Business Details
43 Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Criminal Defence Solicitors UK
Established in 1983, Tuckers Solicitors has built an unparalleled reputation as the UK's leading criminal defence law firm. With over 150 legal professionals operating across multiple offices in Greater London, Manchester, Kent, and other key regions, we provide 24/7 expert legal representation tailored to high-stakes cases. Our team combines decades of experience in criminal law, regulatory proceedings, and civil liberties with a commitment to defending fundamental human rights. We specialise in complex areas including fraud investigations, extradition law, and police station advocacy, serving both publicly funded clients and high-net-worth individuals.Our lawyers' extensive courtroom experience spans Magistrates' Courts, Crown Courts, and Youth Courts, supported by in-house barristers and accredited representatives. Recognised through numerous industry awards, our firm maintains strategic partnerships to enhance client support while upholding strict equality and diversity standards. Through our Justice Ambassadors programme, we actively engage future legal professionals in policy reform initiatives. Our track record of defending more police custody cases than any UK firm demonstrates our unwavering dedication to client advocacy.
Services
Criminal Defence
Immigration Law
Prison Law
Private Client Representation
Regulatory Proceedings
Extradition Cases
Civil Liberties
Police Station Advocacy
Fraud Investigations
Military Law
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We operate 24/7 with immediate response capability across 15+ UK offices
- Our team includes former criminal law association presidents and award-winning solicitors
- We handle over 11,000 cases annually with specialist expertise in complex criminal defence
- We maintain in-house barristers and police station accredited representatives
- Our firm pioneered the Justice Ambassadors programme for legal policy reform
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence service provides immediate 24/7 legal representation for clients facing police investigations or court proceedings. Specialising in complex cases involving fraud, extradition, and serious criminal charges, our team of accredited solicitors and in-house barristers deliver strategic defence strategies tailored to individual circumstances. With over 40 years' experience handling more police custody cases than any UK firm, we ensure clients' rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Private Client Representation
This service caters to high-net-worth individuals requiring discreet legal representation at all stages of criminal proceedings. Our dedicated Private Client Criminal Department offers direct access to senior solicitors via 24/7 contact channels, providing tailored advice from pre-interview consultations through to court representation. With expertise in maintaining client confidentiality and managing reputational risks, we handle complex cases involving international jurisdictions and high-profile matters.
Immigration Law
Our immigration law service specialises in privately funded cases involving visa applications, asylum claims, and immigration detention challenges. The team provides comprehensive legal support for individuals facing deportation or seeking residency permits, combining criminal law expertise with immigration compliance requirements. We offer urgent representation for clients detained under immigration powers and advise on cross-border legal implications.
Prison Law
This specialist service focuses on prisoners' rights and institutional law matters. We provide legal representation for disciplinary proceedings within prisons, challenge unlawful detention conditions, and advise on parole board applications. Our solicitors maintain regular contact with clients in custody, ensuring compliance with human rights standards and advocating for improved prison governance through strategic litigation.
Civil Liberties
Our civil liberties practice protects individuals' fundamental rights through strategic litigation against public authorities. Specialising in freedom of expression cases, police misconduct claims, and constitutional challenges, we represent clients in landmark cases that shape legal precedents. The service includes advising on data protection issues, protest rights, and challenging unlawful state actions through judicial review proceedings.
People
Barry Tucker
Managing Partner
With over 30 years' experience in criminal law, Barry Tucker leads the firm's strategic direction while maintaining active case involvement. His expertise in complex fraud cases and regulatory matters has earned industry recognition, including Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year nominations. He oversees the firm's 24/7 operational framework and international case management.
James Turner
Senior Partner
As Senior Partner, James Turner specialises in high-profile extradition cases and serious crime defence. With extensive Crown Court experience, he chairs major case strategy meetings and mentors junior solicitors. His contributions to legal policy reform have been acknowledged through multiple industry awards and Law Society committee appointments.
Richard Atkinson
Deputy Vice President
Richard Atkinson combines his role as Deputy Vice President of the Law Society with active criminal defence practice. His specialisation in youth court proceedings and vulnerable client representation has shaped national legal aid protocols. He leads the firm's equality and diversity initiatives and trains solicitors in ethical practice standards.
Franklin Sinclair
Partner
Franklin Sinclair focuses on corporate criminal defence and regulatory compliance. With expertise in financial crime and business-related prosecutions, he advises multinational clients on risk mitigation strategies. He co-chairs the firm's military law department and represents service personnel in complex legal matters.
Jill Eastwood
Consultant Solicitor
Jill Eastwood brings decades of experience in prison law and human rights cases. As a former London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association president, she specialises in challenging unlawful detention practices. She leads the firm's Care Leaver Covenant commitments and advocates for vulnerable clients' rights.
Questions
What areas of law does Tuckers Solicitors specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence, immigration law, prison law, civil liberties, extradition cases, and regulatory proceedings with particular expertise in high-net-worth client representation.
Can I get immediate legal assistance outside regular hours?
Yes, our 24/7 legal helpline (03309 120 010) provides immediate access to qualified solicitors for urgent matters including police station attendances and emergency court applications.
What makes Tuckers different from other criminal defence firms?
We combine 40 years' experience with 150+ legal professionals across 15+ UK offices, operating 24/7 with in-house barristers and specialist expertise in complex international cases.
Do you handle both legal aid and private cases?
Yes, we accept both legal aid cases through our dedicated department and privately funded matters via our Private Client Criminal Department with tailored fee structures.
How can care leavers access legal support?
We provide care leaver-friendly services including advocacy during police investigations and court proceedings, with dedicated communication channels for social workers and support staff.
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Reviews (7)
Arfan Rafiq
Oct 16, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality
Poor quality preparation on my crown court case. Thanks to them I got a long prison sentence. Avoid them
Poor quality preparation on my crown court case. Thanks to them I got a long prison sentence. Avoid them
Amjad Khan
Sep 26, 2021
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This was the worst choice I made instructing this law firm to deal with my case. Unprofessional and unresponsive, lack of detail to the preparation of the case.
Jay Shepherd
Jul 26, 2021
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Tuckers have always been great, I appreciate their experience and expertise in complex matters. The only small criticism I have is that because they are great solicitors they are often very busy so they don't always get back to you in a timely manner, other than that I have no complaints
Steven Parswood
Apr 05, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Awful service from start to finish. The solicitor at court was rushing not provide the full information wanted me to get in and out of court quickly. The hearing was rushed.
Awful service from start to finish. The solicitor at court was rushing not provide the full information wanted me to get in and out of court quickly. The hearing was rushed.
Lee Parkes
Apr 03, 2021
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In my oppinion the best solicitors in manchester. Lisa is so helpful i cant thank them enoufh for what they have done for me
Robert Aitchison
Mar 29, 2021
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The best solicitors you could get in the whole world and they will always look after you excellent customer service
Julie Healy
Feb 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
We cannot recommend this company highly enough. Kristen Bender was extremely professional and kept us up to date at every stage. I have recommded her and the company to various people I know. Once again thank you for your professional and efficient service. Julie Healy
We cannot recommend this company highly enough. Kristen Bender was extremely professional and kept us up to date at every stage. I have recommded her and the company to various people I know. Once again thank you for your professional and efficient service. Julie Healy
