Nine criminal defence firms in Sheffield and nearby South Yorkshire, with what each one is good for, where to find them and how to reach a solicitor out of hours.
Google ratings checked 26 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026
The firm says its Sheffield line is answered 24 hours a day for police station advice (0114 261 1555). Same day appointments, and home, work or hospital visits, are offered. The firm says legal aid may well be available for much of its work.
Office
The John Banner Business Centre, 620-626 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3QS
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
The Johnson Partnership is a criminal defence firm with its head office in Nottingham and a wide network of offices across the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Its Sheffield office sits on Attercliffe Road and is run by partner Yvonne Wragg, with partner Andrew Bostock supervising the South Yorkshire offices. The firm covers police station advice, magistrates' and Crown Court work, prison law and business crime. The firm says it keeps in-house Higher Courts Advocates, so a case can stay with the same firm in the Crown Court. It suits anyone arrested or under investigation who needs help at any hour.
Also worth knowing
The Sheffield line is staffed 24 hours a day for police station advice, the firm says.
Lawyers
The firm's Higher Courts Advocates, and its prison law and business defence lawyers, work across its offices.
Andrew Bostock, Partner, supervises the Doncaster, Barnsley and Sheffield offices
Lucy Miller, Solicitor and Higher Courts Advocate
Mollie Wroe, Solicitor and Duty Solicitor, Crown Court department
Alia Khokhar, Solicitor and Duty Solicitor
Ran Johal, Solicitor
Maz Sharif, Solicitor
Sarah Brown, Solicitor (Sheffield and Nottingham)
Areas of criminal law handled
24 hour police station advice
Voluntary police interviews
Magistrates' court representation
Crown Court defence with in-house advocates
Business defence and fraud
Proceeds of Crime Act work
Prison law and adjudications
Parole Board hearings
Licence conditions and recall
Regulatory and sporting body proceedings
Office
The John Banner Business Centre, 620-626 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3QS
Other details
Other offices
Head office in Nottingham, plus Derby, Hull, Mansfield, Chesterfield, Worksop, Doncaster, Barnsley, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Lincoln, Manchester and Newark
The firm says its criminal team is available at all times, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0808 164 1028. The website does not say whether legal aid is offered.
Office
MBP3, Meadowhall Business Park, Carbrook Hall Road, Sheffield, S9 2EQ
Other numbers
0808 169 5677 (main) (the number above is for criminal defence team)
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Wilford Smith is a long-standing Sheffield firm based at Meadowhall Business Park, with a second office in Rotherham and a London base used by appointment. The firm says it has served Sheffield and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. Its criminal defence team covers serious and general crime, road traffic offences and financial crime, from the police station through to the appeal courts, and the firm says it brings in barristers where a case needs one. It also offers property, business and private client work. It suits people facing serious allegations who want an established local name.
Also worth knowing
The firm has offices at Meadowhall and in Rotherham town centre.
Areas of criminal law handled
Police station representation
Magistrates' court defence
Crown Court defence
Serious crime
Financial crime and fraud
Road traffic offences
Appeals
Office
MBP3, Meadowhall Business Park, Carbrook Hall Road, Sheffield, S9 2EQ
Other details
Other offices
Smithy House, 22 Westgate, Rotherham; London (Old Bailey) by appointment only
Legal aid is available under the firm's legal aid contract for police station, magistrates' and Crown Court work, the firm says. A 24 hour mobile line for arrests and police custody is published (07774 162757). Where legal aid is not available, the firm discusses other options and says it offers fixed fees in many areas.
Office
15-17 Bridge Street, Sheffield, S3 8NL
Other numbers
0114 223 5803 (crime appointments) (the number above is for main)
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Howells Solicitors is a South Yorkshire firm that says it was founded in 1979, with its registered office on Bridge Street in Sheffield and further offices in Rotherham and Barnsley. Alongside family, property and other work, it runs a criminal defence team covering police station advice, magistrates' and Crown Court cases, motoring and regulatory offences and extradition. Partner Mary Rose Macadam is named as a criminal defence solicitor. The firm says it works under a legal aid contract and runs a mobile line for arrests. It suits local people who need legal aid at the police station or in court.
