Business Details
22 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Criminal Defence Solicitors in the UK
Established in 2004, we are one of the UKs leading criminal law firms with a proven track record in defending complex and serious criminal cases. Our team of highly experienced solicitors, including Solicitor Advocates and specialists in areas such as sexual offences, drug crimes, and regulatory breaches, provides tailored legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients. With offices across London and the Home Counties, we offer 24/7 emergency support and have been independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise.Our commitment to transparency ensures clients receive clear, jargon-free advice throughout the legal process. Backed by hundreds of five-star Trustpilot reviews, we prioritise client needs while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and legal excellence.
Services
Sexual Offences
Serious Violence
Drug Offences
Driving Offences
Burglary
Regulatory Offences
Youth Offences
Criminal Appeals
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 legal support for urgent cases.
- Our team has over 25 years of combined experience in criminal defence.
- Bespoke legal strategies tailored to each client's needs.
- Nationwide coverage with offices across the UK.
- Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot with hundreds of five-star reviews.
Associations and certifications
- The Legal 500
- Chambers & Partners
What people say
Expert legal representation
Successful case outcomes
24/7 availability
Personalized service
Experienced team
Services
Sexual Offences
Our specialist solicitors provide robust legal representation for sexual offence allegations, meticulously examining every detail to build a strong defence. With expertise in complex cases, we protect clients' reputations and futures through strategic advocacy and clear communication, ensuring they understand their rights and options throughout the process.
Drug Offences
We defend clients facing drug trafficking, possession, or importation charges with extensive experience in high-stakes cases. Our team challenges evidence, negotiates plea deals when appropriate, and advocates in court to minimise penalties, prioritising clients' long-term interests while navigating evolving drug legislation.
Driving Offences
Specialising in driving disqualifications, speeding, and licence penalty points, we guide clients through motoring offence procedures. By scrutinising prosecution evidence and court calculations, we secure dismissals or reduced sentences, ensuring clients maintain driving privileges critical to their livelihoods.
Serious Violence
Handling assault, grievous bodily harm, and weapons-related charges, our solicitors leverage decades of courtroom experience to challenge violent crime allegations. We develop defence strategies focused on mitigating circumstances, self-defence claims, or evidentiary weaknesses to achieve charge reductions or acquittals.
Regulatory Offences
We represent businesses and individuals in regulatory breaches including health and safety violations or tax investigations. Our approach combines proactive case-building with negotiation to resolve matters before prosecution, minimising reputational damage and financial penalties through compliance-focused solutions.
People
Nick Titchener
Managing Partner
Specialising in complex criminal cases for over 20 years, Nick leads high-profile drug, violence, and sexual offence defences. A Solicitor Advocate, he provides strategic oversight for privately funded cases requiring meticulous attention to detail and aggressive advocacy.
Stephen Halloran
Managing Partner
With 25+ years in criminal law, Stephen focuses on serious crime litigation. As a Solicitor Advocate, he combines courtroom expertise with client-centric communication to navigate complex legal challenges while maintaining accessibility for urgent matters.
Dawn McKnight
Partner
A criminal litigation specialist since 2004, Dawn regularly appears in magistrates' courts and police stations. Her practice focuses on procedural compliance and evidentiary challenges, ensuring robust defence strategies for clients at all stages of criminal proceedings.
Joanne Cestaro
Partner
Since qualifying in 1997, Jo has handled diverse criminal cases from arrest through trial. Her expertise in client consultation and case preparation ensures clear guidance for individuals facing charges that threaten their personal and professional lives.
Paul Dillon
Partner
With two decades of criminal law experience, Paul specialises in private client representation. He focuses on achieving favourable outcomes through early case intervention, plea negotiation, and thorough preparation for contested hearings across all court levels.
Questions
What areas of criminal law does Lawtons specialise in?
We specialise in sexual offences, drug crimes, violent assaults, regulatory breaches, driving offences, burglary, and youth crime, with dedicated solicitors handling each practice area.
How quickly can I get legal advice?
Our 24/7 phone line ensures immediate assistance, with a senior solicitor contact within 30 minutes during business hours for urgent case evaluations.
Do you handle cases outside London?
Yes, we operate nationwide with offices across the Home Counties, providing representation in police stations and courts throughout the UK.
How are legal fees structured?
Fees vary by case complexity. Road traffic offence consultations cost £400+VAT; detailed pricing for other services is discussed during initial assessments.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for criminal defence excellence, with Solicitor Advocates qualified to represent clients in higher courts.
Reviews (2)
Rupert Schreiber
Nov 20, 2019
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Found this great firm of solicitors in my Chambers Guide which highly recommended them, I was not disappointed, as everything was made very easy and I was supported throughout the process with constant contact. They appointed me a brilliant and friendly solicitor to represent me in court, who made a great case, saying very pertinent and clever things on my behalf and I achieved a very lenient sentence. Couldn't be more thrilled, thank you Lawtons
Ashleigh Lerigo
Jun 08, 2019
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I would like to thank Mr Dillon for representing me in a legal appeal that I am pleased to report has resulted in a favourable outcome for me. I was reassured throughout the whole process with great communication along the way. I do not have the words to express my gratitude to Mr Dillon and his team, when I met with Mr Dillon I knew he would fight my corner, got a feeling that if anyone could help, he was the person who would and he gave his all to my case, I can not recommend or thank him more highly, a very kind, intelligent and professional man. Mr Dillon you are a credit to your profession
