Criminal court representation for Southwark

Receiving a charge, summons or court notice can create immediate practical questions. Start by checking the court named on the paperwork, the hearing date and any conditions that apply to you.

Prepare around the actual proceedings

Your home address does not determine every hearing venue. Follow the notice you have received and ask for clarification if another letter appears to give different instructions. The team needs to see the documents to assess the type of hearing and the work required.

We welcome enquiries about Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court criminal proceedings. The proposed representation, any involvement of a barrister and responsibility for each stage should be confirmed when the firm agrees to act.

A clear starting point

• Provide the charge or summons, court details and case reference.
• Explain whether another solicitor has already acted and whether funding is in place.
• Identify urgent dates and any bail or other court conditions.
• Tell the team about interpretation, access or support needs before the hearing.

Legal advice may cover the allegation, available evidence, plea, procedure and preparation. These issues depend on the particular case; website information cannot predict the outcome or replace advice on a plea.

Funding and the scope of representation

Court legal aid has eligibility rules. Police station advice being free does not automatically mean every later stage is publicly funded. Where work is privately funded, ask for an explanation of the charging basis, agreed tasks, additional expenses and circumstances that could change the estimate.

Keep copies of notices and a written list of questions. After a hearing, make sure you understand what has been ordered and when you must next act. Our first criminal hearing guide helps organise these practical steps.

Read our fees and funding information or contact the firm with your hearing date. For general process information, see GOV.UK: being charged with a crime.