Knife Crime Solicitors
If you are facing a knife crime allegation, getting specialist legal advice quickly is important. Stryders‘ criminal defence solicitors have extensive experience representing people accused of possessing or carrying knives and other offensive weapons. We provide clear, robust advice from the police station through to court, helping you understand your options and build the strongest defence available.
What types of knife crime offences can you be charged with?
Knife crime covers a range of offences involving knives, bladed articles and other offensive weapons. The offence you may face will depend on the type of weapon involved, where it was found, why you had it and what happened at the time.
Common knife crime offences include possessing a knife or bladed article in a public place, possessing certain prohibited knives, or possessing a knife or offensive weapon on school premises or in a private place. More serious allegations can involve using or threatening someone with a knife, or possessing a knife in connection with another offence.
What is knife crime?
Knife crime is a general term covering a range of offences involving knives, bladed articles and other offensive weapons. This can include possessing certain prohibited weapons, or carrying a knife or bladed article in a public place without a lawful reason or reasonable excuse. A reasonable excuse may include carrying an item for work or as part of a religious costume or national dress, depending on the circumstances.
What are the consequences of a knife crime offence?
The consequences of a knife crime offence will depend on the nature of the allegation and the circumstances of the case. Depending on the offence, you could face a fine, community sentence or even imprisonment, while a conviction can also have longer-term consequences for your employment, education, travel and future opportunities. More serious offences, including threatening someone with a knife or offensive weapon, can carry significant custodial sentences.
The court will consider factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the circumstances in which the weapon was carried or used, any previous convictions and factors that may reduce or increase the seriousness of the offence. For certain repeat knife and offensive weapon offences, there are statutory minimum sentences, subject to limited exceptions.
If you have been accused of a knife crime offence, Stryders can provide confidential advice and specialist criminal defence representation. Our team can explain the allegation against you, advise you on your rights and help you understand the potential consequences and options available to you.
Choose a Specialist Knife Crime Solicitor
Stryders are specialist criminal defence solicitors with extensive experience representing people accused of knife crime and offences involving bladed articles or offensive weapons.
Our specialist team will examine the circumstances of the allegation, establish the facts and explore all available options for your defence. We understand that the circumstances surrounding an allegation can vary considerably, particularly where someone says they had a legitimate reason for possessing or carrying an article.
We will provide clear, robust advice throughout your case and work proactively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Alicia Nottage – Knife Crime Defence Solicitor
Alicia Nottage is an experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor and Duty Solicitor, with particular expertise in representing young and vulnerable clients facing knife crime allegations. She provides clear advice and robust representation from the police station through to court.
Stryders’ Knife Crime Solicitors: How We Can Help
- Possession of a knife or bladed article in a public place
- Possession of an offensive weapon
- Possession of a knife or bladed article on school premises
- Possession of a prohibited weapon
- Threatening someone with a knife or offensive weapon
- Using a knife or offensive weapon to cause injury
- Robbery involving a knife or offensive weapon
- Assaults involving knives or bladed articles
- Knife crime allegations involving children and young people
Our specialist criminal defence solicitors can provide advice and representation from the moment you are questioned by the police through to proceedings at court. All our discussions are confidential, and we can arrange appointments at the office, at another convenient location, in prison or in custody if necessary.
Specialist Knife Crime Solicitors
Stryders are specialist criminal defence solicitors with extensive experience in knife crime and offensive weapon cases. Our experts understand how stressful an allegation can be and how a conviction can affect your freedom, education, employment, family life and future.
We are committed to providing clear, practical advice and robust representation at every stage of the process. Whether you have been arrested for possession of a knife, accused of carrying a bladed article in public, or are facing a more serious allegation involving a knife or offensive weapon, we will take the time to understand your circumstances and ensure your case is properly prepared and presented.
Most importantly, we are there when you need us. Our team provides 24-hour police station representation, helping to protect your rights from the very beginning. If your case proceeds to court, we will continue to provide dedicated support and robust representation, ensuring you understand what is happening at every stage of your case.
Stryders offer competitive legal fees for defending knife crime offences
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to free legal representation at the police station, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may also be entitled to free legal representation at court under the legal aid scheme, depending on your circumstances.
Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike the uncertainty of a duty solicitor, we will provide expert support for a wide range of knife crime and offensive weapon offences, including possession of a knife or bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, threatening someone with a knife and more serious offences involving knives.
After your interview, we will contact the police as part of our follow-up service to ensure you understand the next steps and any actions you need to take. We may be able to offer a fixed fee for additional assistance beyond the initial interview and court representation.
Legal Aid Solicitors
Everyone is entitled to free legal representation at a police station with the solicitor of their choice, irrespective of their financial means. However, if your case continues beyond that interview you may have to pay for ongoing legal advice unless you qualify for legal aid. If you are entitled to legal aid, all your court costs and legal representation will be paid for by the Government.
Knife Crime Defence Solicitors FAQs
Knife Crime Defence Solicitors FAQs
Can I go to prison for a first-time knife crime offence?
Yes, a first-time knife crime offence can result in a prison sentence, depending on the offence and the circumstances of the case. The potential consequences can be serious, particularly where a knife has been used to threaten or injure someone.
If you have been accused or arrested, contact Stryders as soon as possible for confidential advice and specialist criminal defence representation.
Is it illegal to carry a knife in public?
In many circumstances, carrying a knife or bladed article in a public place without a good reason or lawful authority is an offence. However, there are exceptions where you have a genuine reason for carrying it.
Stryders can advise you on the circumstances of your case and whether you may have a lawful excuse for carrying the item. Contact our specialist knife crime solicitors for confidential advice.
Can I have a prohibited knife at home?
Some types of knives and offensive weapons are prohibited, meaning that it can be an offence to possess them even in your own home. If you are unsure whether an item is prohibited, or have been accused of possessing one, Stryders can advise you on the relevant law, your rights and your options. Contact us for specialist knife crime defence advice.
Can a kitchen knife be considered a weapon?
A kitchen knife is not automatically an illegal weapon simply because you possess it. However, using or threatening someone with a knife can result in serious criminal charges, depending on the circumstances.
If you have been accused of using a knife to threaten or injure someone, Stryders can provide specialist criminal defence advice and representation from the police station through to court.
Can I legally carry a knife for work or religious reasons?
There are circumstances in which you may have a lawful reason to carry a knife or bladed article, including for certain work purposes or as part of a religious costume. You may need to demonstrate why you were carrying it and provide evidence to support your explanation.
Stryders can advise you on whether your circumstances provide a lawful excuse and help you present your case. Contact our knife crime solicitors for confidential advice.
What should I do if I have been arrested for a knife crime offence?
If you have been arrested, you have the right to legal advice and representation at the police station. Ask for Stryders by name. Our team provides 24-hour police station representation, so you can receive specialist advice before being interviewed and throughout the police process.
Contact Stryders immediately if you have been arrested or asked to attend the police station in connection with a knife crime allegation.