Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
@hjacriminaldefence.bsky.social
Award winning specialist practitioners in criminal litigation, financial crime and regulatory. Top ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
Tel: 0330 822 5788
https://www.hja.net/legal-services/general-crime/
Tel: 0330 822 5788
https://www.hja.net/legal-services/general-crime/
Delighted that our team has been named in The Times Best Law Firms 2026.
Recognised in the categories of “Crime” and “Financial Crime, Fraud & Regulatory”, this is a testament to our unwavering defence of clients and dedication to justice.
#BestLawFirms #LegalExcellence #CriminalDefence
Recognised in the categories of “Crime” and “Financial Crime, Fraud & Regulatory”, this is a testament to our unwavering defence of clients and dedication to justice.
#BestLawFirms #LegalExcellence #CriminalDefence
November 13, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Delighted that our team has been named in The Times Best Law Firms 2026.
Recognised in the categories of “Crime” and “Financial Crime, Fraud & Regulatory”, this is a testament to our unwavering defence of clients and dedication to justice.
#BestLawFirms #LegalExcellence #CriminalDefence
Recognised in the categories of “Crime” and “Financial Crime, Fraud & Regulatory”, this is a testament to our unwavering defence of clients and dedication to justice.
#BestLawFirms #LegalExcellence #CriminalDefence
Senior Associate, Michael Ackah was interviewed for this thought provoking piece for @younglegalaidlaw.bsky.social as we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, touching upon how he entered the legal profession, his experience of the criminal justice system when he first began as a Black solicitor, and more.
October 23, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Senior Associate, Michael Ackah was interviewed for this thought provoking piece for @younglegalaidlaw.bsky.social as we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, touching upon how he entered the legal profession, his experience of the criminal justice system when he first began as a Black solicitor, and more.
We’re delighted to announce that we have once again achieved a top ranking in the #ChambersUK2026 guide for our work in Protest Law, with a “wealth of knowledge and experience” highlighted as a key reason our protest team's work is “unmatched.”
#TeamHJA #LegalExcellence #ClientCommitment
#TeamHJA #LegalExcellence #ClientCommitment
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
We’re delighted to announce that we have once again achieved a top ranking in the #ChambersUK2026 guide for our work in Protest Law, with a “wealth of knowledge and experience” highlighted as a key reason our protest team's work is “unmatched.”
#TeamHJA #LegalExcellence #ClientCommitment
#TeamHJA #LegalExcellence #ClientCommitment
As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, Partner Darrell Ennis-Gayle reflects on the loss of one of the profession’s most prominent criminal barristers, the legendary Courtenay Griffiths KC, honouring his legacy of a key figure who have shaped the rich history of Black lawyers in the UK.
#BHM2025
#BHM2025
October 16, 2025 at 9:11 AM
As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, Partner Darrell Ennis-Gayle reflects on the loss of one of the profession’s most prominent criminal barristers, the legendary Courtenay Griffiths KC, honouring his legacy of a key figure who have shaped the rich history of Black lawyers in the UK.
#BHM2025
#BHM2025
We’re delighted to again be recognised as one of the leading Criminal Defence teams in the Legal 500 UK 2026 Guide. We’ve maintained our Top Tier ranking in the category Crime: General, and earned an improved ranking for our “Financial Crime & Regulatory” team in White Collar Crime.
#Legal5002026
#Legal5002026
October 2, 2025 at 4:20 PM
We’re delighted to again be recognised as one of the leading Criminal Defence teams in the Legal 500 UK 2026 Guide. We’ve maintained our Top Tier ranking in the category Crime: General, and earned an improved ranking for our “Financial Crime & Regulatory” team in White Collar Crime.
#Legal5002026
#Legal5002026
How do penalty points affect your licence, insurance, and right to drive?
Sean Caulfield and Sadie Funnell explain the risks and what steps to take if you're facing disqualification.
Sean Caulfield and Sadie Funnell explain the risks and what steps to take if you're facing disqualification.