Founded in 1979, the firm says
Also worth knowing
The firm holds the Law Society's Lexcel accreditation, according to its website.
Lawyers
Mary Rose Macadam, Partner and Criminal Defence Solicitor
A 24 hour police station advice number is published (07769 906 451). The firm says it holds a legal aid franchise for criminal matters, with private fees for some work such as motoring cases.
Office
72 Queen Street, Sheffield, S1 1WR
Other numbers
Criminal department
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Norrie Waite & Slater is a Sheffield firm built through local mergers that says it has more than 50 years' standing, with its head office on East Parade and branches in Parkgate and Killamarsh. Its criminal and motoring department works from a separate office on Queen Street in the city centre. The team covers police station advice, magistrates' and Crown Court cases, appeals, confiscation, weapons and football related offences. The firm says it holds a legal aid franchise for criminal work and publishes a 24 hour police station number. It suits people who want a local firm that takes legal aid.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it has been established for more than 50 years.
Areas of criminal law handled
24 hour police station advice
Magistrates' court representation
Crown Court defence
Theft, burglary and robbery
Weapons and firearms offences
Murder and manslaughter
Football banning orders
Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation
Appeals and wrongful conviction
Motoring offences
Office
72 Queen Street, Sheffield, S1 1WR
Other details
Other offices
Head office at 9-12 East Parade, Sheffield; Parkgate, Rotherham; Killamarsh
The firm says it can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0333 009 6275, and consultations can be booked through its website. Contact the firm to ask how your case would be funded.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ashmans Solicitors is a criminal defence firm that says it has been defending since 2009, with its head office in Dewsbury and further offices in Sheffield, Leeds, Huddersfield and London. Founder and managing director Imran Ali is a solicitor advocate, as is fellow director Raja Atif Afzal. The firm leans towards fraud, financial crime and serious, complex cases, and also covers sexual offences, drugs, assault, motoring and youth matters. It offers pre-charge engagement and says its line is answered day and night. It suits people under investigation for fraud or a serious offence.
Defending since 2009, the firm says
Also worth knowing
The firm holds the Law Society's Lexcel accreditation, according to its website.
Lawyers
The firm's directors work across its five offices.
Imran Ali, Founder, Managing Director and Solicitor Advocate
Raja Atif Afzal, Director and Solicitor Advocate
Zahid Majeed, Director and Solicitor
Areas of criminal law handled
Fraud and financial crime
Business and regulatory crime
Cyber crime
Serious and complex crime
Drugs and conspiracy
Sexual offences
Assault and domestic offences
Motoring offences
Youth crime
Extradition
Pre-charge engagement
Other details
Other offices
Dewsbury (head office), Leeds, Huddersfield and London
A 24 hour number is published for urgent help (07976 850347). The website links to a guide on changing legal aid solicitor but does not set out its funding terms.
Office
759-761 Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, S9 3RF
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Adam Law Solicitors is a Sheffield firm based on Attercliffe Road that lists criminal defence first among its services, alongside financial crime, motoring offences, immigration, medical negligence and personal injury. Its crime pages cover a wide range of offences, from drugs and robbery to rape and murder, and it keeps a page of notable criminal cases. The firm publishes a 24 hour mobile number for people who are arrested and says it gives each client a named file handler. It suits people in east Sheffield who want a local firm they can reach out of hours.
Also worth knowing
Each client is given a dedicated file handler, the firm says.
Business and regulatory crime only, for privately paying individuals and companies. Legal aid is not offered for this work.
Office
Riverside East, 2 Millsands, Sheffield, S3 8DT
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Irwin Mitchell is a national full service firm with a large office at Riverside East on Millsands in Sheffield. Its crime work is business and regulatory crime only, handled by a regulatory and criminal investigations team that acts for individuals and companies on fraud, bribery, money laundering and regulatory prosecutions. The work is privately paid, not legal aid. Partner Jason Newall is based in Sheffield and takes cases across the UK. It suits directors, professionals and businesses facing an investigation who are paying for their own defence.
Also worth knowing
The firm also handles court martial cases and judicial review in criminal cases.
Lawyers
Jason Newall, Partner, Regulatory and Criminal Investigations
The firm says it acts for privately paying and publicly funded clients and explains funding at the first consultation. An emergency number is published (07764 679166), with no hours stated.
Office
Broughton House, 48-50 West Street, Sheffield, S1 4EX
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Best Solicitors is a Sheffield firm that says it was founded in 2001 by three partners, with its main office on West Street and branches in Barnsley, Chesterfield and Filey. Crime is one department among many, led by Director of Crime Vanessa Saxton. The team covers police station advice, court cases, motoring convictions, mental health matters and fraud and economic crime, including Proceeds of Crime Act work. The firm says it acts for privately paying and publicly funded clients and lists an emergency number. It suits people who want one local firm for several legal needs.
Founded in 2001, the firm says
Also worth knowing
The firm says it takes both publicly funded and private criminal clients.
Lawyers
Vanessa Saxton, Director of Crime
Simon Greaves, Criminal Defence Department
Areas of criminal law handled
Police station advice
Court representation
Motoring convictions
Mental health
Fraud and economic crime
Proceeds of Crime Act and confiscation
Benefit fraud
Trading standards prosecutions
Office
Broughton House, 48-50 West Street, Sheffield, S1 4EX
Free initial assessment of legal aid eligibility by phone or email; the firm says legal aid is available for some aspects of prison law.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Oxley & Coward is a long-established firm in Rotherham town centre, South Yorkshire, that says it has been trusted for more than 225 years and offers a broad range of personal and business services. Its criminal work is mainly prison law. That team is supervised by associate Elizabeth Wreakes, who has more than 18 years in the criminal sector and is known for Parole Board hearings, according to the firm. The work covers parole, licence recall, categorisation and sentence calculation, and the firm offers a free initial check on legal aid eligibility. It suits prisoners and families seeking parole or progression advice.
Trusted since 1791, the firm says
Also worth knowing
Its prison law work covers parole, licence recall, Category A reviews and Home Detention Curfew.
Lawyers
Elizabeth Wreakes, Associate, Prison Law Supervisor
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
How we compiled this list
We include firms with an office in Sheffield, or nearby in South Yorkshire, that do criminal defence as a main part of their work. We read each firm's own website in October 2026, checked it shows an SRA number, and wrote the descriptions ourselves. Accreditations and first consultation terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. Google ratings are shown with the date we checked them where we have them.
No firm pays for its place on this list, and the order is our own.
This page is general information, not legal advice. The law is as published on legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK, the Sentencing Council and the Crown Prosecution Service in October 2026, for England and Wales.
Arrested in Sheffield: your rights at the police station
Anyone held at a police station can ask to speak to a solicitor in private, at any time, and it costs nothing. Once you ask, the police pass the request to the Defence Solicitor Call Centre. You can have the duty solicitor, who is independent of the police and available around the clock, or name a firm you'd rather use. If the suspected offence is minor, the advice may come by phone.
The caution: "You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence." Talk to your solicitor before deciding whether to answer questions
Someone outside: you can ask for one person to be told you're being held, at public expense, and give up to two more names if the first can't be reached
Young or vulnerable people: anyone under 18, or a vulnerable adult, must have an appropriate adult, and can talk to them privately at any time
Delayed advice: the police can hold off your access to a solicitor only for an indictable offence, on a superintendent's authority and on set grounds. Even then, you must be allowed to see one within 36 hours
How long they can keep you. The clock usually starts when you reach the police station. The normal limit is 24 hours without charge. A superintendent can extend that to 36 hours for an indictable offence, and after that only a warrant from magistrates allows more time, up to a hard limit of 96 hours. Arrests under terrorism or national security laws follow their own rules, with up to 14 days.
Voluntary interviews. If you've been asked to come in by appointment and haven't been arrested, you're free to leave whenever you like unless the police arrest you. You must be told you can get free legal advice, and anything you say can be used as evidence, just as it could after an arrest.
After the interview: charge, bail or release without bail
When questioning ends, the custody officer decides what happens next. There are four usual outcomes.
