Business Details
23 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Specialist Criminal & Family Law Solicitors
Established in 2003, Makwana Solicitors has built a reputation as a trusted legal practice specialising in criminal and family law. Our team of accredited solicitors, including principal lawyer Shella Makwana with over two decades of experience, provides strategic representation in high-profile and complex cases. We combine robust legal expertise with a personable approach, offering access to leading barristers, forensic experts, and tailored defence strategies.Our Lexcel-accredited practice prioritises client confidentiality, proactive case management, and achieving optimal outcomes through court advocacy or negotiated settlements. With a focus on transparency and client education, we guide individuals and businesses through legal challenges while maintaining sensitivity to their unique circumstances.
Services
Criminal Law
Family Law
Fare Evasion
Driving Offences
Injunction Orders
Sexual Offences
Drug Offences
Murder Manslaughter
Child Arrangements
Police Station Advice
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years' experience in criminal defence and family law
- Our team includes accredited specialists and leading forensic experts
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal consultation and representation
- We hold Lexcel accreditation for practice management excellence
- We offer tailored payment plans and transparent pricing structures
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
What people say
Exceptional service
Professional and helpful
Outstanding legal support
Personalised attention
Highly recommend
Services
Criminal Law
Our criminal law practice handles cases from initial investigations to court representation. We specialise in defending clients against serious charges including violent crimes, drug offences, and sexual allegations. With experienced solicitors and access to leading experts, we develop robust defence strategies tailored to each case's unique circumstances. Our team provides 24/7 emergency support and works proactively to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, or acquittals through thorough evidence analysis and courtroom advocacy.
Fare Evasion
We represent clients facing TfL and rail operator prosecutions for fare evasion. Our solicitors negotiate out-of-court settlements where possible and provide court representation when necessary. With extensive experience in transport law matters, we help clients avoid criminal records through strategic representations to prosecution authorities. Our team handles all stages from initial letters to court proceedings, ensuring clients understand their rights and options throughout the process.
Family Law
Our family law practice specialises in child custody, financial settlements, and domestic violence cases. We provide sensitive yet firm representation in divorce proceedings and post-separation arrangements. With Resolution membership, we prioritise amicable solutions while maintaining readiness for court action when required. Our solicitors handle complex financial disputes and child welfare matters with expertise in both private and public law proceedings.
Driving Offences
With over 25 years' experience, our motoring law specialists defend clients against driving charges including speeding, drink driving, and disqualification cases. We challenge evidence through forensic analysis and expert witnesses to reduce penalties or secure dismissals. Our team handles both routine and complex motoring offences, providing clear advice on licence implications and representing clients in court to protect their driving privileges and employment status.
Injunction Orders
We provide urgent legal protection for domestic abuse victims through non-molestation and occupation orders. Our solicitors handle emergency applications and court hearings to ensure client safety. We also defend against false allegations with strategic evidence gathering and witness preparation. With experience in both private and public law injunctions, we offer comprehensive support for all domestic violence-related legal matters.
People
Shella Makwana
Principal Solicitor
Qualified in 1999 with over two decades of legal experience, Shella founded Makwana Solicitors in 2003. She specialises in criminal defence and has represented clients in high-profile cases including the Oxford Sex Grooming trial. Her expertise combines strategic courtroom advocacy with compassionate client support.
Shahzia Butt
Consultant Solicitor
Qualified in 1993 with extensive family law experience, Shahzia focuses on child custody and private law matters. She brings a meticulous approach to complex family disputes, particularly those involving children's welfare and cross-border custody arrangements.
Ines Azreyek Diab
Criminal Defence Solicitor
Admitted as a solicitor in 2013, Ines specialises in criminal defence with a decade of experience handling serious offences. She has developed particular expertise in digital forensics and complex case preparation, working closely with expert witnesses to build robust defences.
Athisaya Sadananthan
Solicitor
A versatile legal practitioner with expertise across multiple practice areas, Athisaya handles both criminal and family law cases. Her analytical approach and attention to detail ensure comprehensive case preparation and effective client representation in court proceedings.
Eryk Cenarski
Paralegal
With a first-class law degree, Eryk provides critical support through case analysis and legal research. His philosophical training enhances strategic thinking, contributing to the firm's ability to approach cases from multiple perspectives and develop innovative legal arguments.
Questions
Can I settle a fare evasion case without going to court?
Yes, our solicitors often negotiate out-of-court settlements with transport authorities to avoid criminal records and court appearances.
Will fare evasion give me a criminal record?
Conviction can result in a criminal record. We work to prevent this through early negotiations and alternative resolutions.
What happens if I ignore a penalty fare notice?
Ignoring notices typically leads to prosecution. We recommend seeking legal advice immediately to explore resolution options.
Do you offer 24/7 legal consultation?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency legal support for urgent matters including police station attendances and immediate court requirements.
Can I get legal aid for criminal charges?
We offer Criminal Legal Aid where eligible, ensuring access to quality representation regardless of financial circumstances.
How do you handle complex criminal cases?
We assemble specialist teams including barristers and forensic experts to build comprehensive defences for serious criminal charges.
