Criminal Law Services
Archer Solicitors, led by Brian Archer, a seasoned solicitor since 1994, Advanced Advocate, and legal aid advisor, offers robust criminal defence services throughout Northern Ireland.
24/7 Police Station Representation
- Immediate attendance: Clients arrested or voluntarily attending any PSNI station can access free legal representation, funded by the Legal Services Commission.
- PACE procedure advice: This includes guidance on your rights, interview cautions, detention rules, and advice on whether to answer questions—vital early-stage support.
Magistrates’ Court Representation
- Bail applications: Skilled representation during bail hearings to safeguard clients from unnecessary remand.
- Contested hearings: Defending clients facing summary offences—whether through trial or plea negotiations
- Youth Court matters: Given their comprehensive criminal law remit, they also assist young offenders where relevant.
Crown Court Advocacy
- Complex cases: Full preparation and representation in Crown Court, including high-profile, long-running trials. Notably, they secured acquittals in one of Northern Ireland’s lengthiest trials.
- Guilty plea support: If pleading guilty, Archer’s team still ensures robust defence, advises on mitigation, and sentencing.
- Trial representation: For denying charges, clients benefit from detailed trial planning, witness preparation, strategic legal advocacy, and engagement with specialist barristers.
Legal Aid Expertise
Brian Archer’s longstanding legal aid involvement—former member of the Lord Chancellor’s and Law Society’s legal aid committees—helps clients navigate:
- Eligibility
- Applications to the Court for Legal Aid and where applicable extensions for the Legal Aid certificate to be extended for the instruction of Counsel.
Holistic Client Care
- Personalised solicitor-client relationship: You’re assigned a direct contact, ensuring continuity from police station through court hearings.
- Experienced advocacy: With Advanced Advocate accreditation and over three decades of trial experience (including landmark acquittals), clients gain confident and capable legal representation .
- Stress-aware approach: They recognise criminal proceedings are difficult; their team emphasises clear advice and empathetic support at every stage.
Why engage Archer Solicitors?
Archer Solicitors will provide you an expert and comprehensive legal defence service from the first point of contact at the Police Station to the final day in front of the court regardless if the case proceeds by a guilty plea or a trial.
At all stages through the Criminal Justice process you will be fully informed of the nature of the case against you and relevant defences based on your instructions. You will have the benefit of Brian Archer’s thirty plus years of practice in the law.