You Are More Than A Case

A criminal allegation can be stressful and uncertain. Astons Law Chambers starts by listening carefully to the circumstances and identifying what needs to happen next. Clients are given practical advice about the allegation, evidence and procedure rather than unnecessary legal jargon.

Where the practice accepts an instruction, the scope of work and fee are explained in writing before work begins. This provides a clear understanding of what representation covers and what additional work may require separate agreement.

Direct Access means that many members of the public can speak directly with a barrister without first instructing a solicitor. This can simplify communication in suitable cases and allow the barrister to understand the matter from the outset.

The practice also works with solicitors in the usual way and recognises that some matters require a wider legal team. Suitability is assessed at the beginning and reviewed as a case develops.

A Career Built On Criminal Litigation

Ghulam Humayun was admitted as a solicitor in 2007 before moving to the Bar. His career has included criminal litigation, higher courts advocacy, duty solicitor work and prosecution experience for the Crown Prosecution Service.

That experience provides a practical understanding of how criminal cases are investigated, prepared, prosecuted and defended. Astons Law Chambers applies that background to advice and advocacy tailored to the evidence and circumstances of each matter.

Admitted as a solicitor in 2007
Criminal litigation experience
Higher Courts Advocacy experience
Prosecution experience for the Crown Prosecution Service

The practice continues that experience through direct, focused criminal defence representation.

Astons Law In The Courtroom

Court preparation starts with understanding the prosecution case and identifying the issues that need to be addressed. Astons Law Chambers reviews evidence, advises on plea and strategy, prepares legal arguments and represents clients at hearings where instructed.

The practice acts in Magistrates' Court and Crown Court proceedings and can also assist with appeals. The appropriate level of preparation depends on the allegation, evidence, procedural history and complexity of the case.

London Base, UK-Wide Reach

Astons Law Chambers is based at 85 Great Portland Street in central London and acts for clients throughout the UK where the case is suitable. Initial discussions can be arranged by telephone or other agreed means, making it possible to establish the circumstances before deciding the appropriate route.

The practice accepts instructions from members of the public under the Direct Access scheme and from solicitors in the usual way.

Central London chambers
Acting UK-wide
Direct Access authorised

A Different Kind Of Chambers

Astons Law Chambers combines barrister advocacy with Direct Access instruction and authorisation to conduct litigation. For suitable cases, this means one professional relationship can cover advice, advocacy and litigation tasks that would ordinarily be divided between a solicitor and barrister.

The route is not appropriate for every case. Suitability depends on the allegation, complexity, evidence and support required. Where a solicitor is more appropriate, the practice can refer the matter to a partner firm.

The Defence Mindset

Criminal defence requires careful attention to evidence and procedure from the earliest stage. Decisions at a police station, including whether and how to answer questions, can influence the later case. Astons Law Chambers provides advice before interviews and represents clients at the station when instructed.

As our mission states:

"Fortune favors the brave."

As proceedings progress, the focus moves to the evidence, legal issues, disclosure, applications, plea, trial preparation and advocacy required by the case. The approach is designed around the actual issues rather than a standard template.

Clear Fees, Agreed In Advance

Astons Law Chambers publishes indicative fee ranges for transparency. The actual fee depends on the allegation, court, evidence and work required. A written client-care letter identifies the scope of work, fee and VAT before instruction is accepted.

Where legal aid applies, Astons Law Chambers does not hold a Legal Aid Agency contract. Eligible matters are referred to partner solicitor firms that can provide legal aid representation.

Written fee before instruction
VAT identified separately
Indicative fee ranges published
Legal aid referrals available where applicable

Beyond The Courtroom

Criminal defence is not limited to the hearing itself. Clients may need advice before an interview, assistance with bail, preparation for a first appearance, advice about evidence or representation during an appeal. Astons Law Chambers can assist at different stages depending on the nature of the matter.

The practice also represents families and interested persons in appropriate inquest proceedings, extending its advocacy experience beyond conventional criminal trials.

Your Criminal Defence Advocates

When a criminal allegation threatens your liberty, reputation or future, the first step is understanding your position. Astons Law Chambers can discuss the circumstances, assess whether the practice is suitable and explain the available route to representation.

The practice can assist with investigation, police interviews, court proceedings, appeals and related matters where instructed.

Investigate the evidence
Advise strategically
Advocate fearlessly

About Astons Law Chambers