Criminal Defence Solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester
Been charged with a criminal offence or called in for questioning? You need a lawyer who knows the system inside out. Our criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester have handled everything from minor allegations to serious charges. Recognised as some of the best criminal solicitors Manchester, Sale, and Chester have to offer, we’ll give you honest advice about your situation and the best way forward.
Contact Us
Talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131 or via our online enquiry form.
Criminal defence services we offer
Being investigated or charged by the police is daunting. Our criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester have successfully defended clients across all types of criminal cases, offering straightforward legal advice at every turn. Many of our clients have never dealt with the police before, so they rely on our senior lawyers’ skill and experience to achieve the best possible outcome.
Serious criminal offences
We defend clients facing motoring offences, assault charges, sexual offence allegations, indecent images, fraud, drugs and serious offences others. Our criminal lawyer defence team handles the most serious cases, from police interviews through to Crown Court trials across nationwide.
Property and theft crimes
Whether you’re accused of burglary, criminal damage, or possession of drugs, we’ll scrutinise the prosecution’s evidence and challenge any weaknesses in their case.
Business crime and fraud
We represent businesses and individuals facing fraud investigations, money laundering charges, and regulatory prosecutions. Our team understands corporate investigations and protecting your reputation.
Motoring offences and specialist cases
From speeding tickets to dangerous driving, we advise on road traffic penalties and grounds to challenge charges. We also handle cybercrime, RSPCA prosecutions, dangerous dog offences, youth crime, and allegations against foster carers.
You can rest assured that experienced criminal defence solicitors will handle your case at every stage.
The process our criminal defence solicitors follow
1. Initial consultation
Get in touch and we’ll arrange a confidential consultation at one of our offices in Manchester, Sale, or Chester, remotely or at a location that suits you. We’re also available for immediate police station call-outs if you’ve been arrested. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your situation, explain your legal options, and give you an honest assessment of what lies ahead.
2. Building your defence strategy
Once instructed, we get to work reviewing police disclosure and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We’ve learned that early intervention makes all the difference – many criminal defence solicitors wait for the CPS to present their evidence, but we start challenging it from day one. This often leads to charges being dropped or reduced before court. We’ll also advise whether you should answer questions in interview or exercise your right to silence.
3. Representing you through proceedings
Whether it’s a voluntary police interview, magistrates’ court hearing, or Crown Court trial, an experienced lawyer will be with you throughout. We prepare you for what to expect at each stage, handle all communications with prosecutors, and argue your case with conviction. Our goal is always securing the best possible outcome for your situation.
Why choose Slater Heelis for your criminal defence solicitors
Award-winning criminal defence team
We won Criminal Law Team of the Year at the Manchester Legal Awards in 2022 and were finalists again in 2023, 2024 and 2025. We’re also listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026, establishing us among the best criminal solicitors in Manchester and the wider North West. But the recognition that matters most comes from the clients we’ve defended – with over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us when their freedom and reputation are on the line.
Experienced solicitors handling your case
Our criminal defence team has successfully defended clients across all types of criminal cases in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. You’ll work directly with experienced criminal defence solicitors from the police station interview right through to court proceedings.
Available 24/7 across the North West
We’re based in Manchester, Sale, and Chester with decades of experience defending clients across the region. Our criminal lawyer defence team knows the local courts, local prosecutors, and how cases are handled in the North West. We’re available for police station call-outs and consultations, so you can get proper legal advice exactly when you need it most.
Private client service without legal aid restrictions
We’ve chosen not to offer legal aid funding because we believe we can provide better results when we have the freedom to advise and defend you properly. Private funding is often more cost-effective when you consider legal aid contributions and the potential to recover your costs if you’re found not guilty. You’ll get the best criminal solicitors working on your case from day one.
Facing criminal charges is serious, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, Sale, and Chester are ready to fight your corner and work towards the best possible outcome.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 or contact us via our online enquiry form to speak with our lawyers on the criminal defence team.
Our offices in Manchester, Sale, and Chester are open for face-to-face meetings, and we’re available 24/7 for police station call-outs. We’ll keep you informed at every stage, explain everything in plain English, and give you the straightforward legal advice you need when it matters most.
Get expert criminal defence advice
