Business Details
25 Years
experience
Trusted Criminal Defence Solicitors in Derby
Established in 2001, C J H Solicitors is a dedicated criminal defence practice serving clients across the East Midlands. Our team of experienced solicitors and legal professionals provide expert representation at every level of the criminal justice system, from police station attendances to Supreme Court proceedings. We prioritise meticulous case preparation, transparent communication, and achieving optimal outcomes for our clients.With specialists in areas including motoring law, football banning orders, and appeals, we combine decades of collective experience with a commitment to accessible legal aid and competitive private rates. Our firm maintains full authorisation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and client care.
Services
Criminal Defence
Legal Aid
Court Proceedings
Motoring Law
Appeals
Football Banning Orders
Police Station Representation
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in criminal defence law
- Our solicitors are qualified members of the Duty Solicitor Scheme
- We offer Legal Aid eligibility assessments and competitive private rates
- Our team includes Crown Court advocates with proven trial experience
- We provide thorough case preparation and transparent legal advice
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Criminal Defence
We provide expert criminal defence at all levels of the justice system. Our solicitors represent clients from police station investigations through to Crown Court trials and Supreme Court appeals. With specialists in motoring law, football banning orders, and complex criminal cases, we combine thorough case preparation with strategic legal advice to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Legal Aid
We offer Legal Aid services meeting Solicitors Regulation Authority standards. Our team assists with eligibility assessments for interests of justice and financial tests. We handle applications requiring income evidence and advise on alternative funding options when Legal Aid isn't available, ensuring accessible legal representation at competitive private rates with fixed fee options where possible.
Court Proceedings
Our experienced advocates handle magistrates' court and Crown Court cases. We provide detailed case preparation, strategic advice, and skilled courtroom representation. From initial hearings to sentencing, we maintain thorough documentation and communicate clearly about case progression, ensuring clients understand each stage of the legal process and potential outcomes.
Motoring Law
We specialise in defending motoring offences while helping clients retain their driving licences. Our solicitors handle complex cases including disqualifications and penalty points. Though Legal Aid rarely applies, we offer competitive fixed fees and detailed advice on mitigating factors, procedural errors, and alternative sentencing options to minimise driving restrictions.
Appeals
We assess appeal prospects for convictions and sentences, handling magistrates' court appeals to the Crown Court and Crown Court appeals to the Court of Appeal. Our team meets strict time limits and prepares comprehensive submissions. For failed appeals, we advise on Criminal Cases Review Commission referrals, ensuring thorough documentation and strategic presentation of grounds for reconsideration.
People
Chris Hallas
Partner
Admitted in 1987, Chris is a Crown Court advocate with extensive trial experience. He combines deep legal knowledge with practical strategies to achieve optimal client outcomes across all criminal case types.
Peter Jones
Partner
Admitted in 1990, Peter oversees legal compliance as COLP/COFA. With former Magistrates' Court service experience, he provides expert guidance on criminal case management and regulatory requirements.
Jonathan Greenhill
Partner
Admitted in 2003, Jonathan specialises in police station representation. His investigative approach ensures thorough case preparation and effective outcomes during criminal proceedings and investigations.
Stephen Cooper
Partner
Admitted in 1998, Stephen is a Crown Court advocate with significant trial experience. He focuses on achieving best possible results through detailed case analysis and strategic legal representation.
Simon Dhillon
Partner
Admitted in 2013, Simon has a proven track record in criminal defence. He provides dedicated client representation with a focus on achieving favourable outcomes through thorough preparation and advocacy.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence including police station representation, magistrates' and Crown Court proceedings, motoring offences, football banning orders, and appeals.
Can I get Legal Aid for my case?
We can assess your Legal Aid eligibility through financial and interests of justice tests. If unavailable, we offer competitive private rates with fixed fee options.
How much will my case cost?
Costs depend on case complexity. We offer fixed fees where possible and provide clear cost estimates during initial consultations for both Legal Aid and private clients.
What happens during a police station interview?
We'll ensure your rights are protected, advise on answering questions, prevent unnecessary detention, and challenge procedural errors during police investigations and interviews.
Can you help with motoring offence cases?
Yes, we defend all motoring offences including disqualifications. While Legal Aid rarely applies, we provide strategic advice to minimise penalties and retain driving privileges.
How do I appeal a conviction or sentence?
We assess appeal prospects within strict time limits, prepare grounds for appeal, and represent clients at Crown Court or Court of Appeal hearings as appropriate.
