Criminal and motoring solicitors in Leicester

Criminal defence and motoring solicitors in Leicester

Last updated 26 September 2026. General information, not legal advice.

Criminal defence solicitors represent people who are being investigated or prosecuted for a criminal offence, from a police interview through to trial and sentencing. Many also handle motoring offences such as speeding, drink driving and driving without insurance.

This is a directory-only area. We list the firms so you can contact them directly, but we don’t pass on criminal enquiries ourselves. If you have been arrested, ask for a solicitor at the police station straight away.

At the police station

If you’re arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, you’re entitled to free and independent legal advice. You can ask for a named solicitor or for the duty solicitor. It is usually wise to speak to a solicitor before answering questions.

In court

Most criminal cases in Leicester start at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, and more serious ones go to Leicester Crown Court. A solicitor will advise you on the evidence and on whether to plead guilty or not guilty, and will represent you at hearings, instructing a barrister for Crown Court trials where needed. Legal aid may be available, depending on the case and your finances.

Motoring offences

Driving offences range from fixed penalties to cases where you could lose your licence or face prison. Advice is most valuable where a ban is possible, where you want to argue that a ban would cause exceptional hardship, or where there may be a technical defence. SRA-regulated firms have to publish price information for summary-only road traffic offences, so you can compare fixed fees.

Common questions

Do I have to pay for a solicitor at the police station?

No. Everyone questioned by the police at a police station has the right to free legal advice, whatever their income, either from their own solicitor or from the duty solicitor.

Can I get legal aid for a court case?

Possibly. Legal aid in the magistrates' court depends on your means and on whether the interests of justice require representation. Crown Court legal aid is available more widely but may involve a contribution.

Do I need a solicitor for a speeding or driving offence?

For a simple fixed penalty, often not. Advice is worth considering if you face a ban, including under the totting-up rules, or if you want to argue exceptional hardship or special reasons.

This guide is general information about the law in England and Wales and isn't legal advice on your situation. Solicitor Leicester is a directory, not a law firm.