Criminal Defence | London

How to choose a criminal defence solicitor in London: 12 questions to ask

The solicitor you choose shapes your case from the first interview. These 12 questions help you compare firms quickly, whoever you instruct.

Ask us the 12 questions Criminal defence solicitors

KEY ANSWER

The position in brief

Choose a solicitor who is regulated, has handled your type of allegation at your stage of the case, will tell you who actually does the work, explains costs in writing, and responds quickly. Ask the twelve questions below of any firm you are considering. A good firm will answer them plainly; vague answers are a warning sign.

Legal issues

The 12 questions

Are you regulated, and can I check you on the official register?
Have you handled allegations like mine, at this stage of the case?
Who will actually advise me and attend the interview or hearing?
How quickly will you respond, and how do I reach you urgently?
What is free under Legal Aid in my case, and what would private work add?
If private, what is the fee, what does it include, and what is excluded?
Will you get disclosure from the police before my interview?
How will you prepare me before I answer any questions?
What can be done after the interview, before a charging decision?
Will the same solicitor stay with my case if it goes to court?
How do you handle sensitive issues such as my job, regulator or immigration status?
Can I read independent reviews from your clients?

Evidence that matters

Warning signs

Guarantees about the outcome. No solicitor can promise a result.
Pressure to pay before the scope and cost are explained in writing.
No clear answer on who will do the work.
Advice to attend a voluntary interview without preparation.

Reasonable lines of enquiry

Where to check

The official solicitors register, to confirm the firm and the solicitor are regulated.
Independent reviews on Google, read for comments on communication and preparation.
The firm's own guides, to see whether they explain your situation clearly and accurately.

What happens next

Once you have chosen

The firm should confirm in writing who is acting, the scope of the work and the cost, before any private work begins. If you are using Legal Aid at the police station, ask the custody officer for the firm by name.

Immediate steps

If you need someone today

Ask the first three questions; they matter most when time is short.
Do not answer police questions before you have spoken to a solicitor.
If arrested, ask for your chosen firm by name, or the duty solicitor if you have none.

What should you send us?

Just tell us what has happened and the next date. We will ask for anything else later.

Legal information from Theodorous. The law and procedure can change and the application of the law depends on the facts. This guide is general information, not advice on your individual case.

HOW WE CAN HELP

What Theodorous can do

We are happy to answer all twelve questions about Theodorous before you decide. See Paris Theodorou, client reviews and fees and funding.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions before your next step

Is a big firm better than a small one?

Not necessarily. What matters is relevant experience, who actually handles your case, and how quickly they respond.

Can I change solicitor during my case?

Yes. You can change solicitor; with Legal Aid, a transfer may need to be justified. The new firm can explain how it works.

Should I choose a solicitor near the police station or court?

Location matters less than experience and availability. Many firms cover stations and courts across London and further afield.

NEXT STEP

Ask us the 12 questions

Tell us what has happened. We will answer plainly, including who would handle your case and what it would cost.

Ask us the 12 questions