reviews 1 review this year

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (3)

    46

    Amicus Law Solicitors

    Featured
    4.9 781 Reviews

    4 General Criminal Defence reviews

    What General Criminal Defence clients highlight

    • excellent communication
    • friendly staff
    • professional service
    • responsive team

    4.9 from 781 client reviews

    • Speaks
    • Conveyancing Quality SchemeCriminal LitigationThe Law SocietyChildren Law
    Free initial advice
    48

    Cartwright King Solicitors

    Featured
    4.7 1,382 Reviews

    178 General Criminal Defence reviews 2 reviews this year

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (57)Legal aid (50)Sexual allegations including Rape and Sexual Assaults (13)

    What General Criminal Defence clients highlight

    • Excellent communication
    • Highly knowledgeable
    • Compassionate support
    • Professional service

    4.7 from 1,382 client reviews

    “I had several cases handle by Leanne at Cartwright king, they were quite serious charges and today I’m finally free. The barristers are amazing especially Gary they definitely know their stuff, are sharp and on point. These guys are the reason I’m not locked up and I’m very grateful for the opportunity they have allowed me to have through their hard work. They’re very easy to deal with and communication is fast and efficient. I will definitely use this firm in the future if anything arises but not criminally I have learnt my lesson! I recommend Cartwright king to anyone who needs good legal advice or representation. ”
    A client review matching your search · about Leanne Brown
    • Speaks
    • Conveyancing Quality SchemeCriminal LitigationFamily LawFamily Law Advanced
    Free initial advice
    49

    JMW Solicitors

    Featured
    4.5 3,417 Reviews

    6 General Criminal Defence reviews

    What General Criminal Defence clients highlight

    • Responsive communication
    • Professional service
    • Supportive team
    • Efficient process

    4.5 from 3,417 client reviews

    • Conveyancing Quality SchemeCriminal LitigationClinical NegligenceThe Law Society
    Free initial advice
    51

    Leathes Prior

    Featured
    5.0 497 Reviews

    6 General Criminal Defence reviews

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (5)

    What General Criminal Defence clients highlight

    • Prompt responses
    • Excellent communication
    • Attention to detail
    • Expert advice

    5.0 from 497 client reviews

    • Conveyancing Quality SchemeCriminal LitigationThe Law SocietySTEP
    52

    B P Collins LLP

    Featured
    4.9 619 Reviews

    12 General Criminal Defence reviews

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (3)

    Jonothan Moss Leads the General Criminal Defence team Jonothan Moss Principal Lawyer 5.0 from 1 client review
    Rubin ItaliaOlivia Duncan Works with Rubin Italia and 1 more
    “Jonothan Moss professionally, patiently and with excellent insight guided me through the legal process when inappropriately arrested. Jonothan’s experience in the law, what to address, when and how is invaluable. I found Jonothan to be a Principal Lawyer that you can trust, who has an exceptional grasp and understanding of legal situations and I would recommend Jonothan as the criminal defense lawyer to turn to when you need legal assistance.”
    A client review matching your search · about Jonothan Moss
    • Professional service
    • Clear communication
    • Prompt responses
    • Conveyancing Quality SchemeCriminal LitigationLexcel - Practice Management StandardWills and Inheritance Quality Scheme
    Free initial advice
    53

    Penmans Solicitors LLP

    4.7 366 Reviews

    15 General Criminal Defence reviews 2 reviews this year

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (8)

    54

    Maples Solicitors LLP

    4.9 1,014 Reviews

    9 General Criminal Defence reviews

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (3)Sexual allegations including Rape and Sexual Assaults (3)

    56

    JWP Solicitors

    Featured
    4.9 377 Reviews

    72 General Criminal Defence reviews 1 review this year

    Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (54)Assault (3)Legal aid (3)

    Hollie Postlethwaite Your solicitor Hollie Postlethwaite Solicitor
    “Mr Rathour met me at the police station to represent me while being questioned by police on a family matter, He quickly put my mind at ease after telling him about my social anxiety issue's, he was absolutely fantastic in regards of quickly asking me for details about the case , before meeting with the police prior to me being questioned, without asking for advice he advised the following, we write out a statement, leading to a no comment interview, and I really need to say that this was a quick efficient and a effective approach to my needs and my case, Mr Narinder S Rathour has a very friendly demeanour with a quick witted response to bullying tactics from the police officers in question, I would like to thank Mr Rathour from the bottom of my heart Kind regards Emma Louise”
    A client review matching your search · about Narinder Rathour
    • Highly professional
    • Expert knowledge
    • Clear communication
    • Speaks
    • Family LawChildren LawThe Law Society
    Free initial advice
    59

    Warners Solicitors

    4.9 861 Reviews

    3 General Criminal Defence reviews

    60

    Hatchers Solicitors LLP

    4.9 653 Reviews

    60 General Criminal Defence reviews 1 review this year

    Reviewed for Legal aid (47)Criminal defence - All (9)

    Frequently asked questions

    How are these solicitors ranked?

    Rankings are worked out mainly from client reviews: the ratings clients give and how recent the reviews are, with reviews about General Criminal Defence counting most. We also take into account how much of a firm's work is in General Criminal Defence.

    How often are the rankings updated?

    Twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday, so new reviews are reflected quickly. This list was last updated on 29 October 2026.

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    Yes. Comparing firms, reading reviews and sending your case summary to the firms you choose is free.

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    How many General Criminal Defence solicitors are there in England?

    We have ranked 1,968 law firms for General Criminal Defence in England, listed in order on this page.

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