Sussex Defence Solicitors

We provide comprehensive criminal defence services covering all stages of proceedings from police station consultations to Crown Court trials. Our solicitors specialise in defending allegations ranging from motoring offences to serious violent crimes. Clients benefit from 24/7 emergency support and access to specialist barristers.

Our team handles complex sexual offence cases including rape allegations, indecent image possession, and historic abuse claims. We provide sensitive representation while challenging evidence through expert legal strategies. Services include pre-charge advice and trial advocacy by specialist solicitors.

We defend domestic violence allegations including harassment, stalking, and assault charges. Our solicitors challenge protective orders and represent clients in both magistrates' and Crown Courts. We specialise in cases involving coercive control allegations and breach of non-molestation orders.

Our specialists handle confiscation proceedings and restraint orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act. We challenge asset seizures and represent clients in variation hearings for existing orders. Services include forensic financial analysis and defence against money laundering allegations.

We defend businesses and individuals facing regulatory prosecutions including Trading Standards violations, RSPCA investigations, and licensing breaches. Our solicitors provide representation for taxi licence disputes, food hygiene cases, and environmental health prosecutions.

Specialist criminal defence solicitor with extensive Crown Court experience. Former police legal advisor providing expert trial strategy insights.

Experienced advocate handling complex fraud and regulatory cases. Specialises in proceeds of crime litigation and asset forfeiture defence.

Leading domestic violence defence specialist with focus on coercive control allegations. Provides strategic representation in high-profile cases.

Experienced in road traffic offences and motoring law. Handles exceptional hardship hearings and driving disqualification cases.

Former senior police officer with 25+ years operational experience. Provides expert police station representation and interview strategy.

We defend all criminal allegations including sexual offences, fraud, domestic violence, drugs, regulatory breaches, and serious violent crimes.

Yes, we provide free police station representation through Legal Aid, though complex cases may require private funding for optimal defence.

Our emergency line 07595 710043 operates 24/7 for urgent police station attendance requirements.

We operate nationwide across England, Wales, and Europe with offices in Worthing and Littlehampton.

Yes, we offer fixed fees for Crown Court cases and transparent hourly rates for ongoing representation.

Dear Good Solicitors

I recently submitted a review of Sussex Defence Solicitors (SDS) which was accepted by you, but subsequently not included in your website, which is understandable given your title. To your credit you have included elements of unfavourable reviews in your analysis of reviewers comments.

SDS first represented me in December 2022 and lastly in February 2025, I am writing to convey the reality of the size of Sussex Defence Solicitors after reading their latest claim on your website of clients in England, Wales and Europe.

The image they are creating is an extension of their claim on their own website as being one of the largest firms in the South East of England. They are not even large by Worthing Town standards, with companies such as Bennett Griffin, Green Wright Charlton Annis and Taylor Rose being larger. I can understand one being impressed by their professionally produced website and marketing of their services (as I was) together with its website offshoots and duplication under the heading of sd - solicitors.

As one measure of the size of the company, their office is in a shared annex to a Victorian house, accessed up three flights of narrow panelled stairs to what appears to be an ex-attic with stud panels forming four rooms. In three visits I only saw one person and on my fourth visit two people. They advertise as having an office in nearby Littlehampton, which is unmanned. It is in a plain fronted block where other solicitors in particular, advertise it as one of their offices while having their main office elsewhere. SDS also advertise having part time representatives at the police station, no doubt to facilitate referrals.

They claim expertise in a wide range of subjects, I content that this makes them master of non as the solicitor spoke to me as though he was learning himself as he went along including referring to his laptop on legislation applicable to my case. I believe that when the company re-established itself in 2022 after liquidation in 2017, they applied lessons learned with a radical new business model in the presentation and marketing of their business and attitude to clients. I have to admit, they are clever people. I could go on in writing pages of my experience with SDS, being very far from good. Yours sincerely
Geoff Sullivan

This review if intended to be entirely factual. It is based on practical experience. 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.

An excellent team..from day one they supported and guided me..and put my mind a rest
Special thanks to Denise and Harry for their help and advise...really friendly and helpful...

I recently had the pleasure of working with Matthew mark and Harry at Sussex Defence Solicitors and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From our initial consultation, I felt heard and understood. Matthew took the time to explain everything in clear, simple terms, ensuring I was fully informed and comfortable with the process. 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

The most amazing legal team you find will be here with Sussex Defence Solicitors, they have always handled everything with sensitivity, understanding and great kindness. They defended our case extremely well and got a not guilty verdict. We cant 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.