Alas, there will never be a lack of need for criminal law specialist solicitors. This is especially the case when you consider the fact that every single individual that has been charged with a criminal offence is entitled to legal aid for such a defence. This would even extend to having to instruct a barrister for Crown Court trials and higher.

It is definitely the case though that when a solicitor has been instructed under legal aid provision, the end results tend not to be as favourable as when a solicitor is privately hired. This should not be the case, but unfortunately, as with anything in life, you get what you pay for in this world - or don't.

What sort of offences would a person need to approach a solicitor for? Well, this could be anything from assaults, theft, fraud; right through to the common law offence of murder.

Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (better known as PACE), when a suspect is arrested and taken to the police station for questionning, it is set out in this statute that they are entitled to request legal representation. If this is not honoured, the suspect will have a case against the police.

If you are ever suspected of a crime it is imperative that you rely upon a specialist solicitor. Never, ever feel that you will be able to present your own case unless you have studied law for several years. Even then, you will not have the relevant level of experience.