Criminal defence specialists
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors for Police Interviews, Pre-Charge Advice and Court Representation
If you are facing a criminal investigation or allegation, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom. Your reputation, career, business interests and personal life may all be affected.
At Gardner Leader LLP, our criminal defence solicitors provide strategic, discreet and experienced representation for professionals, company directors and private individuals facing serious allegations.
We advise clients across London, the Thames Valley and throughout England and Wales, often at the earliest stages of a police investigation where careful legal strategy can significantly influence the outcome.
If you have been invited by the police to attend a voluntary interview, released on police bail, or charged with a criminal offence, obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible is essential.
Our team
Our criminal defence team is led by Phil Kouvaritakis, an experienced criminal defence solicitor representing individuals facing serious and complex allegations.
We regularly advise:
- Professionals such as doctors, teachers and senior employees
- Company directors and business owners
- Individuals concerned about reputational damage
- Clients seeking discreet, privately funded representation
Our approach focuses on careful preparation, clear advice and strategic defence, ensuring clients understand their options at every stage of the process.
Early legal involvement during a police investigation can sometimes prevent matters from escalating or significantly reduce the impact of criminal proceedings.
Advice during police investigations
Many of the most important decisions in a criminal case occur before a charge is brought.
We regularly advise and assist clients during pre-charge investigations, including:
- Advice before attending a voluntary police interview
- Representation following arrest or release under investigation
- Urgent advice where search warrants are executed
- Assistance with seizure and forfeiture of assets
- Preserving and securing evidence to strengthen the Defence case
- Preparing written representations to the Police
Early legal advice can help protect your position, clarify the evidence and influence the direction of the investigation.
Criminal defence process
Our aim is to provide clear, practical guidance at every stage of a criminal investigation or prosecution.
Initial Consultation
We arrange an early meeting, either in person or remotely, to discuss the allegation and any investigation by the police or other enforcement authorities.
Police Interview Representation
If you have been asked to attend a voluntary interview under caution, we will contact the police to obtain details of the allegation and the evidence they rely upon.
We will prepare you carefully for the interview and advise on the most appropriate strategy.
Magistrates’ Court Defence
If you are charged with an offence, we will obtain the prosecution evidence from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and prepare your case before the first court hearing.
We will advise on your options and represent you throughout the Magistrates’ Court proceedings.
Crown Court Representation
For serious allegations proceeding to the Crown Court, we work with a trusted network of leading criminal barristers in London, including senior King’s Counsel.
Your case will be carefully prepared to ensure the strongest possible defence.
Throughout the process we aim to provide continuity of representation, ensuring you deal with the same legal team from beginning to end.
Criminal law expertise
Our criminal defence solicitors advise on a wide range of serious criminal and regulatory matters, including:
Fraud and Financial Crime
- Fraud investigations
- SFO, HMRC and FCA investigations
- Money laundering allegations
- Bribery Act offences
- Corporate manslaughter investigations
Asset Seizure and Proceeds of Crime
- Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) matters
- Cash seizure and forfeiture
- Cryptocurrency asset investigations
- Civil recovery proceedings
Serious Criminal Allegations
- Sexual offence allegations
- Historic sexual offence investigations
- Serious assault and violent offences
- Drug offences
- Harassment and stalking
Regulatory and Licensing Matters
- Health and safety prosecutions
- Taxi licensing appeals
- Firearms licensing
- SIA appeals
- DBS representations and appeals
- Professional disciplinary matters
Other Criminal and Regulatory Matters
- Malicious communications and online offences
- Environment Agency investigations
- Education Act offences
- University and school disciplinary proceedings
Clear advice on legal costs
We understand that clarity on legal costs is important when facing a criminal investigation.
Once we understand your circumstances, we will provide transparent advice on likely costs and discuss available pricing options.
In many cases we offer:
- Fixed fees for certain stages of work
- Staged payments
- Clear estimates for litigation costs
In accordance with the SRA Transparency Rules, our pricing information for motoring offences is available on our dedicated pricing page here.
