Business Details
Emergency
services
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors Manchester
Established as a leading criminal law defence practice, Howards Solicitors has built a reputation for excellence in legal representation across England and Wales. Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in criminal defence, motoring offences, and prison law, with a proven track record in high-profile cases and complex legal proceedings. As a VHCC panel member, we handle matters of national significance while maintaining a commitment to accessible, client-focused service through offices in Manchester and Cheshire. Our expertise extends to 24/7 police station representation, Supreme Court advocacy, and specialist advice on parole and sentencing. With continuous Legal Aid Agency accreditation since 2010, we combine decades of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to protect client interests. Our solicitors regularly appear on national media to discuss legal developments, ensuring our practice remains at the forefront of criminal law.We maintain strict client confidentiality while providing transparent pricing structures and fixed-fee options for both publicly funded and private clients. Our team includes Grade A solicitors with over 10 years' experience, supported by specialist barristers and higher court advocates. We operate under rigorous regulatory standards set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring the highest levels of professional conduct. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through our Legal Ombudsman-compliant complaints procedure and client money protection policies. We offer nationwide representation while maintaining the personal service expected from a regional law firm.
Services
Criminal Law
Motoring Offences
Prison Law
Legal Aid
Personal Injury
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years' experience in criminal defence law
- Our team includes Grade A solicitors with 10+ years' experience
- We operate 24/7 for emergency police station representation
- We hold continuous Legal Aid Agency accreditation since 2010
- Our firm is a member of the VHCC panel for serious criminal cases
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal Aid Agency
- VHCC panel member
What people say
Great result
Very favorable result
Understand my business
Painless process
Always impressed
Services
Criminal Defence Law
Our criminal defence service provides expert legal representation for clients facing criminal charges. We specialise in handling cases from initial police interviews through to Crown Court trials and appeals. Our solicitors have extensive experience in defending clients against serious criminal allegations including violent offences, drug-related crimes, and fraud cases. We offer 24/7 emergency representation and maintain Legal Aid Agency accreditation for eligible clients.
Motoring Offences
We specialise in defending clients against all types of motoring offences including drink driving, dangerous driving, and speeding allegations. Our solicitors regularly appear in Magistrates Courts across England and Wales to challenge prosecution evidence and secure the best possible outcomes for clients. We offer fixed-fee pricing for most motoring cases and provide expert advice on avoiding penalty points, fines, and driving bans.
Prison Law
Our prison law service covers parole applications, sentence calculations, and category A reviews for prisoners throughout England and Wales. We have over 20 years' experience handling complex prison law matters including recall hearings and pre-tariff reviews. Our solicitors work closely with prisoners and their families to navigate the legal system and achieve successful outcomes through both publicly funded and private representation.
Legal Aid
We provide legally aided representation for eligible clients in criminal defence and prison law cases. As a continuously accredited Legal Aid Agency provider since 2010, we ensure access to justice for clients who qualify for public funding. Our solicitors handle the application process and provide transparent advice on eligibility criteria and any potential contribution requirements for legally aided cases.
Fixed Fee Representation
We offer fixed-fee pricing options for private clients requiring legal representation in criminal and motoring cases. Our transparent pricing structure covers specific stages of legal proceedings including first court appearances, summary trials, and additional hearings. We provide detailed cost breakdowns and payment plans for private clients while maintaining the same high standard of legal service as publicly funded cases.
People
Oliver Gardner
Director
Oliver Gardner is a Grade A solicitor and Director at Howards Solicitors with over 10 years' experience. He specialises in criminal defence law and manages client complaints as the firm's designated Complaints Partner.
Nikki Mundy
Director
Nikki Mundy is a Grade A solicitor and Director at Howards Solicitors with over 10 years' experience. She handles complex criminal cases and serves as an alternative complaints contact for clients dissatisfied with Oliver Gardner's service.
Amy Hilton
Paralegal
Amy Hilton is a Grade B paralegal with police station accreditation. She provides essential support to solicitors in criminal defence cases and assists with client documentation and case preparation.
David Thomson
Higher Court Advocate
David Thomson is a Grade A Higher Court Advocate and Duty Solicitor. He represents clients in complex criminal cases requiring specialist court appearances beyond the Magistrates Court level.
Milena Bennet
In-House Barrister
Milena Bennet is a Grade A employed barrister and Duty Solicitor. She provides specialist legal representation in court proceedings and offers expert legal opinions on complex criminal law matters.
Questions
What areas of law do Howards Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence law, motoring offences, and prison law matters across England and Wales.
Do you offer 24/7 legal representation?
Yes, we provide 24-hour emergency legal support for police station interviews and urgent court appearances.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
We hold Legal Aid Agency accreditation and can advise on eligibility for publicly funded legal representation.
What are your office locations?
We have offices in Manchester, Cheshire, and Tameside providing accessible legal services across the North West.
Do you handle cases outside Manchester?
Yes, we represent clients nationwide in criminal, motoring, and prison law cases throughout England and Wales.
What payment options are available?
We offer fixed-fee pricing for specific legal services and can discuss payment plans for private clients.
