Olliers is an
Award-winning Criminal Defence
Law Firm
Proactive lawyers acting for those under investigation in relation to criminal allegations
About Olliers Solicitors
Our senior lawyers are all leaders in their field. Olliers is ranked as a top tier law firm by both the authoritative guides to the professions, namely the Legal 500 2025 and Chambers Guide 2025. We are a Times Best Law Firm 2025. We are the Manchester Legal Awards 2024 Crime Team of the Year retaining the title from 2023, an award we have won seven times since 2011.
We have a formidable reputation for our pro-active approach to the investigative stage of a criminal case focusing on crisis management, discretion and nipping an investigation in the bud. We are known for our creative and dynamic attitude to problem solving offering a tailored approach to every case.
“At Olliers the interests of the client are paramount … an ethos shared by every single member of the firm”. The majority of the work we undertake is privately funded, although we undertake publicly funded cases in appropriate circumstances.
Matthew Claughton – Managing Director
Proud to be recognised as a leading law firm
Thought Leaders
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
We handle the full spectrum of criminal cases, including but not limited to drug offences, serious fraud offences, sexual offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent image offences, domestic violence, allegations of assault, motoring offences and more serious charges such as manslaughter and murder and allegations involving firerarms. We also act in regulatory and professional disciplinary proceedings as well as inquests and inquiries. Our team has extensive experience across various types of criminal law and will work to achieve the best result for you.
The main role that criminal defence solicitors have are providing advice to suspects being interviewed by the police, preparation and advocacy for magistrates court cases and preparation of crown court cases. Preparing a case involves considering the evidence and advising the client on it, as well as maintaining effective communication with the court and the prosecution. Advocacy involves the cross-examination of complainants and witnesses combined with assisting the defendant in presenting their case.
Eligibility for Legal Aid depends on your means and the type and seriousness of the allegations against you. We can assess your circumstances and help you determine if you qualify for Legal Aid. If you are eligible, we will guide you through the application process.
Yes absolutely. The duty solicitor is funded to represent you at the police station by legal aid, however if you are looking to instruct Olliers on a privately funded basis then we can notify the duty solicitor you no longer require there services and inform the police that you have changed representation. We will deal with all of this on your behalf and it is a very easy process.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. At Olliers we offer a transparent fee structure and will discuss all potential costs with you upfront. In many cases we can agree fees for different stages of the case. In some cases, you may also qualify for Legal Aid.
Serious fraud refers to complex, high-value fraudulent activities that typically involve deception and financial misconduct for significant financial gain. Serious fraud cases often include offences such as tax fraud, investment fraud, money laundering, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and corporate fraud. These cases frequently involve intricate financial transactions, multiple parties, and substantial evidence gathering, making them complex to investigate and prosecute. Due to their serious nature, these cases are generally handled by specialised agencies like the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and can result in severe penalties, including custodial sentences and significant financial repercussions. It’s crucial to seek expert legal guidance from a specialist serious fraud solicitor.
Pre-charge engagement refers to any voluntary engagement between parties to an investigation after the first interview under caution. The specialist pre-charge engagement team at Olliers is known for its proactive approach in criminal investigations. We place great emphasis on bringing cases to an early conclusion, without a client having to face the stress, trauma and cost of court proceedings. Effective pre-charge engagement will ensure that weak cases are not taken to court. For anyone facing any kind of criminal investigation, it is crucial that their legal representative is actively committed to a strategy involving early, proactive pre-charge engagement with investigators.
A voluntary police interview is an interview by the police of a suspect who has attended the police station voluntarily and is not under arrest. By doing this a suspect can avoid being arrested. For certain offences police will often offer a voluntary interview before making an attempt to arrest a suspect, this is especially true for older or historic offences whether there is little need to have a suspect arrested.
Regulatory law is the law of the governing bodies of certain professions, for example doctors are regulated by the General Medical Council and solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Those found to be in breach of regulations risk having their right to practice in that area restricted or removed.
If you are arrested, you should ask for a solicitor such as Olliers at the custody desk. The police will contact your chosen solicitor for you. A solicitor will attend the police station to represent you. We will sit down with the police and get an idea of the situation. We can then sit down with you in a private room with you where we can discuss what has happened; this conversation is entirely confidential. Depending on what you and the police have told us, we will advise what the best interview strategy is. This strategy will often, but not always, involve putting forward a denial of some. This may be by answering questions or by way of a prepared statement. It is sometimes appropriate to make no comment to the police depending on the state of the evidence and/or your account.
Not all cases require a court appearance. In some situations, we may be able to resolve the case without going to trial. Our specialist lawyers will do everything they can to minimise the likelihood of a client under investigation being charged with a criminal offence. However, if your case does proceed to court, we will be by your side every step of the way, representing you and presenting the best possible defence.
What sets Olliers apart from many criminal defence firms is the proactive approach we adopt during a criminal investigation. We have an excellent reputation for representation before the criminal courts but the best possible outcome is when an investigation ends without our client being prosecuted.
We understand the stress and anxiety a criminal investigation can cause. The work we undertake for clients during this stage of the criminal process goes way beyond a police station attendance. Prior to and following an interview under caution, our team will do everything it can to minimise the likelihood of a client under investigation being charged with a criminal offence.
The timeline of a criminal case varies depending on its complexity and whether the case is dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court. Some cases can be resolved within weeks, while others may take several months. We’ll provide regular updates and keep you informed about any developments in your case.
Absolutely. We understand the sensitive nature of criminal cases and prioritise client confidentiality. Your case details will remain private, and we are subject to very strict rules set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as to confidentiality.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients say about us
Client
Olliers has been fantastic and communicative throughout a multi-year, protracted headache challenging a legal decision. The decision has ultimately been overturned, offering the best result I could have hoped for, but regardless of the outcome I would highly recommend instructing Olliers for any legal assistance required.
Client
I cannot thank Olliers enough for their highly professional help on my case, which was dismissed at trial due to lack of evidence from the Crown.
Lewis
Olliers do exactly what is said on the tin. My case worker was knowledgeable, hardworking and communicative. She made a very stressful process go very smoothly and the representations she produced were clear, succinct and backed by a great understanding of both my personal circumstances and the working conditions which the incident took place within. I received the decision I wanted and Olliers were a vital part of this process. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
Client
I am convinced that the work that has been done at the pre-charge stage was the difference between the matter proceeding and not. You did a detailed review of the matter and worked on it to ensure that necessary work was carried out as speedily as possible. You also did a brilliant job with managing all of the personalities involved in the case.
Client
I would highly recommend Olliers and Toby’s services as they helped massively at the worst stage of my life. I am forever grateful for the work they have done for me. I feel extremely relieved and thankful for the outcome they helped me get so I can now move on with my life.
Client
I am very grateful and appreciate all your support, guidance and prompt answering of my queries when I was anxious.
