Charged with an offence or required to attend court? Contact Ghafar Khan promptly so that the evidence, bail position, legal aid and preparation for the first hearing can be considered before you enter a plea or make important decisions.
Criminal defence in the Magistrates’ Court
Almost every criminal case begins in a Magistrates’ Court. A District Judge or magistrates may deal with the case, decide bail, take a plea, give case-management directions or send a serious case to the Crown Court. There is no jury in the Magistrates’ Court.
Ghafar Khan can advise and represent clients in matters including assault, domestic allegations, public order, motoring cases, theft, criminal damage, drugs allegations and other summary or either-way offences.
What happens at the first hearing?
- The charge and available evidence are considered.
- The court may ask for a guilty or not-guilty plea.
- Bail or remand in custody may be decided.
- The case may be kept in the Magistrates’ Court or sent to the Crown Court.
- Legal aid and preparation for trial may need urgent attention.
Serious criminal defence in the Crown Court
The Crown Court deals with the most serious criminal cases, cases sent for trial or sentence from the Magistrates’ Court, and certain appeals. A judge manages the proceedings and, at a contested trial, a jury usually decides the verdict.
Ghafar Khan is a Solicitor and High Court Advocate with extensive experience in serious and complex crime. His particular work includes drug supply and conspiracy, money laundering, complex fraud, murder, organised crime, serious violence, sexual allegations, telephone attribution, call-data records, cell-site analysis and other digital evidence.
Why early preparation matters
Crown Court proceedings may involve extensive disclosure, expert evidence, unused material, legal applications and strict deadlines. Early defence work can identify evidential weaknesses, preserve material, instruct suitable experts and secure an experienced barrister or King’s Counsel where appropriate.
Legal aid and private representation
Ghafar Khan accepts legal-aid instructions where the client and case qualify. An application can be submitted through the Legal Aid Agency. Private representation is also available. Eligibility and the likely funding route can be discussed at the outset.
Contact Ghafar Khan: mobile 07500 556587 · landline 03330 110 210 · notguilty@ghafarkhan.com.
Official court information
See the official guidance on Magistrates’ Courts, the Crown Court and the Judiciary’s explanation of how Magistrates’ Courts work.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for advice on an individual case.