October 2, 2025 at 12:26 PM
How do penalty points affect your licence, insurance, and right to drive?
Sean Caulfield and Sadie Funnell explain the risks and what steps to take if you're facing disqualification.
Sean Caulfield and Sadie Funnell explain the risks and what steps to take if you're facing disqualification.
Too often, victims of negligence are overlooked or misunderstood.
That’s why we’re joining @apiluk.bsky.social’s new partnership scheme supporting victims of negligence.
Leticia Williams will lead our collaboration as we work to strengthen victims’ rights & drive real reform.
#PersonalInjury
That’s why we’re joining @apiluk.bsky.social’s new partnership scheme supporting victims of negligence.
Leticia Williams will lead our collaboration as we work to strengthen victims’ rights & drive real reform.
#PersonalInjury
September 2, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Too often, victims of negligence are overlooked or misunderstood.
That’s why we’re joining @apiluk.bsky.social’s new partnership scheme supporting victims of negligence.
Leticia Williams will lead our collaboration as we work to strengthen victims’ rights & drive real reform.
#PersonalInjury
That’s why we’re joining @apiluk.bsky.social’s new partnership scheme supporting victims of negligence.
Leticia Williams will lead our collaboration as we work to strengthen victims’ rights & drive real reform.
#PersonalInjury
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
What are your rights if you're released on pre-charge bail?
In protest-related arrests, bail conditions can cross the line into disproportionate restrictions on civil liberties. Francesca Cociani & Kit Gamble explore what you can do if bail is being used to suppress lawful protest.
In protest-related arrests, bail conditions can cross the line into disproportionate restrictions on civil liberties. Francesca Cociani & Kit Gamble explore what you can do if bail is being used to suppress lawful protest.
September 2, 2025 at 2:37 PM
What are your rights if you're released on pre-charge bail?
In protest-related arrests, bail conditions can cross the line into disproportionate restrictions on civil liberties. Francesca Cociani & Kit Gamble explore what you can do if bail is being used to suppress lawful protest.
In protest-related arrests, bail conditions can cross the line into disproportionate restrictions on civil liberties. Francesca Cociani & Kit Gamble explore what you can do if bail is being used to suppress lawful protest.
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Laura O’Brien appeared on @aljazeera.com warning of the growing suppression of voices around #Gaza.
With international journalists banned from entering the region & groups like Palestine Action being proscribed here, are political interests being protected at the cost of truth?
#RightToProtest
With international journalists banned from entering the region & groups like Palestine Action being proscribed here, are political interests being protected at the cost of truth?
#RightToProtest
August 29, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Laura O’Brien appeared on @aljazeera.com warning of the growing suppression of voices around #Gaza.
With international journalists banned from entering the region & groups like Palestine Action being proscribed here, are political interests being protected at the cost of truth?
#RightToProtest
With international journalists banned from entering the region & groups like Palestine Action being proscribed here, are political interests being protected at the cost of truth?
#RightToProtest
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Retirees are being arrested under terrorism laws for peaceful protest.
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social speaks to @arabnews.bsky.social, describing how these individuals are stepping forward because they recognise the threat to fundamental freedoms.
#RightToProtest #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social speaks to @arabnews.bsky.social, describing how these individuals are stepping forward because they recognise the threat to fundamental freedoms.
#RightToProtest #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech
August 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Retirees are being arrested under terrorism laws for peaceful protest.
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social speaks to @arabnews.bsky.social, describing how these individuals are stepping forward because they recognise the threat to fundamental freedoms.
#RightToProtest #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social speaks to @arabnews.bsky.social, describing how these individuals are stepping forward because they recognise the threat to fundamental freedoms.
#RightToProtest #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
#Cuckooing will soon be a specific offence under the #CrimeAndPolicingBill 2025.
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Louisa Reddin discuss how effective implementation of the new offence will depend on more than just legislation, nuance is key in protecting victims rather than punishing them.
