If you, or someone you know is facing an allegation of murder, manslaughter or serious assault you don’t need telling how distressing it is. You just need to know that we can help.
What is the difference between murder, manslaughter and serious violence?
Murder is when you kill another person and you meant to either kill or seriously hurt them. Manslaughter is when you kill someone but you didn’t mean to or you have a partial defence to a murder charge, for instance diminished responsibility. Serious violence, sometimes called grievous bodily harm, GBH or a Section 20 offence, is when you seriously hurt someone either deliberately or recklessly, but did not kill them
Choose a solicitor who specialises in defending murder, manslaughter and serious violence cases
Stryders has an excellent reputation for supporting and defending people accused of violence, whether they have been wrongly accused or it was the result of an intentional act, an accident or self-defence.
We have advised and represented people in numerous high-profile murder, manslaughter and serious assault cases, with considerable success.
Our specialist solicitors expertly manage complex legal issues, gathering and assessing large volumes of detailed forensic and expert evidence to get you the best possible outcome.
We are always sensitive and non-judgemental advocates in your best interests, from supporting you through the justice process to helping manage media interest, which can be intense.
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about murder, manslaughter or serious violence charges
- If you have been accused of murder, manslaughter or serious assault, there is a lot at stake. You cannot possibly manage it without the immediate help of a specialist legal expert like Stryders. Our skilled lawyers will work in your best interests, proactively following the police progress and keeping you informed on your options.
- Murder is the most serious criminal offence and carries a mandatory life sentence, although the judge will usually set a minimum tariff. However, it is not unusual for a judge to give the jury the option of finding the defendant guilty of manslaughter as an alternative to murder. Stryders’ solicitors leave no stone unturned in our efforts to get you the best possible outcome.
- Trials for murder, manslaughter or serious assault can be complex and there is often intense interest from the media. As well as having the skills and capacity to manage and unpick significant amounts of forensic and circumstantial evidence, Stryders can advise and help you manage media intrusion in the interests of fairness and justice.
- You may be feeling guilt, fear, confusion, sorrow, anxiety, or all of these things. It’s almost certainly affecting the people around you too. The important thing to know is that there is no such thing as a foregone conclusion. Acquittals and reduced charges do happen. It depends on the circumstances, the evidence and the way your defence case is put together with respect to what can often be very complicated issues involving expert testimony.
Advice for people facing a murder, manslaughter or serious violence charge
If you are suspected of a serious crime in which someone was hurt or died, you will almost certainly be arrested. At this stage, you may not be aware of the evidence, or even exactly what the allegation is. You may be in shock. Go willingly and resist the temptation to say anything at all without getting legal advice, even if you know you have done nothing wrong.
There is no obligation to talk to the police before you speak to a lawyer and any early statements you make, even if they seem informal, can be crucial to their case and your defence.
At the police station, the police must ask you if you would like legal representation. Say yes and ask for Stryders by name. We are available 24/7 and our services at the police station are completely FREE.
We will find out as much as we can about the case against you and then discuss your circumstances with you in private before you go in for your official interview, following up on your behalf afterwards to find out whether the case is likely to continue.
You can then decide if you would like us to continue to represent you.
Our legal support for people facing a charge of murder, manslaughter or serious violence
We understand how you feel
A charge of murder, manslaughter or serous assault can affect your life, reputation and those around you. With Stryders, you can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named legal expert who will have access to all the expertise in our wider expert team and will work with you in a completely discreet and confidential way
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected within the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending murder, manslaughter or serious violence 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, whatever your financial circumstances. Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike many solicitors, we will contact the police after your interview to see if there’s anything else you need to do as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.