Criminal Defence
Available around the clock. Arrests don't happen at convenient times.
A criminal investigation or charge is one of the most serious things that can happen to a person. The decisions made in the first hours and days can determine the outcome of your case. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for exactly this reason.
Criminal Defence Services
Every matter within criminal defence has its own nuances. Our work in this area covers the full range of situations our clients face.
Motoring Offences
Speeding, dangerous driving, drink-driving, and driving without insurance. Licence protection, totting-up matters, and exceptional hardship applications.
Fraud & Financial Crime
SFO and FCA investigations, money laundering, tax evasion, and benefit fraud. We deal with complex white-collar matters requiring both legal and financial expertise.
Assault & Violent Offences
From common assault to GBH and murder. We conduct thorough case analysis, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case, and run the defence the evidence supports.
Drug Offences
Possession, supply, and production charges. County lines operations and organised crime allegations. Challenging evidence of possession and intent.
Sexual Offences
Allegations of sexual assault, rape, child sexual abuse, and online offences. Sensitive, thorough, and robust defence without compromise.
Regulatory & Disciplinary
Professional regulatory investigations, trading standards, and health and safety prosecutions. Acting for individuals and corporate defendants.
How We Work
We do not believe in vague promises. Every matter follows a clear process from first contact to final resolution and you are kept informed throughout in plain English.
Start with a free callImmediate Response
We attend police stations 24/7. The advice you receive at interview, including whether to answer questions, is often critical. Do not rely on duty solicitors for serious matters.
Full Case Review
We obtain and analyse all prosecution evidence, identify unused material that should be disclosed, and assess every aspect of the Crown's case for weakness.
Defence Strategy
Whether the evidence supports a guilty plea, a Newton hearing on the facts, or a full not guilty trial, we build the strategy on what the evidence actually shows.
Trial Representation
James Osei has tried over 130 Crown Court cases to verdict. He prepares for every trial, every witness, every argument. That preparation is why cases are won.
Results in This Area
All Charges
Serious charges dismissed at preliminary hearing after successful evidentiary challenge to evidence obtained in an unlawful search and seizure.
Not Guilty
Complex fraud trial lasting 6 weeks. Defendant acquitted on all 14 counts following cross-examination of key prosecution witnesses and expert evidence on accounting records.
Disqualification
Exceptional hardship application succeeded. Client's livelihood-dependent driving licence retained despite conviction and mandatory totting-up points threshold.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The Person on Your Case
James Osei
Founding Partner
James is one of London's most experienced criminal defence solicitors, with a practice spanning more than 25 years and over 130 Crown Court trials. He takes on serious and complex cases (violent crime, financial fraud, sexual offences) and brings the same relentless preparation to every one. His reputation means cases are taken seriously from the first moment of instruction.
- ◆ LLB, King's College London
- ◆ Called to the Bar, Gray's Inn
- ◆ LCCSA Member
Common Questions
Questions we hear regularly. If yours isn't listed here, the first call is free.
Do I have to answer police questions?
In England and Wales you generally have the right to remain silent at a police interview. However, a caution warning means that if you fail to mention something you later rely on in your defence, adverse inferences may be drawn. The decision about whether to answer questions requires careful legal advice tailored to your specific situation. Do not go to a police interview without your own solicitor.
What is the difference between being arrested and being charged?
Arrest allows the police to detain you for investigation. Being charged means the Crown Prosecution Service has decided there is sufficient evidence and public interest to prosecute. Many investigations are discontinued before charge. The period between arrest and any charging decision is critical. Our representation during this period can affect whether charges are brought at all.
What happens if I can't afford representation for Crown Court?
Legal aid is available for Crown Court proceedings if your income and assets are below threshold levels. We apply for representation orders and work with publicly funded clients. We will assess your eligibility at the outset. If you are privately funding, we give you clear cost estimates before any significant step.
What should I do if I'm being investigated but haven't been arrested?
If you have been told you are a 'suspect' or have been invited for 'voluntary attendance' at a police station, instruct a solicitor immediately. Voluntary attendance carries the same risks as a formal arrest interview. Early intervention can sometimes result in the investigation not proceeding to charge.
Under Investigation or Already Charged?
Call us now. James Osei is available for urgent instructions around the clock. Your first conversation with us is confidential.