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Louisa Reddin discuss how effective implementation of the new offence will depend on more than just legislation, nuance is key in protecting victims rather than punishing them.
August 20, 2025 at 3:42 PM
#Cuckooing will soon be a specific offence under the #CrimeAndPolicingBill 2025.
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Louisa Reddin discuss how effective implementation of the new offence will depend on more than just legislation, nuance is key in protecting victims rather than punishing them.
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Louisa Reddin discuss how effective implementation of the new offence will depend on more than just legislation, nuance is key in protecting victims rather than punishing them.
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Best-selling Irish author Sally Rooney has pledged to donate a portion of her earnings to support #PalestineAction.
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social joined Ben Kentish on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal risks Rooney may now face under UK anti-terrorism laws. 1/2
#RightToProtest #PeacefulProtest
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social joined Ben Kentish on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal risks Rooney may now face under UK anti-terrorism laws. 1/2
#RightToProtest #PeacefulProtest
August 20, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Best-selling Irish author Sally Rooney has pledged to donate a portion of her earnings to support #PalestineAction.
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social joined Ben Kentish on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal risks Rooney may now face under UK anti-terrorism laws. 1/2
#RightToProtest #PeacefulProtest
@katiemcfadden.bsky.social joined Ben Kentish on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal risks Rooney may now face under UK anti-terrorism laws. 1/2
#RightToProtest #PeacefulProtest
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Raj Chada spoke to @lewisgoodall.com on @lbc.co.uk about the implications of proscribing #PalestineAction.
This decision breaks new ground by using property damage as a reason to label a group terrorist, a move with wide-reaching consequences for political protest. 1/2
#RightToProtest
This decision breaks new ground by using property damage as a reason to label a group terrorist, a move with wide-reaching consequences for political protest. 1/2
#RightToProtest
August 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Raj Chada spoke to @lewisgoodall.com on @lbc.co.uk about the implications of proscribing #PalestineAction.
This decision breaks new ground by using property damage as a reason to label a group terrorist, a move with wide-reaching consequences for political protest. 1/2
#RightToProtest
This decision breaks new ground by using property damage as a reason to label a group terrorist, a move with wide-reaching consequences for political protest. 1/2
#RightToProtest
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
The proscription of #PalestineAction sends a chilling message about the #RightToProtest.
Senior Associate, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social appeared on BBC News to challenge this criminalisation of protest. Even the arresting officers are beginning to see the flaws in this policy.
#FreeSpeech
Senior Associate, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social appeared on BBC News to challenge this criminalisation of protest. Even the arresting officers are beginning to see the flaws in this policy.
#FreeSpeech
August 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
The proscription of #PalestineAction sends a chilling message about the #RightToProtest.
Senior Associate, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social appeared on BBC News to challenge this criminalisation of protest. Even the arresting officers are beginning to see the flaws in this policy.
#FreeSpeech
Senior Associate, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social appeared on BBC News to challenge this criminalisation of protest. Even the arresting officers are beginning to see the flaws in this policy.
#FreeSpeech
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Is the right to protest being unfairly redefined and restricted?
Partner, Laura O’Brien joins James Hanson on @lbc.co.uk to outline the legal implications around the Palestine Action ban and why it may potentially threaten all protest rights. 1/3
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
Partner, Laura O’Brien joins James Hanson on @lbc.co.uk to outline the legal implications around the Palestine Action ban and why it may potentially threaten all protest rights. 1/3
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
August 13, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Is the right to protest being unfairly redefined and restricted?
Partner, Laura O’Brien joins James Hanson on @lbc.co.uk to outline the legal implications around the Palestine Action ban and why it may potentially threaten all protest rights. 1/3
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
Partner, Laura O’Brien joins James Hanson on @lbc.co.uk to outline the legal implications around the Palestine Action ban and why it may potentially threaten all protest rights. 1/3
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer by training, a leader by conviction.