Outcome
What it means for you
Charge
The case goes to Sheffield Magistrates' Court. You're either bailed to attend or kept in custody for the next hearing
Pre-charge bail
You're released but must return when told, and conditions can be attached. The first period is usually 3 months, or 6 months in FCA, HMRC, NCA and SFO cases
Release without bail
Often called "released under investigation". There are no conditions, but the inquiry carries on and you can still be charged later
Caution
Only for minor offences, and only if you admit it and agree. A conditional caution comes with conditions, and breaking them can lead to a charge
How long pre-charge bail can run. In most cases an inspector can extend it to 6 months from the start, and a superintendent to 9 months. In FCA, HMRC, NCA and SFO cases, a senior officer of that body can extend it to 12 months. In a case the Director of Public Prosecutions has designated as exceptionally complex, an assistant chief constable or commander can extend it to 12 months. After that, any more time needs a magistrates' court, on an application by the police or prosecutors.
A caution is not a conviction. It can still be raised as bad character evidence and can appear on standard and enhanced DBS checks, so take advice before you agree to one. In more serious cases the charging decision comes from the Crown Prosecution Service, whose Yorkshire and Humberside area covers South Yorkshire and has an office in Sheffield.
Bail from the court. If you're held after charge, the magistrates decide on bail. Under the Bail Act 1976 they can refuse it where there are substantial grounds to believe you'd fail to turn up, offend again or interfere with witnesses. Since 22 March 2026, the court must also take into account whether you're pregnant, a primary carer or a victim of domestic abuse.
The Sheffield courts and which one hears your case
All criminal cases start in a magistrates' court. The type of offence decides where it ends up.
Offence type
Court
Summary, such as most minor driving offences
Magistrates' court, which can give up to 6 months' prison for a single offence
Either way, such as theft and many assaults
Magistrates' court or Crown Court. Since 18 November 2024, magistrates can give up to 12 months' prison for a single either way offence
Indictable only, such as murder, rape and robbery
Always the Crown Court, where a jury decides guilt and the judge sentences
If you're charged with an either way offence, you can still choose a Crown Court jury trial today. The Government says its Courts and Tribunals Bill would take that choice away for either way offences. The Bill is still before the House of Lords and has not become law.
Court
Address
Criminal work
Sheffield Magistrates' Court
Castle Street, Sheffield, S3 8LU
Criminal cases, including Single Justice Procedure cases
Sheffield Combined Court Centre (the Crown Court)
The Law Courts, 50 West Bar, Sheffield, S3 8PH
Crown Court trials and sentencing, and appeals from the magistrates' court. The building also houses the county and family courts
Children aged 10 to 17 normally go to a youth court, a form of magistrates' court with no jury that the public generally can't attend. Very serious youth cases, such as murder, go to the Crown Court. Your court papers will name the court and the date, so check them rather than assuming.
If you want to appeal a conviction or sentence from the magistrates' court to the Crown Court, the usual deadline is 15 business days after sentence. A late appeal has to explain the delay.
Legal aid for a criminal case
Police station advice is free for everyone. To get legal aid for court, you normally need to pass an interests of justice test and a means test.
Who passes the means test automatically: anyone under 18, and anyone getting Universal Credit, Income Support, income based Jobseeker's Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance or the Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit. The interests of justice test still applies
In the magistrates' court: an adjusted annual income of £12,475 or less qualifies, and £22,325 or more doesn't. In between, a fuller assessment applies, with a disposable income limit of £3,398
In the Crown Court: a household disposable income of £37,500 or more rules you out for a trial. Below that, if your disposable income is over £3,398, you pay 90% of it for up to 6 months, and you may also have to pay from capital if convicted. Income contributions come back with 2% interest if you're acquitted
Young people: since 3 August 2023, under 18s haven't been means tested for criminal advice and assistance or advocacy assistance
The solicitor you instruct checks whether you qualify and makes the application. Several firms on this page take both legal aid and private clients, while others work privately only, so ask at the first call.
A criminal case can put pressure on work, benefits and money. Citizens Advice Sheffield, run by Sheffield Citizens Advice and Law Centre, gives free advice, including on benefits and money problems, on its advice line, 0808 278 7820.
Legal aid figures are as published by GOV.UK in October 2026.
