Astons Law Chambers specialises in providing expert advice and representation in criminal law. Our barristers are dedicated to defending and prosecuting cases across the full spectrum of criminal offences. With a hands-on, client-focused approach, we handle matters from straightforward appearances in the Magistrates' Courts to complex, serious trials in the Crown Court and appeals to the highest courts. We are committed to understanding your specific situation and providing clear, honest advice at every stage of the legal process, ensuring you feel supported and heard.
Our barristers have extensive experience appearing at all levels of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. We provide robust representation in:
We handle a comprehensive range of criminal cases. Below are some of our principal areas of practice.
We represent clients charged with offences against the person, including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and grievous bodily harm (GBH). These cases often involve detailed examination of evidence and legal arguments around self-defence. We work with you to understand your account of events and build a strong case.
Our experience covers all drug-related allegations, from simple possession to more complex cases of possession with intent to supply, cultivation, and conspiracy to supply Class A, B, or C drugs. We provide clear advice on the evidence and potential outcomes.
We provide sensitive and expert representation for individuals facing allegations of sexual offences, including rape and sexual assault. We understand the delicate nature of these cases and ensure that every aspect of the prosecution's evidence is rigorously tested while you are treated with respect and professionalism.
This area covers a wide range of dishonesty offences, from shoplifting and theft to burglary and robbery. We scrutinise the evidence presented by the prosecution, including issues of identity, intent, and property rights.
We handle all types of road traffic offences, from speeding and drink-driving to causing death by dangerous or careless driving. Representation can be crucial for protecting your driving licence and managing penalties.
Our barristers defend clients accused of public order offences such as affray, violent disorder, or threatening behaviour. We carefully examine the context of the alleged incident and the legal definitions that apply.
We have experience in complex financial crime cases, including fraud, money laundering, and bribery. These cases often involve vast amounts of documentary evidence and require meticulous preparation and analysis.
We provide representation for individuals facing the most serious allegations, including murder, manslaughter, and corporate manslaughter. Our focus is on detailed case preparation and fearless advocacy in court.
We advise and represent clients in relation to restraint orders, cash forfeiture, and confiscation proceedings following a criminal conviction. Our goal is to protect your assets and challenge the assumptions made by the prosecution.
We can advise on the merits of appealing a conviction or sentence from either the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court. Our barristers can identify legal errors and present compelling arguments to a higher court.
We defend individuals and businesses facing investigations and prosecutions by regulatory bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Environment Agency, and Trading Standards.
We represent professionals facing disciplinary tribunals that could impact their careers, such as those in healthcare, finance, or other regulated fields. We help you respond to allegations and present your case effectively.
From your first contact with us, our process is designed to be clear and supportive. We review the case papers, provide advice in plain English, and work with you to develop a case strategy. You will have direct contact with your barrister for conferences and will be kept informed as your case progresses towards its conclusion.
To maintain the highest standards of advocacy, our barristers may accept instructions to act for both the defence and the prosecution. This practice enhances our expertise and ensures we maintain our professional independence and overriding duty to the court. Strict protocols are in place to prevent conflicts of interest within chambers.
In many cases, a barrister is instructed by a solicitor. We work in close partnership with solicitors to prepare cases, manage evidence, and ensure seamless communication. This collaborative approach ensures that every angle of your case is covered thoroughly, combining the solicitor's case management skills with our specialist advocacy.
Under the Public Access scheme, you may be able to instruct a barrister directly without first engaging a solicitor. This can be suitable for certain cases, such as guilty pleas, specific advisory work, or straightforward hearings. We will assess whether your case is suitable for Direct Access, as some cases (e.g., those requiring legal aid or extensive case management) will still need a solicitor.
Our service is built on a hands-on, client-focused approach. We are trusted specialists who take the time to understand your unique situation and guide you through the process. We are available any time of the day, any day of the week for urgent criminal defence matters because we know that legal problems don't keep office hours.
This information is reviewed at least annually. Last reviewed: November 2025.