Crime

Why choose our Criminal Defence Solicitors?

Our experienced team of lawyers in Criminal cases have spent over 25 years dealing with all aspects of defending against prosecutions brought by the Police, The National Crime Agency (NCA), Crown Prosecution Service, Regulatory bodies, Serious Fraud Office and other prosecuting authorities for all types of offences.

We specialise in fraud, Money laundering and other proceeds of crime offences. Our reputation is at the highest level. We deal with cases of assaults, drugs, money laundering, white collar crime, serious crime and fraud, murder and many other offences.

We adopt a strict policy to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. Each client is important to us and receives the dedication and time it takes to ensure the best possible outcome.

Many of our clients have no previous experience of the criminal justice system and are shocked at being prosecuted. As law-abiding citizens, they placed their trust in British justice to exercise good judgement and may have assumed that false allegations were rare.

We understand that the trauma of having to be summoned to Court or charged with an offence results in damage to an individual’s character, no matter how serious it is. This is why we provide a tailor-made service for clients facing the daunting prospect of contesting allegations.

We provide careful preparation and attention to detail. Close client liaison and case conferences with barristers throughout the pre-trial period ensure that all relevant aspects are covered, with a positive defence strategy prepared before trial. Our service is completely independent and confidential. Though our office is based in London, our service is countrywide.

We deal with cases at the police station, the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. Our experience and service to the clients we represent has proven to be professional and to the highest level. For this reason, we have a significant following of clients whom we have represented over many years.

Areas of Criminal Defence Expertise:

Money laundering
Fraud
Murder
Sexual Offences
Drugs
Robbery
Human Trafficking
Immigration Offences

Money Laundering

No matter how small or large the offence, the meticulous team of Criminal Law Lawyers here at Sweetman Burke & Sinker are ready to support you. We have an outstanding reputation in dealing with cases relating to money laundering and fraud, and will endeavour to give you the advice, support and knowledge you need to secure the best outcome.

Grooming/Sexual Exploitation

Sweetman Burke & Sinker have provided a specialised service in defending contested allegations of sexual offences for 18 years. This is because it is one of the most misconceived areas of law where unfair trial and injustice is possible.

This tendency has accelerated since the Jimmy Savile allegations in 2012. The pressure is greater on the police and Crown Prosecution Service to bring cases to trial no matter how insubstantial, as more complainants come forward.

Many cases depend only on the oral testimony of the complainant as most are historical. Multiple allegations also proliferate, but may not be truly independent, rather they may be linked directly or indirectly to one or more complainants.

Other cases concern illegal images found on computers. While at first glance these may seem definitive, the fact is many images can be downloaded on computers without the knowledge or intention of the user.

Many of our clients have no previous experience of the criminal justice system and are shocked by the ease with which they are prosecuted. As law-abiding citizens they placed their trust in British justice to exercise good judgement and may have assumed previously that false allegations were rare.

At Sweetman Burke & Sinker we provide a tailormade service for clients facing the daunting prospect of contesting allegations. Careful preparation and attention to detail is key. We press for disclosure of background evidence making sense of why the allegations may be made. Where relevant, we commission expert opinion. Close client liaison and case conferences with counsel throughout the pre-trial period ensure that all relevant aspects are covered prior to trial with a positive defence strategy prepared.

Representation

Finding the right person to handle your case and represent your rights is crucial. We can advise and represent you at:

Police station
Magistrates Court
Crown Court

We are on hand to represent you throughout the entire case proceeding. We will help ensure that you are fairly treated at the police station and can attend interviews to safeguard your case.

At the Magistrates Court we can help determine whether some of your costs can be covered by legal aid and will assist in completing all necessary forms. You’ll receive guidance through bail applications, guilty pleas, pre-trial reviews and trials.

More serious charges are ultimately passed on to the Crown Court both for trial and for sentencing. We will deal with all the necessary preparation before a trial to ensure a fair hearing for you.

Police Station Representation

We will provide representation at the police station, and will be on hand to find out what evidence the police have against you. We will advise you of your rights and options. We will then attend police interviews with you to ensure fair treatment.

Magistrates Court

All prosecutions begin at a Magistrates’ Court. Legal aid may be available to cover the costs, depending on your financial circumstances and the nature of the charges. We will help you complete all necessary forms to ensure that as much of your costs are covered as possible. You’ll receive guidance through bail applications, guilty pleas, pre-trial reviews and trials.

Crown Court

More serious charges are ultimately passed on to the Crown Court both for trial and for sentencing. We will deal with all the necessary preparation before a trial to ensure a fair hearing for you.

We will instruct some of the best Barristers to represent you and work closely with them throughout the case to ensure it is presented as well as possible.

Please be aware that you should not talk about your case with anyone and should not sign any statement put before you without a Solicitor first seeing it and advising you.

Supporting You Every Step of the Way

We have 25 years’ experience in defending prosecutions brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, Regulatory bodies and Serious Fraud Office, and count fraud and money laundering as two of our specialities.

We always adopt a strict policy to ensure that each individual receives the dedication, care and attention they need to obtain the best possible outcome regarding their case.

We provide careful preparation and attention to detail. Close client liaison and case conferences with counsel throughout the pre-trial period ensure that all relevant aspects are covered, with a positive defence strategy prepared before trial.

We deal with cases at the police station, the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court. Our experience and service to the clients we represent has proven to be professional and to the highest level.

Our Commitment

Sweetman Burke & Sinker have a total commitment to our clients. We will treat you as an individual and you will have our personal attention.

Main Contact:

Ayeh Nowroozi

Emergency Legal Defence (24/7)
Ayeh Nowroozi Mobile: 07939 910191

Ayeh Nowroozi has been recognised as one of the top criminal defence solicitors in the country. Ayeh is a consultant solicitor with specialisation in criminal law. She has the credentials of successfully defending in hundreds of highly complex and serious criminal cases achieving the freedom of her clients. Read More

Jonathan Koffman

Jonathan Koffman is the head of the criminal department. He has worked in the criminal field for 20 years. During this time he has defended numerous cases ranging from Magistrates Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal and House of Lords. He has a strong criminal department working with him. In 2001 he represented a Defendant’s case in the House of Lords reinforcing the law of a affray (I & Another(AP) (Appellants) –v- DPP (Respondent) [2001] UKHL 10.

He also represented a Defendant in an historic murder case which resulted in the first trial in England for a Murder in the Republic of Ireland.

In 2002 he represented a Defendant in a significant Welfare Benefits prosecution case proceeding to the Court of Appeal (Court of Appeal Queens Bench Division [2002] EWHC772(QB).

In 2007 he represented a Defendant in a significant Health & Safety Executive case representing the Defendant when his company were prosecuted for poor working practices.

Since taking on the mantle of the Head of the Criminal Department Jonathan has built a robust, hardworking and professional team which fully supports the clients from the time of charge until trial. Read More