Sentencing and the Sentencing Act 2026
A guilty plea earns a reduction in sentence under the Sentencing Council's guideline. The earlier you indicate it, the more you get.
Guilty plea indicated
Maximum reduction
At the first stage of proceedings
One third
Later, but before trial
One quarter
On the first day of trial
One tenth
Once the trial is under way
Normally less, and possibly nothing
Murder is dealt with under separate rules. The Sentencing Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 22 January 2026, and its main changes are now in force.
22 March 2026: for adults convicted on or after this date, where a suspended sentence is available, a prison term of 12 months or less must be suspended unless there are exceptional circumstances. The rule doesn't apply if, for example, you're already in custody, the terms add up to more than 12 months, you offended while on a community order or suspended sentence, the offence is closely linked to breaching a court order, or suspending would put a particular person at significant risk of harm
11 May 2026: the 12 month deadline for finishing unpaid work went, and the probation officer can now end a community order early once you've complied with every requirement and met your sentence plan
1 October 2026: most adults given a standard fixed term sentence are released automatically, on licence, at the one third point, down from 40% or 50%. Excluded offences include manslaughter, child cruelty, causing death by driving, many sexual offences and offences against children, genocide and war crimes. People already in custody move across in stages up to 8 June 2027, and people who were on home detention curfew on 1 October 2026 move across on 12 October 2027
1 October 2026: courts gained new community order requirements, including bans on driving, going to public events and entering pubs and bars
5 October 2026: where a judge finds an offence involved domestic abuse, they must say so in open court
When a conviction is spent
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 sets how long it takes for most convictions to become spent. After that they won't appear on a basic DBS check. For a prison sentence, the period is counted from the end of the whole sentence, licence included.
Outcome
18 or over when convicted
Under 18
Simple caution
Spent immediately
Conditional caution
After 3 months, or sooner if the caution ends earlier
Fine
12 months from conviction
6 months
Community order or youth rehabilitation order
On the last day the order has effect, or 2 years from conviction if it has no end date
Prison of 1 year or less
12 months
6 months
Prison of over 1 year and up to 4 years
4 years
2 years
Prison of over 4 years
7 years
42 months
Some sentences never become spent, including life sentences and terms of more than 4 years for serious violent, sexual and terrorism offences. A basic DBS check shows unspent convictions and unspent conditional cautions. Standard and enhanced checks can show more, including cautions.
Sheffield criminal law: common questions
Do I have to pay for a solicitor at a Sheffield police station?
No. Anyone questioned at a police station has the right to free legal advice. You can ask for the duty solicitor, who is available 24 hours a day and independent of the police, or for a firm you choose. For minor matters the advice may be given by phone.
I've been asked to attend a voluntary interview. Do I need a solicitor?
You don't have to have one, but you're entitled to free legal advice and the police must tell you so. You can leave at any time unless you're arrested. Anything you say can be used as evidence, so it makes sense to speak to a solicitor before you go in.
What does released under investigation mean?
It means the police released you without bail. There are no conditions and no date to come back, but the investigation is still open and you could be charged later. Pre-charge bail is different: you must return when told and conditions can apply.
Where will my case be heard in Sheffield?
Most cases start at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Castle Street. Indictable only cases, and either way cases sent there for trial, go to the Crown Court at the Sheffield Combined Court Centre on West Bar. Your charge sheet or court papers will say where and when to attend.
Can my child get legal aid?
Under 18s pass the criminal legal aid means test automatically, so their family's income isn't assessed. They still need to pass the interests of justice test. Advice at the police station is free for everyone, whatever their age.
When will I be released from a prison sentence?
Since 1 October 2026, most adults serving a standard fixed term sentence are released on licence at the one third point. Some offences are excluded, including manslaughter, causing death by driving and many sexual offences. People already in custody move across in stages up to 8 June 2027.
How do I check a solicitor and complain if something goes wrong?
The SRA's Solicitors Register shows whether someone is a solicitor, where they work and whether the SRA regulates their firm. To complain, go to the firm first. It has 8 weeks to put things right, and after that you can contact the Legal Ombudsman on 0300 555 0333.
