Business Details
14 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Luton & Leighton Buzzard
Established in 2012, Alexander Bennett Solicitors is a specialist criminal defence law firm based in Luton with a satellite office in Leighton Buzzard since 2022. Our team, led by partners Mary Tmaira and Fariquain Shah, brings decades of combined experience in criminal law, representing clients in cases ranging from motoring offences to high-profile Very High Cost Cases. We operate exclusively in criminal defence, offering 24/7 police station representation and court attendance across magistrates', crown, and youth courts.Our Lexcel accreditation underscores our commitment to practice management excellence, while our client-centric approach ensures tailored legal strategies, transparent communication, and access to interpreters in all languages. With a loyal client base and consistent five-star reviews, we prioritise protecting clients' rights and achieving optimal outcomes through incisive advocacy and robust defence strategies.
Services
Criminal Defence
Legal Aid Cases
Police Station Representation
Crown Court Cases
Motoring Offences
Serious Fraud Defence
Drug Offences
Terrorism Cases
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 police station attendance with experienced solicitors
- Our team includes Lexcel-accredited criminal defence specialists
- We provide free initial consultations with no hidden fees
- We have a proven track record in Very High Cost Cases
- Our solicitors maintain strong relationships with leading barristers
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
What people say
Professional and supportive
Excellent communication
Achieved case dismissal
Transparent process
Highly recommended
Services
Criminal Defence
We specialise in defending clients against criminal charges ranging from minor motoring offences to serious fraud and terrorism cases. Our solicitors provide 24/7 police station representation and court attendance, ensuring immediate legal support when needed most. With decades of combined experience, we develop tailored defence strategies to protect clients' rights and achieve optimal outcomes through negotiation, plea bargaining, or trial advocacy.
Legal Aid Cases
We assist clients eligible for legal aid with transparent funding applications and cost management. Our team guides clients through eligibility criteria and ensures no hidden fees, providing access to justice regardless of financial circumstances. We handle both privately funded and legally aided cases with equal dedication, maintaining clear communication about costs throughout the legal process.
Police Station Representation
Our 24/7 police station service ensures immediate legal assistance upon arrest or summons. Solicitors attend locations nationwide to protect clients' rights during questioning, provide strategic advice, and negotiate bail terms where applicable. This round-the-clock availability demonstrates our commitment to minimising case impact from the earliest stages of legal proceedings.
Crown Court Cases
We represent clients in complex Crown Court matters including fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. Our solicitors collaborate with leading barristers and experts to build robust defences, preparing comprehensive case documentation and evidence analysis. With experience in Very High Cost Cases, we handle multi-week trials and appeals for clients facing life-altering charges.
Motoring Offences
We defend clients against driving-related charges including drink driving, speeding, and dangerous driving allegations. Our fixed-fee service covers court representation, penalty mitigation, and special reasons arguments. Solicitors advise on likely sentencing outcomes while challenging evidence where appropriate to minimise licence penalties and financial consequences.
People
Mary Tmaira
Managing Partner
With over 15 years' experience in criminal law, Mary Tmaira leads our Luton office, specialising in serious fraud and sexual offence defence. She combines strategic legal analysis with compassionate client support.
Fariquain Shah
Founding Partner
Fariquain Shah co-founded the firm in 2012, bringing expertise in terrorism cases and high-profile prosecutions. He oversees complex multi-jurisdictional investigations and mentors junior solicitors in defence strategy development.
Maryam Saleem
Partner
Maryam Saleem specialises in youth court proceedings and drug offence defence, known for securing case dismissals through meticulous evidence examination. She provides clear legal guidance during high-stress situations.
Ali Shah
Partner
Ali Shah handles Crown Court trials and appeals, particularly noted for his work in EncroChat-related cases. His courtroom advocacy secured multiple acquittals in complex conspiracy prosecutions.
Laiba Malik
Senior Caseworker
Laiba Malik supports clients at police stations and during preliminary hearings, praised for her empathetic approach and thorough preparation of mitigation evidence in driving offence cases.
Questions
What areas do you cover for criminal defence cases?
We operate nationwide with offices in Luton and Leighton Buzzard, regularly handling cases across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and all Southeast UK courts.
Do you offer legal aid for criminal cases?
Yes, we accept legally aided cases and can assess your eligibility during our free initial consultation, ensuring access to quality representation regardless of financial circumstances.
Are your solicitors available outside office hours?
Our 24/7 emergency line connects you directly to duty solicitors for immediate police station attendance or urgent legal advice at any time.
How do you handle motoring offence cases?
We provide fixed-fee representation for driving offences including penalty mitigation, special reasons arguments, and court representation with transparent cost structures.
What experience do you have with serious fraud cases?
Our team has handled multi-million pound fraud investigations and trials, including complex digital evidence analysis and proceeds of crime defence strategies.
Can you assist non-English speaking clients?
We provide interpreters in all languages and culturally sensitive support to ensure clear communication for clients from diverse backgrounds during legal proceedings.
