Criminal Solicitors Cardiff

Criminal Solicitors in Cardiff

If you are being investigated or have been charged with a criminal offence in Cardiff, early legal advice is essential. Whether the police have contacted you for an interview, you have been arrested, or you have received court papers, the decisions made at the start of a case can have lasting consequences.

Makwanas Solicitors represent individuals across Cardiff and the surrounding areas. We provide practical, straightforward advice and focus on protecting your reputation, your liberty, and your future. Our experienced team understands the pressures and anxieties that come with facing criminal allegations, and we are here to guide you through each stage with clarity and confidence.

Criminal proceedings can affect every aspect of your life, from employment and travel to personal relationships and mental well-being. The sooner you obtain expert legal representation, the better positioned you will be to challenge the allegations and protect your interests. We work with clients from all backgrounds and treat every case with the attention and discretion it deserves.

When Should You Contact a Criminal Solicitor?

You should seek legal advice as soon as you become aware of an allegation or investigation. Many people make the mistake of believing they can handle matters themselves or that seeking legal advice will make them appear guilty. In reality, early legal representation is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.

Common situations where you should contact a criminal solicitor include:

• Arrest or attendance at a police station
• Invitation to a voluntary interview or interview under caution
• Release under investigation or police bail with conditions
• Receiving a charge, postal requisition, or court summons
• Search warrants, seizure of phones or digital devices
• Notification of an ongoing investigation by South Wales Police

Early advice can help avoid mistakes and, in some cases, prevent the matter progressing further. What you say or fail to say during the early stages of an investigation can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Our solicitors ensure that you are properly prepared, that your rights are protected, and that any evidence against you is carefully scrutinised from the outset.

How Criminal Cases Progress in Cardiff

Most cases begin with a police investigation conducted by South Wales Police. Evidence may include witness statements, CCTV footage, phone downloads, forensic material, or financial records. What you say during interview can influence charging decisions and the direction of the case.

The investigative process can be lengthy and stressful. You may be placed on police bail with conditions restricting your movements, or released under investigation with no clear timeframe for a decision. During this period, it is vital to have legal representation that keeps you informed and works proactively to challenge weak evidence or pursue alternative outcomes.

If charged, proceedings usually begin in Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, with more serious allegations sent to Cardiff Crown Court. We guide you through every stage, challenge the prosecution evidence, and present your case clearly and effectively. Our solicitors have extensive experience appearing in both courts and understand the procedures, expectations, and approaches that work best in the Welsh legal system.

Whether you are pleading guilty or contesting the allegations, we prepare your case thoroughly. This includes reviewing all prosecution evidence, obtaining witness statements, instructing expert witnesses where necessary, and ensuring that your defence is presented in the strongest possible terms.

How Our Cardiff Criminal Solicitors Can Help

• Immediate advice and representation at the police station, available 24/7
• Preparing you for interview and protecting your legal rights throughout questioning
• Reviewing prosecution evidence and identifying weaknesses or inconsistencies
• Preparing written representations to the Crown Prosecution Service to seek no further action
• Bail applications and requests to vary restrictive bail conditions
• Preparation for Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court hearings
• Mitigation and sentencing advocacy where appropriate to minimise penalties
• Advising on appeals and challenging unsafe convictions or excessive sentences

We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the legal process in plain language, and provide realistic assessments of your case. Our aim is to achieve the best possible outcome while minimising the stress and disruption to your life.

Offences We Regularly Deal With

Our criminal solicitors advise and represent clients facing a wide range of allegations, including:

• Assault, harassment, and public order offences
• Theft, fraud, and dishonesty allegations
• Drug offences including possession, supply, and production
• Motoring offences such as drink driving, drug driving, and dangerous driving
• Domestic-related allegations and breaches of restraining orders
• Sexual offences and safeguarding investigations
• Weapons offences including possession of knives and offensive weapons
• Benefit fraud and other financial misconduct

No matter how serious or complex the allegation, we approach every case with the same level of dedication and professionalism. We recognise that criminal charges can arise from misunderstandings, false allegations, or situations where context and circumstances are not properly considered. Our role is to ensure that your side of the story is heard and that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

Representation at the Police Station

One of the most critical stages of any criminal case is the police interview. What you say during this interview can be used as evidence in court, and mistakes made at this stage are often difficult to undo later. You have the right to free and independent legal advice at the police station, and you should always exercise this right.

Our solicitors provide immediate attendance at police stations across Cardiff and South Wales. We will speak with you privately before any interview, explain the allegations, review any evidence disclosed by the police, and advise you on the best approach to take. In some cases, the right approach is to answer questions; in others, it may be more appropriate to provide a prepared statement or to make no comment.

We ensure that interviews are conducted fairly, that inappropriate questions are challenged, and that your rights are protected throughout. Our presence at the police station can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

Local Experience Across Cardiff

Our solicitors have extensive experience representing clients at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court and Cardiff Crown Court. We understand how South Wales Police investigates and prosecutes cases and what approaches achieve the best outcomes in the local courts.

Cardiff’s courts handle a high volume of criminal cases, and familiarity with local procedures, court staff, and judicial expectations can be invaluable. We have built strong working relationships with prosecutors, court officials, and other legal professionals, enabling us to navigate the system efficiently and advocate effectively on your behalf.

Whether your case involves a first-time minor offence or a serious allegation that could result in a custodial sentence, we provide the same level of commitment and expertise. Our knowledge of sentencing guidelines, local sentencing trends, and available alternatives to custody helps us to present the most persuasive mitigation on your behalf.

Areas Around Cardiff We Serve

Our criminal solicitors represent clients across Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Wherever your case arises, we can assist.