Serious & General Crime

BCL is a market leader in criminal defence work.  We understand that being accused of a crime, whatever the allegation, can be a harrowing and stressful experience and we pride ourselves in acting for all of our clients with sensitivity, expertise and a fearless determination to protect their interests.

We provide a total service, including representation at the outset of a criminal investigation (whether in relation to the execution of a search warrant at a home or business premises or in relation to the arrest and interview under caution or the voluntary attendance at a police station) and representation through the various stages of the court process, including applying for bail, applying for the charges to be dismissed and conduct of the trial (both in the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court).

Our team includes first class advocates and lawyers with a huge wealth of experience in the most serious, legally and forensically complex, and notorious criminal cases.

BCL is proud of its experience in acting for clients in all kinds of criminal cases.  We have particular expertise in corruption, extradition, mutual legal assistance, Official Secrets Act investigations, data protection and computer misuse offences, drug offences, murder, manslaughter, violence against the person, harassment, sexual offences and road traffic matters.  We also have proven success in judicial review proceedings and Court of Appeal cases.

We have specialist experience in representing a wide variety of individuals (including doctors, solicitors, barristers, accountants, journalists, and company directors) as well as companies and other organisations.  In addition, in recent years, we have become recognised for our particular expertise in acting for those in the public eye.  Clients have included politicians, sportsmen, entertainers, artists and media celebrities, as well as those who, whilst not seeking publicity themselves, have found themselves embroiled in high profile criminal cases.  We are experienced in working with management companies, PR advisers and other professional advisers and we have an in-depth understanding of the interface between defending a criminal investigation or prosecution and protecting the client’s reputation.