Gandhi pioneered peaceful resistance & reshaped the fight for justice in India & beyond.
His story is a reminder that true power often lies in peaceful resistance.
#SAHM2025 #RootsToRoutes #SouthAsianHeritageMonth
Gandhi pioneered peaceful resistance & reshaped the fight for justice in India & beyond.
His story is a reminder that true power often lies in peaceful resistance.
#SAHM2025 #RootsToRoutes #SouthAsianHeritageMonth
August 13, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer by training, a leader by conviction.
Gandhi pioneered peaceful resistance & reshaped the fight for justice in India & beyond.
His story is a reminder that true power often lies in peaceful resistance.
#SAHM2025 #RootsToRoutes #SouthAsianHeritageMonth
Gandhi pioneered peaceful resistance & reshaped the fight for justice in India & beyond.
His story is a reminder that true power often lies in peaceful resistance.
#SAHM2025 #RootsToRoutes #SouthAsianHeritageMonth
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
As public concern grows over the recent proscription of Palestine Action, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social joins Peter Caldwell on Talk TV to outline practical steps for protestors and defends the principle of dissent at the heart of democracy. 1/4
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
August 12, 2025 at 1:46 PM
As public concern grows over the recent proscription of Palestine Action, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social joins Peter Caldwell on Talk TV to outline practical steps for protestors and defends the principle of dissent at the heart of democracy. 1/4
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience
What does it take to get a criminal case dropped?
Associate, Ghislaine Sandoval examines some of the tools at a solicitor’s disposal to challenge weak or unjust prosecutions.
If you’ve been unfairly charged, the legal system still gives you a chance to fight back.
#WronglyAccused #CriminalDefence
Associate, Ghislaine Sandoval examines some of the tools at a solicitor’s disposal to challenge weak or unjust prosecutions.
If you’ve been unfairly charged, the legal system still gives you a chance to fight back.
#WronglyAccused #CriminalDefence
July 24, 2025 at 11:22 AM
What does it take to get a criminal case dropped?
Associate, Ghislaine Sandoval examines some of the tools at a solicitor’s disposal to challenge weak or unjust prosecutions.
If you’ve been unfairly charged, the legal system still gives you a chance to fight back.
#WronglyAccused #CriminalDefence
Associate, Ghislaine Sandoval examines some of the tools at a solicitor’s disposal to challenge weak or unjust prosecutions.
If you’ve been unfairly charged, the legal system still gives you a chance to fight back.
#WronglyAccused #CriminalDefence
At a time when the legal landscape for protest is under intense scrutiny, ‘A Practical Guide to Sentencing in Protest Cases’ by Laura O’Brien provides clarity where it’s most needed.
A timely and indispensable read for those working in this fast-evolving area of law.
#ProtestLaw #RightToProtest
A timely and indispensable read for those working in this fast-evolving area of law.
#ProtestLaw #RightToProtest
July 22, 2025 at 3:57 PM
At a time when the legal landscape for protest is under intense scrutiny, ‘A Practical Guide to Sentencing in Protest Cases’ by Laura O’Brien provides clarity where it’s most needed.
A timely and indispensable read for those working in this fast-evolving area of law.
#ProtestLaw #RightToProtest
A timely and indispensable read for those working in this fast-evolving area of law.
#ProtestLaw #RightToProtest
Peaceful protesters continue to be arrested following the #PalestineAction ban.
Partner, Raj Chada speaks to @shelaghfogarty.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to argue that proscription law is unclear, incoherent & nonsensical.
It is a sign of authoritarianism & abuse of power. 1/2
Partner, Raj Chada speaks to @shelaghfogarty.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to argue that proscription law is unclear, incoherent & nonsensical.
It is a sign of authoritarianism & abuse of power. 1/2
July 22, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Peaceful protesters continue to be arrested following the #PalestineAction ban.
Partner, Raj Chada speaks to @shelaghfogarty.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to argue that proscription law is unclear, incoherent & nonsensical.
