Criminal solicitor and High Court Advocate
Need an experienced High Court Advocate for a criminal case? Ghafar Khan can be instructed from the first police-station interview through Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings, and for advice about a criminal appeal. This continuity allows the evidence, defence strategy and advocacy requirements to be examined together from an early stage.
What is a High Court Advocate?
A solicitor with the appropriate Higher Rights of Audience qualification may exercise advocacy rights in the higher criminal courts. The Solicitors Regulation Authority explains that higher criminal courts include the Crown Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in England and Wales.
Ghafar Khan is a solicitor and High Court Advocate. Depending on the case, he may undertake advocacy personally or arrange an experienced barrister or King’s Counsel where the issues, trial length or complexity require a wider specialist team.
Can I instruct Ghafar Khan as my High Court Advocate?
Yes. You can contact Ghafar Khan directly about a new criminal investigation, an existing prosecution, Crown Court representation or advice concerning an appeal. He can consider the stage of the case, the allegation, the available evidence, any urgent hearing and the funding position.
- If you have been arrested, ask the custody officer to contact Ghafar Khan before interview.
- If you have received a voluntary-interview invitation, obtain advice before attending.
- If you have been charged, provide the charge sheet, bail notice and court date.
- If another solicitor currently acts, ask whether a transfer of representation can be considered.
- For an appeal enquiry, provide the conviction, sentence, court, date and any existing advice or grounds.
Legal aid work is accepted where the case and eligibility requirements are met. Privately funded instructions can also be discussed.
From police station to Court of Appeal
Police-station representation
Early advice can shape the account given in interview, identify evidence that should be preserved and prevent avoidable mistakes. Police-station advice is normally free and independent.
Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court
Preparation may include analysing witness statements, unused material, CCTV, financial evidence, phones, messages, call-data, cell-site analysis and expert reports. Advocacy should be matched to the legal and evidential issues, not treated as separate from case preparation.
Criminal appeals
An appeal requires careful examination of the trial process, legal directions, admissibility, disclosure, fresh evidence and any alleged error. Time limits can be important, so advice should be obtained promptly.
Specialist examination and quality advocacy
Effective advocacy begins before anyone enters the courtroom. It requires a clear case theory, accurate preparation and disciplined testing of the prosecution evidence. In serious or multi-defendant cases, the defence should separate the evidence against each person and distinguish proof from assumption.
- Early identification of legal and evidential issues
- Focused disclosure requests and preservation of defence material
- Testing identification, attribution, causation and intent
- Clear written and oral submissions
- Selection of appropriate experts and senior advocacy
Questions people ask about instructing a High Court Advocate
Can a solicitor represent me in the Crown Court?+
A solicitor who holds the appropriate criminal Higher Rights of Audience qualification may exercise advocacy in the higher criminal courts. The advocate used in an individual case should be chosen according to the issues, experience required and the client’s interests.
Can Ghafar Khan take over my existing criminal case?+
A change of solicitor may be possible, including in a legally aided case, but it is not automatic. The circumstances, court timetable, reasons for transfer and funding position must be considered. Contact Ghafar Khan promptly with the case details.
Can I instruct Ghafar Khan after charge?+
Yes. Provide the charge sheet, bail or remand position, court date and any papers already supplied so urgent steps can be identified.
Can Ghafar Khan advise on an appeal against conviction or sentence?+
Yes. Appeal advice depends on the trial record, ruling, directions, evidence and time limits. An adverse result alone does not create a valid ground of appeal, so the case requires careful review.
Will Ghafar Khan conduct the advocacy himself?+
He can undertake higher-court criminal advocacy. Depending on the case, he may act personally or work with an experienced barrister or King’s Counsel selected for the allegation and issues.
Criminal advocacy throughout England and Wales
Instructions are accepted for criminal cases throughout England and Wales, including Blackburn, Blackpool, Preston, Manchester, Rochdale, Bury, Bradford and Stafford.
Instruct Ghafar Khan.
Ghafar Khan, Criminal Defence Solicitor and High Court Advocate. Acting throughout England and Wales.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice for an individual case.
Experienced advocacy in serious crime and drug cases
Ghafar Khan is one of the most experienced criminal solicitors in serious crime, especially drug-related offences, with nearly 25 years in criminal defence.
Ghafar Khan is a highly sought-after solicitor for criminal defence, instructed in serious and complex cases throughout England and Wales.
Ghafar Khan has a track record of results in serious criminal cases and a high level of client service, reflected in published anonymised case outcomes and independent client reviews. Every case depends on its own facts and past outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.