Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on publicdefenderservice.org.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

Our solicitor teams

Our four offices offer a completely independent criminal defence service covering the full range of legally aided criminal law work from investigations to proceedings.

PDS solicitors logo

Need legal help?

We provide advice, assistance and representation free of charge for those under arrest, attending voluntarily at a police station and for non-police prosecutions.

Our criminal law solicitors can also help right through to the magistrates courts, crown court, higher courts and with prison and military law matters if you qualify for legal aid.

All of our criminal law solicitors and advocates are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board.

Areas covered by our criminal law solicitors

Cheltenham and Gloucestershire

Our criminal defence solicitors help anyone eligible for legal aid facing investigation and prosecution in criminal law cases.

Our experienced team can help you with all types of criminal law matters, from police station interviews and benefits investigations to court proceedings.

Contact our Cheltenham office

Darlington, County Durham and the North East

Our experienced defence solicitors deal with the full range of criminal law cases and take pride in delivering the highest standards of client care.

Our Darlington lawyers also specialise in military law. We can advise and represent service personnel facing service police investigations and court martials.

Contact our Darlington office

Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, South Wales and West Wales

Our criminal defence solicitors can help in police stations, magistrates and crown courts across South Wales and West Wales.

Our team includes duty solicitors, solicitors, police station representatives, solicitor advocates, barristers, and support staff.

Contact our Merthyr Tydfil office

Swansea, South Wales and West Wales

Our experienced and competent team of criminal law solicitors deal with the full range of criminal cases.

We provide high quality, independent legal advice in police stations, magistrates and crown courts for those facing investigation and prosecution in criminal cases across the South and West Wales area.

Contact our Swansea office

Call us if…

The police want to interview you, a friend or a family member.

You, a friend or a family member have been arrested by the police on suspicion of committing a criminal offence.

You, a friend or a family member have been charged with a criminal offence or received a postal requisition requiring you to attend court.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) want to talk to you about suspected benefit fraud.

You have a military or prison law case pending.

If a friend or family member has been arrested and needs help, you can speak to one of our criminal defence lawyers on our 24/7 emergency helpline.

Contact us