It is a sign of authoritarianism & abuse of power. 1/2
Partner, Raj Chada speaks to @shelaghfogarty.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to argue that proscription law is unclear, incoherent & nonsensical.
It is a sign of authoritarianism & abuse of power. 1/2
Don’t miss Raj Chada, Partner & Head of our Crime, at the #BristolHarbourFestival this weekend in discussion with Gaie Delap, whose #JustStopOil protest led to a 20-month prison sentence.
From arrest to release, their session will unpack the legal fight for protest rights in today’s UK.
From arrest to release, their session will unpack the legal fight for protest rights in today’s UK.
July 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Don’t miss Raj Chada, Partner & Head of our Crime, at the #BristolHarbourFestival this weekend in discussion with Gaie Delap, whose #JustStopOil protest led to a 20-month prison sentence.
From arrest to release, their session will unpack the legal fight for protest rights in today’s UK.
From arrest to release, their session will unpack the legal fight for protest rights in today’s UK.
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
Partner, Raj Chada joins Jim Diamond on LBC to explain why a move to juryless trials is a dangerous shortcut that risks fair justice.
Funding and reform are needed, but not at the expense of a cornerstone of our legal system.
#JuryTrial #JusticeSystem #LegalSupport
Funding and reform are needed, but not at the expense of a cornerstone of our legal system.
#JuryTrial #JusticeSystem #LegalSupport
July 11, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Partner, Raj Chada joins Jim Diamond on LBC to explain why a move to juryless trials is a dangerous shortcut that risks fair justice.
Funding and reform are needed, but not at the expense of a cornerstone of our legal system.
#JuryTrial #JusticeSystem #LegalSupport
Funding and reform are needed, but not at the expense of a cornerstone of our legal system.
#JuryTrial #JusticeSystem #LegalSupport
Partner, Raj Chada is delighted to be chairing the panel discussion on the #RightToProtest, a spotlight on environmental defenders, with many great activists & some MPs dropping by.
Our democratic right to protest must be protected against troubling recent moves by our leaders to stifle dissent.
Our democratic right to protest must be protected against troubling recent moves by our leaders to stifle dissent.
July 9, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Partner, Raj Chada is delighted to be chairing the panel discussion on the #RightToProtest, a spotlight on environmental defenders, with many great activists & some MPs dropping by.
Our democratic right to protest must be protected against troubling recent moves by our leaders to stifle dissent.
Our democratic right to protest must be protected against troubling recent moves by our leaders to stifle dissent.
Reposted by Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence
The proscription of #PalestineAction led to dozens of arrests over the weekend.
Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani joined Ash Sarkar on @novaramedia.com to discuss these developments with peaceful protesters facing being labelled as terrorists for holding up a sign.
#PeacefulProtest #ProtestLaw
Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani joined Ash Sarkar on @novaramedia.com to discuss these developments with peaceful protesters facing being labelled as terrorists for holding up a sign.
#PeacefulProtest #ProtestLaw
July 9, 2025 at 9:39 AM
The proscription of #PalestineAction led to dozens of arrests over the weekend.
Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani joined Ash Sarkar on @novaramedia.com to discuss these developments with peaceful protesters facing being labelled as terrorists for holding up a sign.
#PeacefulProtest #ProtestLaw
Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani joined Ash Sarkar on @novaramedia.com to discuss these developments with peaceful protesters facing being labelled as terrorists for holding up a sign.
#PeacefulProtest #ProtestLaw
Partner, Raj Chada joined Jonathan Ray on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal and civil rights implications.
Proscription is intellectually bankrupt, politically unprincipled , morally wrong … and ridiculous. There will be further legal challenges against it.
#ProtestLaw #CriminalDefence
Proscription is intellectually bankrupt, politically unprincipled , morally wrong … and ridiculous. There will be further legal challenges against it.
#ProtestLaw #CriminalDefence
July 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Partner, