At Sussex Defence Solicitors (SDS), we are a leading criminal defence firm providing expert legal advice and representation to individuals and corporate clients across England and Wales, as well as Europe. Our experienced solicitors specialise in a wide range of criminal defence services, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible representation and support.
Our Services
At SDS, we understand the importance of providing a tailored approach to each client's unique situation. Our solicitors work closely with our clients to understand their individual needs and goals, providing expert guidance and advice throughout the entire legal process. Our services include:
Criminal Law
We defend all types of criminal allegations, from false allegations at the police station to proceedings before the courts. Our experienced solicitors are dedicated to providing expert advice and representation, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible outcome.
Sexual Offences
We specialise in defending allegations of rape, indecent assault, historic or current day incidents, possession or distribution of indecent images, grooming, and internet sex offences, as well as false allegations. Our solicitors have extensive experience in handling these sensitive and complex cases.
Regulatory Law
Our solicitors have expertise in regulatory law, providing advice and representation in cases involving RSPCA prosecutions, Inland Revenue Investigations, Trading Standards, Environmental Health Investigations, Food Hygiene Investigations, Taxi Licences, and Alcohol and Security Licences.
Domestic Violence
We provide expert advice and representation in cases involving domestic violence, including harassment, stalking, controlling and coercive behaviour, and domestic assaults.
Road Traffic Offences
Our solicitors specialise in road traffic offences, including dangerous driving, careless driving, driving with excess alcohol or drugs, and being in charge. We also handle special reasons hearings and exceptional hardship hearings.
Drugs Offences
We defend clients accused of drugs offences, including possession with intent to supply, importation, and conspiracy to supply.
Fraud / Theft
Our solicitors have extensive experience in defending clients accused of fraud, including dishonesty offences, white-collar crime, internet fraud, and benefit fraud.
Violent Offences
We provide expert advice and representation in cases involving violent offences, such as murder, grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, and firearms offences.
Proceeds of Crime
Our solicitors have expertise in confiscation proceedings, restraint orders, and variation of proceeds of crime orders.
Protective Orders
We specialise in advising and representing clients in cases involving restraining orders, breaches of non-molestation orders, sexual harm prevention orders, stalking protection orders, criminal behaviour orders, violent and gang protection orders, and community protection notices.
Our Team
At SDS, we pride ourselves on our experienced and dedicated solicitors who are committed to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide advice and representation.
Professional and Thorough Services
The majority of reviewers at Sussex Defence Solicitors have had a positive experience with the firm. Sharon and Denise, in particular, have received high praise for their excellent work ethic and dedication to their clients. One reviewer, Aron Moorhouse, gave the firm a perfect 5-star rating, stating that they are highly recommended, professional, and thorough. He also commended Sharon and Denise for being excellent in their roles and going above and beyond to help their clients.
Mixed Reviews and Concerns
However, not all reviewers have had a positive experience with Sussex Defence Solicitors. David Swift Loquacious was less impressed, giving the firm a low rating of 1 star. He felt that the solicitors were not overly helpful, and that if one was guilty, the firm might be a good option, but it's easy to do it oneself.
Andrew Varsey also had a negative experience with the firm, giving them a 1-star rating. He was unhappy with his allocated solicitor, Sharon Waggott, who he felt was rude, dismissive, and lacking in knowledge. He also felt that her advice was inaccurate and that her letters were overly pessimistic. Andrew ultimately disengaged from the firm and found another law firm, Horsman Solicitors, which he found to be more supportive and knowledgeable.
Conclusion
Despite the mixed reviews, Sussex Defence Solicitors do appear to have some excellent solicitors on their team, such as Sharon and Denise. However, it's clear that the firm needs to address concerns about inconsistent service and representation.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority state that Sussex Defence Solicitors (SDS) of Worthing, West Sussex, became a recognised body in November 2011. Companies House records show that Sussex Defence Solicitors Ltd were founded in March 2013 and were dissolved in November 2017? On a website that conveys solicitors own account of their firm, SDS state, "With 3 years experience" and "Since our founding in 2022"?
At present, SDS do have a handy location at 24 Liverpool Gardens, being compact accommodation on the second floor of a shared annex to a Victorian house, which is now a shop in central Worthing. They have a well thought out, professionally produced and comprehensive website showing outlying representatives.
SDS like to speak to the client in great detail explaining court procedures and penalties. This is known to have taken two hours at a cost of £600 +VAT. Thereafter, they insist on payment in advance of services provided. SDS do not always like to represent clients in the magistrates court, but refer them to a barrister they use, at additional cost.
SDS convey a close working relationship with the police and referrals can be directed to SDS.
Whilst the courts accept exhibits as evidence, SDS can be reluctant to submit important exhibits on behalf of the Defence (including police supplied evidence) with unclear reasons given for this approach.
Throughout my case, their communication was excellent. I always received prompt responses to my emails and phone calls, and they kept me updated on every development. What impressed me most was their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for me.
Thanks to their expertise and hard work, my case was resolved successfully. I am incredibly grateful for their support and guidance during what was a very stressful time. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective solicitor, look no further than Matthew at Sussex defence solicitors thanks again
They defended our case extremely well and got a not guilty verdict.
We can’t thank them enough for allowing us to get on with our lives without this hanging over us. Thank you to all of you for your support.
