Personal Injury Freephone - 0800 634 5222

24 Hour police station call out - 07977 40 20 20


The Crime Team


Platt Halpern's criminal department has one of the best reputations in the North West, receiving referrals from all over the country. We deal with:


Why Choose Us?

We are experts at defending individuals and companies accused of all kinds of criminal offences - from murder and terrorism to relatively minor offences, including road traffic cases. We cover every aspect of the criminal justice system, from police station work right up to the House of Lords. We realise that every case is vitally important for the people involved and we aim to achieve the best possible result every time.


We believe we are fundamentally different to other larger, so-called 'specialist' criminal law practices and that because of this, you will get a better service from us. For example, if we represent you in the magistrates' court you will be seen and advised by a very well qualified solicitor from start to finish - unlike other firms, we do not employ unqualified clerks to prepare your case. Additionally, our lawyers can call on their colleagues' expertise in other departments, such as those in prison law, actions against the police and family law, when necessary. This can be of very significant benefit to our clients.


Additionally, most of our advocacy in the crown court is carried out by our team of highly experienced solicitor advocates. This enables us to provide a seamless and highly efficient service from arrest right through to the result at the crown court, or even the Court of Appeal.



Police Station Advice

Our police station team are able to offer immediate advice and assistance to those under arrest 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.


We recognise that the police station stage of an investigation is often the most crucial and that the advice given there can have an enormous impact on the course of the case. Our team of representatives are all fully accredited and we recognise that more serious cases may demand the services of a qualified solicitor. We regularly advise clients who are accused of the most serious types of offences, such as murder, conspiracy to import drugs or firearms, and terrorism.


We also advise at all interviews where criminal offences are under investigation, such as investigations by local authorities for benefits fraud or Customs and Revenue investigations.


Legal aid is almost always available for this area of work.



Magistrates' Court

Our team of highly experienced advocates can represent you for all types of criminal offences, from common assault to driving with excess alcohol. We aim to provide clients with advice that is straightforward and easy to understand. We will always fight for the best possible outcome in every single case.


Legal aid is often available for these cases but where it is not, we can represent you at competitive private rates.



Crown Court

Our crown court department deals with all types of serious cases and has an enviable reputation for its robust defence of clients' rights in what can be a highly stressful arena. Our lawyers recognise that being accused of an offence can be a harrowing experience for an individual and their family. Whatever the nature of the allegation, we defend our clients with the highest degree of legal expertise and determination. We will do so in a way that is accessible and approachable and will keep you fully informed about your case in jargon-free language.



Road Traffic Offences

Road traffic law is surprisingly complex and we are experts in the field. The loss of a driving licence can have a devastating effect - both personally and professionally - but we are here to help you. We will carefully consider whether each and every prosecution has been properly brought and where possible we will secure an acquittal or avoid disqualification. We will do this under the legal aid scheme or when necessary at competitive private-paying rates - rates that will not shock you (unlike those offered by 'specialist' road traffic firms).


We advise on the full range of driving offences including dangerous driving, speeding, excess alcohol, traffic light offences, document offences and due care.


Notable Cases

Click on the following links to view details of some of the recent notable cases we have been involved in:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4362081.stm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article431475.ece
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7985829.stm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1605124.ece
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2008/jul/07/thisprisonisnotfitforpur
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1223104/Helicopter-pilot-flying-capabilities-crash-killed-servicemen.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/4120552.stm
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/122/122340_bombs_joke_passenger_is_cleared_by_jury.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/when-bank-manager-ian-lumbs-overdraft-became-too-big-he-stole-pounds-100000-to-begin-a-new-life--but-though-his-job-was-to-help-others-he-could-not-help-himself-1620118.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4947004.stm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6855294.ece
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6173642.stm
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Manchester-Gooch-Gang-Modern-Al-Capone-Colin-Joyce-Jailed-For-39-Years/Article/200904115257515
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/feb/09/ukcrime


Crime Team