Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defence Solicitors in Exeter
St James Solicitors is a dedicated criminal defence law firm with extensive experience representing clients in both Magistrates' and Crown Courts. Our team of expert solicitors specialises in handling complex legal matters including drug offences, fraud, motoring offences, sexual offences, and violent crimes. We provide 24/7 emergency representation at police stations across the South West, ensuring immediate support for clients facing arrest or investigation.Our approach combines technical legal expertise with compassionate client care, particularly supporting individuals with mental health challenges throughout the judicial process. With a proven track record in high-profile cases, we prioritise clear communication, realistic advice, and robust defence strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Services
Criminal Defence
Motoring Offences
Fraud Investigations
Sexual Offences
Violent Crimes
Drug Offences
Court Representation
Legal Consultation
Highlights and features
- We provide 24/7 emergency police station representation
- Our team has extensive Crown Court trial experience
- Specialist knowledge of mental health-related legal cases
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Client-focused approach with transparent communication
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Exceptional legal support
Compassionate representation
Expert guidance
24/7 emergency availability
Court process understanding
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence service provides expert legal support for clients facing criminal charges. We offer comprehensive case preparation, court representation, and strategic defence planning. Our solicitors specialise in navigating complex legal procedures while maintaining client confidentiality and providing emotional support throughout the judicial process.
Motoring Offences
We defend clients against all types of motoring offences including speeding, drink driving, and dangerous driving charges. Our specialists understand the impact of driving bans on daily life and work to achieve optimal outcomes. We provide expert guidance through court procedures and negotiate mitigation strategies to protect clients' driving privileges.
Drug Offences
Our drug offence specialists handle cases ranging from possession to supply charges. We examine complex evidence, challenge prosecution cases, and present mitigating circumstances. The team has experience with cases involving duress, modern slavery, and forensic evidence analysis to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
Fraud Investigations
We represent clients facing fraud and financial crime allegations, from benefit fraud to complex financial investigations. Our solicitors analyse technical evidence, challenge prosecution claims, and provide strategic defence for cases involving digital transactions and international investigations.
Sexual Offences
Our experienced team handles sexual offence cases with utmost sensitivity and professionalism. We support clients through complex legal processes, examine forensic evidence, and provide specialist representation for both recent and historical allegations while maintaining client dignity and confidentiality.
People
Jeremy Wickham
Partner
Jeremy Wickham is a criminal law specialist with extensive court experience, providing expert legal guidance and robust defence strategies for complex cases across the South West region.
Rachel Smith
Partner
Rachel Smith offers specialist criminal defence expertise, focusing on complex cases requiring detailed legal analysis and compassionate client support throughout the judicial process.
Peter Woodley
Partner
Peter Woodley brings significant criminal law experience, specialising in serious crime defence and providing strategic legal solutions for clients facing complex legal challenges.
Lisa McArthur
Solicitor
Lisa McArthur provides dedicated legal support in criminal defence cases, combining technical expertise with compassionate client representation across various court proceedings.
Lily Smith
Paralegal
Lily Smith supports the legal team with case preparation and client assistance, ensuring thorough documentation and effective support for clients throughout their legal proceedings.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal law including motoring offences, fraud, drug offences, sexual offences, and violent crimes, providing expert representation in Magistrates' and Crown Courts.
Do you offer emergency legal services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency representation at police stations across the South West for clients facing arrest or police interviews.
How do you support clients with mental health issues?
We offer specialist support including psychiatric reports, intermediary assistance, and tailored legal strategies for clients with mental health challenges throughout court proceedings.
Can you handle complex financial crime cases?
Yes, our team has extensive experience with fraud investigations, digital transaction cases, and complex financial crime allegations at both national and international levels.
What makes your firm different from other solicitors?
We combine technical legal expertise with compassionate client care, offering 24/7 availability, court process guidance, and tailored defence strategies for each case.
Do you work with barristers for court cases?
Yes, we collaborate with experienced barristers from various chambers to ensure comprehensive legal representation for complex cases requiring specialist advocacy.
