Crime

If you find yourself on the wrong end of a criminal charge, you need access to a lawyer with the dedication, knowledge and capability to make sure your voice is heard throughout the legal process.

Our criminal law team includes specialists who have the talents and tenacity to take on any and all aspects of criminal law, from the simplest motoring matter to the most serious and complex case.

Advice at the Police Station

We operate a 24-hour rota service so that someone is always available whatever time of the day or night you are arrested. Your local police station will have the number of your nearest Woodcocks solicitor or you can call our emergency number 07816 625041. Many of the Woodcocks criminal law team have a special accreditation which allows them to be duty solicitors, providing legal aid assistance to anyone held at a police station.

Youth Crime

Our youth team has particular talents when it comes to working with young people caught up in the criminal justice system. And, because they appreciate the stress and worry that the situation can cause parents, they make absolutely sure that parents are kept informed and involved along the way.

Higher Court Advocacy

Through an additional qualification, solicitors are now able to become 'Higher Court Advocates' and appear in Crown Court jury trials, the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords. Sarah Goodchild, head of the crown court section at our Bury office, is a Higher Court Advocate in addition to having practised as a barrister before qualifying as a solicitor. That means we have the in-house expertise to represent you from the police station to the House of Lords. Of course we also work closely with a number of chambers where clients prefer to be represented by a barrister.

Whatever type of criminal allegation, investigation or enquiry you are facing, call in the Woodcock crime team:

  • Keith Pilkington (Rawtenstall) on 01706 225621
  • David Connor or Brian Walsh (Bacup) on 01706 874487
  • Sarah Goodchild or Gabrielle Smyth and Lucy Halkyard (Bury) on 0161 761 4611