Business Details
23 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal & Family Law Solicitors in Stanmore
Established in 2003, Makwana Solicitors has built a reputation as a trusted legal firm specialising in criminal and family law. Our team combines over two decades of experience with a personable, strategic approach to client representation. Accredited by the Law Society through the prestigious Lexcel scheme, we maintain rigorous practice management standards while delivering tailored legal solutions. Our solicitors have successfully represented thousands of clients in high-profile cases, including the Oxford Sex Grooming case, demonstrating our capability to handle matters of significant complexity. We prioritise proactive defence strategies, leveraging relationships with leading barristers, King's Counsel, and forensic experts to build robust cases.With a commitment to accessibility, we offer Criminal Legal Aid eligibility assessments and Resolution-accredited family law services, ensuring legal clarity for divorce, child arrangements, and financial proceedings. Our 24/7 availability reflects our dedication to providing immediate support during critical moments, whether at police stations or court proceedings. Client testimonials consistently highlight our combination of technical expertise and compassionate guidance, particularly evident in our fare evasion defence work with Transport for London and National Rail cases. This dual focus on legal excellence and client care has fostered long-term relationships, with clients returning for multiple legal matters across generations.
Services
Criminal Law
Family Law
Fare Evasion Defence
Driving Offences
Injunction Orders
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years' experience in criminal law defence since 2003
- Lexcel-accredited legal practice management system
- 24/7 consultation and emergency legal representation available
- Proven track record in high-profile cases like Oxford Sex Grooming
- Strategic use of leading forensic experts and King's Counsel
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
10/10 Professional service
Absolutely amazing support
Outstanding legal representation
Flawless case handling
5-star recommendation
Services
Criminal Law
We provide robust criminal defence representation for offences ranging from minor charges to serious allegations. Our solicitors specialise in proactive case building, courtroom advocacy, and strategic negotiation with prosecution authorities. With experience in high-profile cases like the Oxford Sex Grooming investigation, we combine technical legal expertise with practical client support to achieve optimal outcomes.
Fare Evasion Defence
Our specialists handle fare evasion cases involving Transport for London and National Rail operators. We focus on early intervention strategies to prevent criminal convictions through out-of-court settlements. Our proven track record demonstrates ability to resolve cases discreetly while protecting clients' professional and personal interests through tailored legal solutions.
Driving Offences
With over 25 years' experience, we defend clients facing driving-related charges including speeding, disqualifications, and serious motoring offences. Our approach combines technical knowledge of road traffic legislation with strategic representation at police stations and magistrates' courts to preserve clients' driving privileges and records.
Family Law
We offer comprehensive family law services covering divorce proceedings, child arrangements, and financial settlements. Our solicitors prioritise amicable resolutions through mediation while maintaining readiness for courtroom advocacy when necessary. Specialised expertise exists in complex financial division cases and child custody matters.
Injunction Orders
Our team handles injunction applications and defences, particularly in domestic violence contexts. We provide urgent legal action to protect clients' safety while ensuring proportionate legal responses. Expertise extends to non-molestation orders and other emergency family law remedies under the Children Act framework.
People
Shella Makwana
Principal Solicitor
Qualified in 1999 with over two decades' experience, Shella founded the firm in 2003. Specialising in high-profile criminal defence cases including the Oxford Sex Grooming investigation, she combines strategic advocacy with compassionate client representation across criminal and family law matters.
Shahzia Butt
Consultant Solicitor
Qualified in 1993 with extensive family law expertise, Shahzia specialises in private law children matters. Her dedicated approach focuses on protecting clients' parental rights while prioritising children's best interests through negotiated settlements and court advocacy.
Ines Azreyek Diab
Criminal Defence Solicitor
Admitted as solicitor in 2013, Ines brings ten years' criminal defence experience. She specialises in complex case preparation, evidence analysis, and courtroom representation, working closely with forensic experts to build robust defence strategies for clients facing serious criminal charges.
Eryk Cenarski
Paralegal
With first-class Law and Philosophy degree, Eryk provides analytical case support. His critical reasoning skills assist in evaluating legal arguments, preparing case documentation, and developing strategic defence approaches under senior solicitors' supervision.
Athisaya Sadananthan
Solicitor
A versatile legal practitioner with expertise across multiple practice areas including criminal defence, family law, and regulatory compliance. Athisaya handles complex cases requiring comprehensive understanding of interrelated legal frameworks and procedural requirements.
Questions
Can fare evasion cases be resolved without court appearances?
Yes, we frequently negotiate out-of-court settlements with transport authorities through strategic representation and evidence-based arguments.
Will fare evasion convictions affect employment?
As criminal offences, convictions can impact regulated professions - our solicitors work to prevent convictions through early intervention strategies.
What should I do immediately after being stopped for fare evasion?
Contact our 24/7 team immediately to prepare your defence strategy before formal investigation processes begin.
Do you handle cases beyond London?
Yes, while based in Stanmore we represent clients across UK railway networks including National Rail and TfL-operated services.
Are payment plans available for legal services?
We offer flexible payment options including structured payment plans to ensure access to quality legal representation.
What differentiates your criminal defence services?
Our combination of Lexcel accreditation, 20+ years' experience, and strategic use of expert witnesses delivers proven results in complex cases.
Reviews (4)
Sahrah Budhwani
Nov 19, 2021
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I approached Makwana Solicitors to take on my case mid way as I was struggling to find a solution. Shella and Tulshi were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I felt reassured right from beginning and working with them was completely stress free. They constantly kept in contact with me providing regular updates on my case. I would highly recommend them for their outstanding services.
Shahmir Ali
Oct 31, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I personally haven't been into a problem with police and stuff ever in my life. As this was the first time so i was a bit confused.but tulsi helped me resolve the problem and sort everything out for me. I would say that u guys are doing a great job.
Thanks
I personally haven't been into a problem with police and stuff ever in my life. As this was the first time so i was a bit confused.but tulsi helped me resolve the problem and sort everything out for me. I would say that u guys are doing a great job.
Thanks
R. J.
Sep 23, 2021
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I was recommended Tulshi shah by a good freind of mine, as i was having some issues with my ex wife and custody of my children because to put it bluntly she waa unfit to have them.I had my first meeting and Tulshi was freindly and professional and we covered absolutely everything thoroughly, i felt much better after and Tulshi said any issues call her.After that I did and she was there everytime, really helped me through a tough time, couldn't recommend them more Tulshi was great.
Nishant Shukla
Sep 22, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Shella is best on what she do. I was plea guilty and got cleared because of her skills. Even judge were shocked to see the way she represented.
Shella is best on what she do. I was plea guilty and got cleared because of her skills. Even judge were shocked to see the way she represented.
