Supportive, trusted and exceptional Regulatory and Criminal Defence Solicitors based across London, Sussex & Surrey.
” Old Bailey Solicitors have been exceptional in handling my case and making it as worry free as possible for me. OBS assisted me through every step of my case and went above and beyond expectations to achieve an outcome in the Crown Court which avoided a custodial sentence, for this I am very grateful.”
– FIRST TIME OFFENDER
The best people, the best advice,
the best outcomes
Established in 1999, and with offices in London, Sussex and Surrey, we have built our reputation as a leading regulatory law and criminal defence firm providing first-rate advice and representation to clients requiring an individual service.
We understand that your case is fundamentally about you, your life, your business, your future and every aspect of our work is designed to keep you at the centre of what we do for you. Our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers provide tailored advice to individuals and companies who demand quality at every stage of their case.
We continue to be committed to providing effective representation on legal aid for as many people as we can. For those who fund their cases privately, we can usually offer a fixed price and your choice of defence solicitor or barrister.
Primary Practice Areas
Fraud and Financial Crime
Old Bailey Solicitors have considerable experience acting for individual and corporate clients facing allegations of fraud, money laundering, cheating the revenue, bribery, corruption and other financial offences. If you are under investigation or have been charged with fraud, Old Bailey Solicitors can provide you with expert legal advice and representation at every stage of proceedings.
HMRC Tax Investigations
Companies setting out to commit fraud are not the only ones at risk. HMRC’s net is cast wide enough to catch those merely connected with fraudulent activity. Direct involvement or actual knowledge of fraud is not always required. This means that you could unwittingly find yourself the subject of investigation and potentially suffering huge commercial losses if HMRC suspect that you knew, or should have known, that someone you’re dealing with has been trading on a fraudulent basis. We have seen an increase in fraud-related assessments for VAT by HMRC and in many cases, a complete denial of repayment of input tax. This can be devastating in terms of cash flow, reputation and your ability to trade.
Health and Safety Prosecutions
Health and Safety prosecutions can result in reputational damage, heavy fines and even prison sentences. Old Bailey Solicitors can provide expert advice and representation to individuals, companies, directors and employees from the earliest stages of an investigation, including interviews under caution, right through to court proceedings if the case goes that far.
MHRA Investigations and Prosecutions
Offences under the Medicines Act 1968 include a broad range of crimes including the sale and distribution of unlicensed medicines or the sale of licensed products by unauthorised vendors. Old Bailey Solicitors regularly advise, represent and defend clients being investigated and prosecuted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We can represent you if you are going to be interviewed under caution at the MHRA headquarters in Victoria or at court anywhere in England and Wales.
Licensing Applications and Appeals
Whether you are an established company or setting up a new business, our experienced licensing team can assist you at every stage of the application process. We can advise you on all aspects of licensing law, including the sale of alcohol, gambling or other entertainment.
Sexual Offences
Allegations of sexual offences are more emotive and personal than any other allegation. Old Bailey Solicitors have significant experience and have enjoyed notable successes defending those accused of sexual offences . We will handle your case sensitively and compassionately.
Violent Offences
Offences of violence vary in their gravity. Our criminal defence lawyers have vast experience dealing with the full range of violent offences; from murder, manslaughter, kidnap and robbery to minor assaults. No matter how serious the allegation, we understand the stress and worry that cases of this nature can bring and we guide our clients through their case with sensitivity and defend them with rigour.
Drug Offences
From large drug importations to cases of personal possession, our criminal defence lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to represent those under arrest for drug-related offences. There is often a high level of misunderstanding relating to drug offences, including whether or not a particular drug is illegal and what amounts to supply of drugs. It is essential that expert legal advice is sought as soon as possible but Old Bailey Solicitors can help you, no matter what stage your case has reached.
Driving Offences
The law surrounding road traffic offences is particularly complex, so obtaining expert legal advice at an early stage could be the difference that means you can avoid a driving ban, a heavy fine or even a prison sentence. Old Bailey Solicitors can guide you through the often confusing official paperwork to ensure you are dealt with fairly by the police and the courts.
Talk to Us Today
If you’re facing prosecution or investigation, then now is the time to talk to us.
Our Team of leading Criminal Defence Solicitors
Rod Hayler
Solicitor - Managing Director
Camilla Rents
Solicitor - Director
Robert Beighton
Solicitor - Director
Jeanette Appleton
Chartered Legal Executive Advocate
Brian Aldred
Barrister
Jill Joyce
Director
Gillian Hayler
Paralegal
Tim Cosham
Director
Lesley Fleming
Paralegal
Linda Macdonald
Chartered Legal Executive Advocate
Grant Long
Consultant Solicitor
Lex Hurley
Consultant Solicitor
Jibran Mirza
Consultant Solicitor
Talk To Us About Your Case
From Our Clients
Here’s a few kind words from our happy clients. Click here to see more Testimonials
News & Articles
Why calls for more convictions in rape cases are dangerous and misinformed
Why calls for more convictions in rape cases are dangerous and misinformedRod has specialised in criminal defence work since 1998. He is a trial advocate of 17 years’ experience and, as a Higher Courts Advocate, he represents clients in Crown...
OBS client acquitted of “road-rage” attempted murder
OBS client acquitted of "road rage" attempted murderA client of Old Bailey Solicitors has been acquitted of attempted murder by a jury at the Crown Court in Hove. He will be sentenced in respect of less serious charges in September 2021. The dramatic incident in...
OB Law supports Sussex Cancer Fund
OB Law is a Business Ambassador for the Sussex Cancer Fund Charity Rod Hayler and Camilla Rents have both become Business Ambassadors for local charity the Sussex Cancer Fund. History of Sussex Cancer Fund Sussex Cancer Fund was established in 1981 to work with the...
What does being Released Under Investigation (RUI’d) mean?
What does being Released Under Investigation (RUI’d) mean?Being released under further investigation means exactly what it says on the tin: You have been released from the police station while the police continue to investigate. You are not subject to bail or any bail...
Do you like being a Criminal Defence Solicitor?
Do you like being a Criminal Defence Solicitor? This is the eleventh in a series of videos which answer some of the most commonly asked questions our criminal defence team at Old Bailey Solicitors receive. In this video, director Camilla Rents discusses her life...
How do I drop the charges?
How do I drop the charges? This is the tenth in a series of videos which answer some of the most commonly asked questions our criminal defence team at Old Bailey Solicitors receive. In this video, director Camilla Rents discusses how a client may drop charges.We...