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Trusted Criminal and Motoring Law Solicitors in Manchester & Cheshire
Howards Solicitors is a Manchester-based law practice offering comprehensive legal services in criminal defence, motoring offences, and personal injury. Established to provide accessible, high-quality legal advice, we prioritise building client relationships and delivering a personal, friendly service. With offices in Manchester, Macclesfield, and Tameside, we serve clients across England and Wales. Our team of experienced solicitors includes specialists in criminal law, prison law, and road traffic offences, with a proven track record in representing clients at all court levels, including the Supreme Court and European Courts.We hold a Legal Aid Agency contract and are a VHCC panel member, authorising us to handle complex publicly-funded cases. Our commitment to client confidentiality, transparency, and ethical practice underpins our approach, ensuring clients receive tailored advice and robust representation. We operate 24/7 for police station attendances and offer fixed-fee pricing structures for clarity and affordability.
Services
Criminal Law
Motoring Offences
Prison Law
Legal Aid
Personal Injury
Road Traffic Law
Crown Court Representation
Parole Applications
Police Station Advice
Appeals
Highlights and features
- We hold a Legal Aid Agency contract for publicly-funded criminal defence work
- 24/7 police station representation available nationwide
- VHCC panel membership authorises us to handle complex, serious criminal cases
- Fixed-fee pricing structures for criminal and motoring offences
- Experienced team with directors appearing on national and local radio
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal Aid Agency
- VHCC panel member
What people say
Great result
Very favorable result
Understand my business
Painless process
Impressed by knowledge
Services
Criminal Defence Law
Our criminal defence team represents clients facing charges ranging from minor offences to serious indictable matters. We provide 24/7 police station coverage and court representation up to Supreme Court level. With Legal Aid availability and fixed-fee options, we offer transparent pricing. Our solicitors specialise in plea negotiations, trial preparation, and sentencing advocacy, ensuring clients understand court procedures and potential outcomes.
Motoring Offences
Specialist representation for driving offences including speeding, drink-driving, and disqualification matters. We advise on plea options, special reasons hearings, and penalty mitigation. Our solicitors handle cases at all stages from notice of prosecution to court representation. Fixed fees cover initial hearings while complex cases receive tailored pricing. We operate nationwide with consistent pricing regardless of case location.
Prison Law
Expert legal support for prisoners seeking parole, challenging recalls, or appealing sentence calculations. We handle category A reviews, independent adjudications, and pre-tariff hearings. With Legal Aid coverage for specified matters, our team provides both publicly-funded and private fixed-fee services. We represent clients at tribunals and judicial reviews, focusing on procedural fairness and human rights compliance.
Legal Aid Services
We offer Legal Aid for eligible criminal defence and prison law cases. Our solicitors assess eligibility during initial consultations and assist with application processes. As long-standing Legal Aid Agency contractors, we maintain quality standards while providing cost-effective representation. Funding covers police station attendances, magistrates' court matters, and higher court proceedings where approved.
Fixed Fee Representation
Clear pricing structures for criminal and motoring cases with defined inclusions and exclusions. Fixed fees cover first hearings, summary trials, and specified court appearances. Additional charges apply for extended hearings or expert witness involvement. We provide written cost breakdowns before work commencement, ensuring no hidden fees or unexpected expenses during case progression.
People
Oliver Gardner
Director, Grade A Solicitor
Experienced criminal law specialist with over 10 years' post-qualification experience. Handles complex criminal defence cases and manages client complaints. Regular media commentator on legal issues.
Nikki Mundy
Director, Grade A Solicitor
Senior solicitor with extensive criminal defence expertise. Oversees legal aid applications and provides strategic case direction. Manages client relations and supervises junior staff.
David Thomson
Higher Court Advocate
Qualified advocate with specialist court appearance rights. Handles crown court trials and appellate work. Provides expert legal analysis for complex criminal cases.
Amy Hilton
Paralegal, Grade B
Police station accredited legal assistant with over 5 years' experience. Supports solicitors in case preparation and client interviews. Specialises in initial case documentation.
Milena Bennet
In-House Barrister
Employed barrister providing specialist advocacy services. Handles crown court trials and complex legal arguments. Works closely with solicitors to develop case strategies.
Questions
Does Howards Solicitors offer legal aid for criminal cases?
Yes, we hold a Legal Aid Agency contract and can assess your eligibility for publicly-funded representation in criminal defence matters.
Can you represent clients outside Manchester?
We operate nationwide with offices in Manchester, Cheshire, and Tameside, providing court representation across England and Wales.
What happens during a first court appearance?
Our fixed-fee service includes plea consideration, evidence review, and court representation for initial hearings in criminal or motoring cases.
Do you handle emergency legal situations?
Yes, we provide 24/7 police station coverage and urgent court representation for clients requiring immediate legal assistance.
How are legal costs calculated?
We use fixed-fee pricing for standard procedures with transparent breakdowns of additional charges for extended court work or expert involvement.
What identification is required?
We need one document from List 1 (passport/driving licence) and one from List 2 (utility bill/council tax statement) for anti-money laundering compliance.
