Business Details
46 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Legal Defence Team in Brighton
Established in 1980, Mackrell Marsh has built a reputation as a trusted legal defence firm serving Brighton & Hove and the wider Sussex region. Our family-run practice specialises in criminal defence, family law, and motoring offences, combining over four decades of experience with a personalised approach to client care. We prioritise robust representation and strategic legal solutions, supported by partnerships with leading forensic experts and barristers. Our team provides 24/7 emergency services for urgent cases, ensuring clients receive timely and effective support. With a focus on transparency and competitive fees, we offer both privately funded services and legal aid where applicable. Our solicitors regularly appear in courts across the Southeast, including London, and maintain strong relationships with industry professionals to strengthen case outcomes.We are committed to protecting clients' rights while minimising the personal and professional impact of legal proceedings. Our expertise extends to regulatory law defence, wills and probate, and complex family law matters, including financial settlements and child custody arrangements. Client testimonials highlight our professionalism, empathy, and success in achieving favourable verdicts, including case dismissals and reduced sentences. As members of Resolution, we promote amicable dispute resolution while maintaining a strong advocacy presence in court when necessary.
Services
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Driving Offences
Regulatory Law
Wills and Probate
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined legal expertise in criminal and family law
- Our team includes accredited police station representatives with proven court success
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal support for urgent cases
- We maintain partnerships with leading forensic experts and barristers
- We have a track record of achieving case dismissals and reduced sentences
What people say
Professional, compassionate service
Case dismissed successfully
Excellent communication
Thorough preparation
Stress-free process
Services
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence service provides expert legal support for individuals facing criminal charges. We specialise in serious and minor offences, offering strategic defence at police stations and courts. With over 40 years of combined experience, our solicitors protect clients' rights through evidence analysis, witness preparation, and courtroom advocacy. We work closely with forensic experts and barristers to build strong cases, aiming for acquittals or reduced sentences while minimising personal and professional consequences.
Family Law
Our family law service handles divorce proceedings, financial settlements, and child custody arrangements. We provide compassionate yet effective representation for separation cases, cohabitation disputes, and pre-nuptial agreements. As Resolution members, we prioritise amicable solutions but maintain strong advocacy skills for contested court cases. Our solicitors guide clients through emotional challenges while protecting their interests in property division, spousal maintenance, and child welfare matters across Brighton and the Southeast.
Driving Offences
Specialising in motoring law, we defend clients against driving offences including dangerous driving, drink-driving, and licence disqualifications. Our solicitors challenge evidence, present mitigation arguments, and explore exceptional hardship claims to protect clients' driving privileges. With expertise in road traffic legislation, we represent clients at magistrates' courts and crown courts, aiming to reduce penalties or avoid bans while maintaining professional driving careers and personal mobility.
Regulatory Law
Our regulatory law service defends businesses and individuals facing prosecutions for health and safety breaches, food safety violations, and corporate manslaughter allegations. We provide strategic defence for organisations in the Southeast, focusing on minimising reputational damage and financial penalties. Our solicitors combine criminal law expertise with industry knowledge to challenge regulatory charges while implementing mitigation strategies that protect business operations and professional reputations.
Wills and Probate
We offer comprehensive wills and probate services, including will drafting, inheritance tax planning, and estate administration. Our solicitors help clients create legally sound wills that reflect their wishes while advising on probate applications and contested estates. With experience in complex inheritance matters, we provide clear guidance on executors' responsibilities, beneficiaries' rights, and tax-efficient estate distribution strategies tailored to individual family circumstances.
People
Oliver Mackrell
Director
Experienced solicitor with 30+ years in criminal defence, family law, and wills. Recognised for high court success rates and media commentary on legal aid changes. Provides strategic advice in complex cases.
Brian Mackrell
Founder
Legal industry veteran with nearly 50 years' experience. Established the firm in 1980 and now provides strategic oversight. Specialised in criminal law during his practicing career.
Mike Whippy
Police Station Adviser
Accredited police station representative since 1996. Specialises in serious criminal cases including murder and drugs importation. Recognised for youth defence expertise and complex case preparation.
Stephen Harris
Solicitor
Qualified in 1992 with extensive criminal defence experience. Senior partner at previous firm until 2020. Focuses on duty solicitor work and court advocacy for complex cases.
Kate Eaves
Police Station Representative
Trained within the firm over recent years. Provides empathetic client support across county cases. Known for calm approach and high client satisfaction ratings in police station representations.
Questions
Do you handle cases outside Brighton and Hove?
Yes, we represent clients across Sussex, Southeast England, and London for both criminal and regulatory law matters.
Are your emergency legal services available 24/7?
Yes, we provide 24-hour criminal defence support including police station attendance and urgent court preparation.
What are your motoring case fees?
First hearings cost £400 + VAT, exceptional hardship hearings £600 + VAT. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Can you help if I've already been charged?
Yes, we assist with case preparation, evidence review, and court representation even after formal charges have been filed.
Do you offer legal aid for criminal cases?
Yes, legal aid is available for eligible criminal law matters. Contact us for guidance on application and eligibility criteria.
