Business Details
32 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Brighton
Established in 1994, Kelly's Solicitors has built a national reputation as a specialist criminal defence practice rooted in Brighton. Our ethos centres on robust advocacy and client-centric service, representing individuals in police stations, Magistrates Courts, Crown Courts, and higher judicial forums. We specialise in politically sensitive cases, protest-related matters, and complex criminal allegations, including violent crime, internet offences, and sex-related charges. Our team of experienced solicitors and advocates combines decades of legal expertise with a commitment to defending vulnerable clients and professionals facing criminal proceedings. We prioritise clear communication, offering out-of-hours appointments and remote consultations to accommodate urgent needs.Recognised for landmark cases involving public order activism and human rights advocacy, we maintain strong ties with leading London barristers' chambers to strengthen client representation. Our fee structure balances accessibility with quality, ensuring transparent pricing for both legally aided and private clients. As a practice, we uphold rigorous ethical standards, evidenced by our involvement in high-profile inquiries and media commentary on criminal justice issues. Our track record includes successful defences in cases involving arms trade protests, anti-fracking demonstrations, and allegations against public figures. We remain dedicated to evolving legal challenges, particularly in digital crime and regulatory offences affecting professionals across sectors.
Services
Criminal Defence
Protest Cases
Violent Crime
Internet Crime
Sex Offences
Driving Offences
Drugs Cases
Fraud Defence
Young Offenders
Professionals in Trouble
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years of specialist criminal defence experience since 1994
- Our team includes Higher Rights Advocates and Legal Aid specialists
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal assistance for arrests
- We handle complex cases including protest law and internet crime
- Our lawyers have acted in landmark cases featured in national media
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Successful protest case defence
24/7 emergency support available
Experienced Higher Rights Advocates
Landmark case experience
Services
Criminal Defence
We provide comprehensive criminal defence services across all court levels. Our solicitors specialise in serious offences including murder, fraud, and internet crime. With Higher Rights Advocates on our team, we handle complex cases requiring specialist barristers and expert witnesses. Our approach combines strategic defence planning with client education to ensure informed decision-making throughout legal proceedings.
Protest Cases
Specialist representation for protest-related charges including public order offences and criminal damage. We defend environmental activists, anti-war campaigners, and political demonstrators. Our solicitors have landmark case experience, including successful defences in high-profile arms trade protests and anti-fracking demonstrations. We provide 24/7 arrest support and strategic trial preparation for protest-related charges.
Violent Crime
Expert legal defence for violent crime allegations including assault, robbery, and murder charges. We handle complex cases involving forensic evidence and victim impact assessments. Our solicitors challenge prosecution narratives through expert witness engagement and thorough case analysis. We prioritise mitigation strategies while protecting clients' rights during police interviews and court proceedings.
Internet Crime
Specialist defence for cybercrime including hacking, fraud, and indecent image allegations. We understand technical evidence complexities and work with digital forensics experts to challenge charges. Our solicitors advise on sentencing mitigation and registration requirements for online offences. We represent clients facing national and international cybercrime investigations.
Sex Offences
Experienced representation for sex offence charges including rape, historic allegations, and indecent image cases. We handle sensitive matters with discretion while challenging evidence validity. Our solicitors advise on Sex Offenders Register implications and work with specialist barristers to develop robust defence strategies for both recent and historical allegations.
People
Lydia Dagostino
Solicitor/Director
Qualified in 1995, Lydia specialises in protest law and civil liberties. She has acted in high-profile cases including Operation Cast Lead arms trade protests and the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Recognised as LAPG Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year 2019.
Jenna Dolan
Solicitor Advocate
Qualified in 2010 with Higher Rights since 2015. Specialises in drug offences, public order cases, and terrorism-related charges. Member of the Duty Solicitor Scheme and experienced in Crown Court trials.
Hollie Collinge
Solicitor Advocate
Qualified in 2006 with Higher Rights since 2010. Handles serious criminal cases across youth, magistrates, and Crown Courts. Specialises in police station representation and complex litigation.
Jane Cleasby
Solicitor
Qualified in 2022 after paralegal work at Kellys. Focuses on protest matters in Magistrates and Crown Courts. Former hospitality business owner with expertise in human rights and protest law applications.
Jill Pateman
Practice Manager
Has managed Kelly's Solicitors since 2003, providing operational oversight for over 30 years. Coordinates legal teams and ensures client care standards across all criminal defence services.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence including protest cases, violent crime, internet offences, sex offences, and professional disciplinary matters. Our expertise covers police station attendance through Crown Court trials.
Do you offer emergency legal assistance?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency legal support for arrests with a dedicated emergency number 0800 387 463 for immediate police station representation.
Can I get Legal Aid for my case?
Legal Aid is usually available for most criminal cases subject to eligibility. We handle applications and can represent you privately if Legal Aid is refused, with potential refunds if your case is discontinued.
How do you handle complex protest-related charges?
Our solicitors have decades of experience in public order offences and political activism cases. We develop strategic defences using expert witnesses and challenge charges through both legal and factual arguments.
What are your fees for criminal defence?
Fees start at £400 + VAT for guilty pleas. Hourly rates range from £150-220 + VAT depending on seniority. We provide cost estimates before proceedings and offer competitive rates for private clients.
Do you represent professionals facing criminal charges?
Yes, we regularly defend professionals including teachers, medical staff, and journalists. We address employment implications and work to protect careers while mounting effective criminal defences.
Reviews (5)
Laura S.
Jun 06, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
From start to finish an excellent service. Good communication with fast response. Legal advocate Mr Carroll Lampart was knowledgeable and transparent. Would definitely recommend.
From start to finish an excellent service. Good communication with fast response. Legal advocate Mr Carroll Lampart was knowledgeable and transparent. Would definitely recommend.
Anton
Jun 04, 2021
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Simply the best solicitors in the country. Lydia is incredible and nothing short of a hero. Kellys treat you with the utmost care and respect, you are treated like an individual whose case matters deeply and not just an inconvenience. Being able to know that you are being looked after despite being in a difficult situation means so much. They won my case but even if they hadn't, I know they'd have done their best. Ignore the 1* reviews here, clearly the result of a social media pile-on for them having the temerity to defend people arrested for protesting in Bristol... why it's almost as if we
Harry Shepherd
Apr 06, 2021
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Were a huge help after a friend got involved in the recent Bristol protests, very professional and great Legal advice.
Steven Lawton
Apr 01, 2021
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Critical:Quality
A bunch of wannabes from the University of Google. Don't waste your time here, because they will only waste yours.
A bunch of wannabes from the University of Google. Don't waste your time here, because they will only waste yours.
Finn Grimmett
Mar 17, 2021
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Advocate of justice offering first rate legal advice to a friend, taking a responsible, professional and compassionate response the unfortunate finding themselves in difficult circumstance.
