Fees depend on the allegation, court, evidence and work required. Astons Law Chambers publishes indicative ranges, including hourly rates of £175–£400 plus VAT, first appearance or plea fees of £500–£1,500 plus VAT and single-day hearing fees of £700–£3,500 plus VAT. A specific written fee is provided before instruction.

In many suitable cases, yes. Astons Law Chambers is authorised under the Bar Standards Board Public Access scheme, allowing members of the public to instruct the practice directly. Suitability is assessed during the initial conversation because some matters are better handled through a solicitor or a wider legal team.

Yes. Astons Law Chambers provides police station representation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have been arrested or asked to attend an interview, contact the practice as early as possible so legal advice can be considered before questioning begins.

A voluntary interview is still a formal police interview under caution. The fact that you have not been arrested does not mean that what you say is informal or without consequences. You are entitled to legal advice before the interview, and a barrister can attend with you where appropriate.

You have the right to legal representation and the right to remain silent, subject to the applicable legal framework. Contact Astons Law Chambers as soon as possible if you need representation. Avoid guessing about the evidence or trying to resolve the situation yourself before obtaining appropriate legal advice.

Yes. Astons Law Chambers undertakes suitable Crown Court criminal defence work, including trial preparation and advocacy. The exact scope and fee depend on the allegation, evidence, number of defendants, length of trial and other circumstances. Larger or unusually complex cases are assessed individually.

Yes. The practice represents clients in Magistrates' Court proceedings, including first appearances, pleas, case management and trials where appropriate. The likely preparation and fee depend on whether the matter is a guilty plea, contested case or requires additional advice and applications.

Yes. Astons Law Chambers can advise on conviction and sentence appeals and represent clients at appropriate appeal hearings. Appeal work is normally considered in stages, including advice on prospects, preparation of grounds and representation at the hearing.

Yes. The practice handles driving matters including drink or drug driving, totting-up and exceptional hardship arguments. The appropriate strategy depends on the allegation, evidence, previous points or convictions and the potential consequences for your licence.

Yes. Astons Law Chambers represents clients facing drug allegations including possession, supply and importation. Depending on the case, the defence may involve examining forensic evidence, disclosure, the prosecution's interpretation of the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.

Yes. The practice covers violent crime allegations including assault, ABH, GBH, affray and robbery. Representation can begin at the police station and continue through court proceedings where appropriate. The evidence and circumstances of each allegation are reviewed individually.

Yes. Astons Law Chambers provides criminal defence for sexual offence allegations from pre-charge investigation through appropriate court proceedings. These cases are highly sensitive and require careful consideration of evidence, procedure, disclosure and the client's position.

Astons Law Chambers does not hold a Legal Aid Agency contract. Where legal aid applies, the practice can refer the matter to a partner solicitor firm that holds the appropriate contract. The suitability of the referral route can be discussed during the initial call.

There is no single timetable for every criminal case. A straightforward guilty plea in the Magistrates' Court may conclude within weeks, while a complex Crown Court trial can take 18 months or longer. Court availability, evidence volume, case complexity, witnesses and prosecution decisions can all affect the timetable.