Common questions

Yes. A 15-minute callback to discuss your situation, options and likely costs is free with no obligation. If you decide to instruct us, costs are agreed in writing before any chargeable work starts.

Our office is in Norwich and most of our work is in Norfolk and Suffolk Magistrates' and the Crown Court at Norwich. We will travel further afield for existing clients or where the case calls for it — that's discussed at the consultation.

Lucy and Kirsty handle every case personally. You will not be passed between fee-earners or end up speaking to a call centre. Whoever takes your call is qualified, senior, and will be the same person at your hearing.

Absolutely. Everything you share with us — including with the digital receptionist or via the contact form — is treated as confidential. We will run a conflict check before discussing case details, just as we would for any other client.

Call Lucy directly on 07879 611742 — the line is staffed 24 hours a day. Don't wait for an email or use the callback form. Representation at the police station is free of charge under the Legal Aid scheme regardless of your income.

We can't advise on that without knowing the specifics — and that's exactly the kind of question we'll answer in your pre-interview consultation at the station. General rule: never go into interview without speaking to a solicitor first. The right answer depends on the evidence the police hold, which we will check before you say anything.

Yes. You have the right to free, independent legal advice and you can ask for any solicitor by name. Tell the custody sergeant: 'I want LB Solicitors — Lucy Brakewell — to represent me.'

Yes. We hold a Standard Crime Contract with the Legal Aid Agency. Whether you qualify is means-tested in the Magistrates' Court (most people on modest incomes do qualify). At the police station Legal Aid applies regardless of means. We'll assess eligibility at the first meeting.

Most motoring offences have a fixed fee — see the Fees page. Other matters are charged at £250 per hour + VAT or by an agreed scope-of-work quote. You'll get a written estimate before any chargeable work begins and there are no surprise bills.

Stage payments can be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Talk to Lucy about your circumstances at the consultation — she will work with you where possible.

Lucy reviews each request personally, runs a quick conflict check (standard solicitor practice — she can't act for you if she's already acting against you), and calls you at one of the times you picked, usually within one working day.

It varies hugely — a motoring fixed-penalty review might wrap up in a single hearing, a contested Crown Court trial can take 12-18 months from charge. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the consultation based on the type of charge and the court.

Only if you choose to. The defendant in a criminal trial has the right to stay silent and the prosecution has to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. We'll talk through the strategic implications of giving or not giving evidence at the case preparation stage.

Call Lucy immediately on 07879 611742. An under-18 detained at a police station must have an 'appropriate adult' present and is entitled to free legal representation. Lucy regularly represents juveniles at Bethel Street and across Norfolk. Acting fast matters — decisions made in the first interview shape everything that comes after.

Depends on the disposal. A simple caution, conditional caution or youth restorative disposal sits on the police database but generally won't appear on a basic DBS check after a set period. A conviction at Youth Court goes on the record but is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) Act for under-18s. We'll explain the implications for your specific situation.