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Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Ashton-under-Lyne
Established in the 1940s, Yates Ardern has built a reputation as one of the UK's most respected legal practices. Our firm specialises in criminal law, representing clients at every stage from investigations to appeals in the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, and Court of Appeal. We provide dedicated advocacy services, with a team including former prosecutors and Higher Court Advocates, ensuring comprehensive legal support for individuals and professionals facing disciplinary proceedings. Our 24-hour emergency response team addresses urgent cases, while our proactive investigation department works to resolve matters before court involvement.

With decades of collective experience, we combine strategic expertise with compassionate client care, prioritising transparency and tailored legal solutions. Our services extend to prison law, regulatory compliance, and media management for high-profile cases, maintaining strict adherence to professional standards. We offer both legal aid and private fee arrangements, ensuring accessible representation across Great Britain.
Services
Criminal Law Representation Appeals Professional Disciplinary Cases Regulatory Compliance 24/7 Emergency Legal Support Prison Law Road Traffic Offences Fraud Investigations Inquests Media Management
Highlights and features
  • We have over 80 years of combined experience in criminal law and disciplinary cases
  • Our team includes former prosecutors and Higher Court Advocates
  • 24-hour emergency response service for urgent legal matters
  • Proactive investigation approach to avoid unnecessary court proceedings
  • Specialist departments for professional disciplinary hearings and regulatory compliance
Associations and certifications
  • Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Proactive approach Professional advocates Effective case management Compassionate representation Successful outcomes
Services
Criminal Law Representation
Our criminal law specialists provide comprehensive representation from police station interviews to Crown Court trials. We handle serious offences including fraud, drug crimes, and violent crimes, offering strategic defence planning and court advocacy. Our team works to protect clients' rights while minimising personal and professional repercussions.
Professional Disciplinary Cases
We represent professionals facing disciplinary proceedings before bodies like the GMC, GDC, and SRA. Our solicitors provide tailored representation for doctors, teachers, and legal professionals, addressing both regulatory and employment law aspects. We aim to protect careers and reputations through proactive case management.
Appeals
Our dedicated appeals department handles cases in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal. We work with specialist barristers to challenge convictions or sentences, preparing detailed grounds of appeal. We also assist with applications to the Criminal Case Review Commission for potential case reconsideration.
Regulatory Compliance
We advise businesses and individuals on regulatory matters including health and safety, environmental compliance, and professional conduct. Our team helps clients navigate investigations by regulatory bodies, aiming to resolve matters before formal proceedings commence through strategic representation.
24/7 Emergency Legal Support
Our emergency response team provides immediate legal assistance for arrests, police interviews, and urgent disciplinary matters. Available 365 days a year, we ensure prompt representation to protect clients' rights during critical early stages of investigations or proceedings.
People
Tim Chapman
Director
Tim Chapman leads our investigation department, developing proactive strategies to resolve cases before court involvement. With extensive experience in regulatory matters and professional disciplinary cases, he provides strategic oversight for complex legal challenges.
Mark Harper
Director
Mark Harper serves as a director, focusing on criminal defence and appeals. His expertise includes handling serious offences and representing clients in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal, ensuring robust legal advocacy throughout the judicial process.
Ian Ridgway
Director
Ian Ridgway contributes his legal expertise as a director, specialising in criminal law and professional disciplinary proceedings. He works closely with clients to develop effective defence strategies while maintaining strict adherence to professional standards and client confidentiality.
Robert Stewart
Solicitor
Robert Stewart provides dedicated legal representation in criminal cases, focusing on client advocacy and case preparation. He works across all court levels to ensure comprehensive defence strategies that protect clients' rights and interests throughout legal proceedings.
Diane Edwards
Paralegal
Diane Edwards supports our legal team as a paralegal, assisting with case preparation and client communication. Her work focuses on ensuring efficient case progression while maintaining detailed attention to procedural requirements in criminal and disciplinary matters.
Questions
Do I need a solicitor if I'm innocent?
Yes, legal representation ensures proper evidence presentation and protects your rights during investigations.
How does your emergency service work?
Our 24/7 team provides immediate legal advice for arrests or urgent interviews, ensuring prompt representation.
Can you handle professional disciplinary cases?
Yes, we specialise in representing professionals before regulatory bodies and employment tribunals.
What court levels do you cover?
We handle cases from Magistrates Court to Court of Appeal, including Crown Court trials.
Is legal aid available?
Legal aid applies to many cases - our team will assess eligibility and handle application processes.
How do you manage high-profile cases?
We provide discreet media management alongside legal strategy to protect clients' reputations during proceedings.