Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Criminal Defence Solicitors in Ashton-under-Lyne
Established in 1945, Yates Ardern has built a reputation as one of the UK's most respected legal practices. Our firm specialises in criminal law, investigations, and appellate work, providing expert representation from initial investigations through to Crown Court trials and Court of Appeal proceedings. With over 80 years of combined experience, our team includes former prosecutors and Higher Court Advocates who understand the complexities of criminal justice. We offer proactive legal strategies to mitigate stress and costs, operating a 24-hour emergency response service for urgent cases.Our disciplinary law department represents professionals facing regulatory challenges, while our appeal specialists have successfully handled cases before the Criminal Case Review Commission. We maintain authorisation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and provide both legal aid and private fee arrangements, ensuring accessible representation for all clients.
Services
Criminal Law
Appeals
Investigations
Professional Disciplinary Cases
Magistrates Court Representation
Crown Court Representation
Prison Law
Road Traffic Offences
Fraud Investigations
Legal Aid Cases
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- We have over 80 years' combined experience in criminal defence
- Our team includes former prosecutors and Higher Court Advocates
- 24-hour emergency response service for urgent legal matters
- Proven success in complex Crown Court and Court of Appeal cases
- Specialist representation for professional disciplinary investigations
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Easy to take in information
Care and attention appreciated
Different league presentation
Guided delicate path well
Proactive approach effective
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence service provides specialist representation from police station interviews through to Crown Court trials. We handle serious offences including fraud, drugs, and violent crimes. Our experienced solicitors work to protect clients' rights while minimising reputational and professional impact. With Higher Court Advocates on our team, we ensure robust defence strategies tailored to each case's specific circumstances.
Investigations
Our dedicated investigation department proactively manages cases before charges are filed. We represent clients during police interviews, challenge evidence, and negotiate with prosecution authorities. The team specialises in avoiding court proceedings where possible through strategic evidence submission and alternative disposal negotiations, significantly reducing stress and costs for clients facing criminal or professional disciplinary investigations.
Appeals
We handle appeals against conviction and sentencing in the Court of Appeal. Our specialists work with leading barristers to develop grounds of appeal, focusing on legal errors or new evidence. With extensive experience in Criminal Case Review Commission applications, we provide comprehensive analysis of appeal prospects and strategic guidance for clients seeking to overturn unjust convictions or excessive sentences.
Professional Disciplinary Cases
Our team represents professionals facing disciplinary proceedings before regulatory bodies. We handle cases involving doctors, teachers, lawyers, and other regulated professions, managing both regulatory and employment law aspects. We provide strategic defence during investigations and hearings, protecting clients' careers while addressing complex interactions between professional regulators and employers.
Magistrates Court Representation
We provide daily representation in Magistrates Courts across the UK. Our advocates advise on pleas, challenge prosecution evidence, and prepare mitigation strategies. We guide clients through either-way offences decisions and ensure optimal case preparation for trials or Crown Court referrals, combining courtroom experience with strategic case management to achieve the best possible outcomes.
People
Tim Chapman
Director
Managing director of the investigation department with extensive experience in pre-charge strategies and regulatory cases. Develops proactive approaches to resolve investigations efficiently while protecting clients' professional interests and reputations.
Mark Harper
Director
Senior legal director specialising in complex criminal cases and appellate work. Provides strategic oversight for high-profile matters, ensuring rigorous legal analysis and effective courtroom representation across all levels of the criminal justice system.
Ian Ridgway
Director
Experienced director focusing on professional disciplinary proceedings and regulatory compliance. Advises clients on navigating complex interactions between regulatory bodies and employment obligations, protecting professional careers during investigations.
Robert Stewart
Solicitor
Specialist solicitor handling police station interviews and pre-charge investigations. Provides immediate legal support during critical stages of criminal proceedings, ensuring clients understand their rights and strategic options.
Diane Edwards
Paralegal
Supports case preparation with detailed legal research and evidence analysis. Assists in documentation management and client communication, contributing to the efficient handling of complex legal matters.
Questions
Do I really need a solicitor if I'm innocent?
Yes. Even innocent clients can make critical mistakes without legal guidance. We ensure proper evidence presentation and protect your rights during investigations.
Will asking for a solicitor delay proceedings?
No. Delays typically occur when police aren't ready. Our 24/7 team attends immediately when interviews commence, preventing unnecessary delays.
How do you handle professional disciplinary cases?
We manage both regulatory and employment law aspects, representing clients before bodies like the GMC and SRA while protecting professional careers during investigations.
What happens after a police interview?
Police may release you with no further action, grant bail for further inquiries, or charge you. We advise on next steps and potential outcomes following interviews.
Can you help with pre-charge investigations?
Yes. Our proactive approach focuses on resolving cases before charges through evidence submission, witness statements, and negotiation with prosecution authorities.
Do you offer legal aid?
We provide legal aid for most Crown Court cases. Our team assesses eligibility and handles all application processes for qualifying clients.
