Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defence Solicitors in Sheffield
Favell Smith & Lawson is an award-winning criminal defence law firm with a team of five highly experienced solicitors who collectively bring over a century of legal expertise. Recognised as Yorkshire's Criminal Defence Team of the Year 2023/24 and winners of the Local Law Society Team of the Year award for three consecutive years, the firm combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to personal client care. Our specialists handle all aspects of criminal law, from minor offences to high-profile murder cases, while maintaining a reputation for achieving exceptional results. We prioritise accessibility and individual attention, ensuring clients receive tailored legal strategies throughout their cases. The firm's dedication to legal aid services underscores its commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society, as evidenced by its 2023 Legal Aid Firm of the Year award.With in-house Crown Court advocates and access to leading barristers, we provide robust representation across Yorkshire and beyond. Our track record includes successful defences in complex cases involving drugs conspiracies, serious sexual offences, and high-profile murder trials. The team's expertise extends to police station assistance, magistrates' court proceedings, and road traffic offences, with 24/7 emergency cover available. This combination of specialist knowledge, proven advocacy skills, and client-focused service has established Favell Smith & Lawson as a trusted name in criminal defence law.
Services
Criminal Law
Crown Court Representation
Magistrates Court
Police Station Assistance
Road Traffic Offences
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years combined experience in criminal defence law
- Our team has won Yorkshire Criminal Defence Team of the Year 2023/24
- We provide 24/7 police station representation across South Yorkshire
- Our solicitor advocates handle complex Crown Court cases personally
- We maintain Legal Aid accreditation for vulnerable clients' access to justice
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
24/7 police station availability
Personalised case management
Successful complex case outcomes
Approachable legal team
Services
Criminal Law
Our criminal law specialists handle cases ranging from minor theft to serious offences like murder and fraud. With five experienced solicitors and in-house Crown Court advocates, we provide comprehensive legal representation tailored to each client's needs. Our team's expertise includes complex drug conspiracies, sexual offences, and high-profile cases that have received national media attention.
Crown Court Representation
We offer specialist Crown Court representation with two in-house advocates and access to leading barristers. Our team handles serious criminal cases including murder, drugs trafficking, and fraud. With proven experience in complex trials, we provide strategic defence planning from case inception through to verdict, maintaining a strong track record of successful acquittals and reduced sentences.
Magistrates Court
All criminal cases begin in magistrates' court, where we provide expert legal guidance on case progression and funding options. Our solicitors handle both summary-only offences and cases that may transfer to Crown Court. We offer fixed-fee arrangements and maintain a 95% success rate in securing favourable outcomes for our clients at this critical early stage.
Police Station Assistance
Available 24/7, our solicitors provide immediate representation during police interviews under caution. We attend all South Yorkshire police stations within 30 minutes, offering free legal advice to ensure clients' rights are protected. Our presence during questioning helps prevent self-incrimination and establishes vital defence strategies for subsequent court proceedings.
Road Traffic Offences
We defend drivers facing all types of motoring offences including speeding, drink driving, and dangerous driving charges. Our specialists handle exceptional hardship claims and special reasons arguments to prevent disqualifications. With fixed fee pricing available, we represent clients in both magistrates' and Crown Court proceedings related to road traffic matters across Yorkshire.
People
David Lawson
Director
Qualified solicitor with over 50 years' experience specialising in criminal defence. Supervises complex cases and Crown Court matters. Recognised for expertise in serious criminal cases and client-focused approach. Regularly handles matters of national interest.
Tim Gaubert
Director
Higher Court Advocate with 25+ years' criminal defence experience. Specialises in complex drug conspiracies and serious sexual offences. Recognised as leading counsel on the North Eastern Circuit. Handles cases with national media attention and complex legal challenges.
Mark Dooley
Solicitor Advocate
Experienced Higher Courts Advocate with decade-plus criminal law expertise. Specialises in Crown Court trials and prison law matters. Recognised in 2024 Pro Bono List by Law Society. Handles serious criminal cases across Yorkshire and beyond.
Mohammed Zulfiqar
Solicitor
Qualified criminal defence solicitor since 2020 with background in personal injury law. Provides police station and magistrates' court representation. Builds strong client relationships through calm, methodical approach to case management and legal advice.
Saleh Alnoud
Duty Solicitor
Experienced duty solicitor with immigration law expertise. Provides police station and magistrates' court representation. Combines practical legal knowledge with approachable manner to support clients through criminal proceedings and related matters.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise exclusively in criminal law, handling cases from minor offences to serious charges like murder, drugs trafficking, and fraud in both magistrates' and Crown Courts.
Do you offer 24/7 legal representation?
Yes, our solicitors provide 24/7 police station cover across South Yorkshire, with average response time under 30 minutes for interviews under caution.
Can you handle complex Crown Court cases?
Our two in-house Crown Court advocates have extensive experience handling complex cases, including murder trials, serious sexual offences, and multi-handed drug conspiracies.
Are you accessible for urgent legal advice?
We offer immediate telephone consultation and rapid police station attendance, ensuring prompt legal support for urgent criminal defence matters at any time.
How do you charge for legal services?
We offer fixed fees for most services, with transparent pricing starting from £500+VAT for magistrates' court guilty pleas. Complex cases are priced according to specific requirements.
Do you accept legal aid cases?
Yes, we maintain Legal Aid Agency accreditation and can assess eligibility for legal aid based on individual financial circumstances for both magistrates' and Crown Court cases.
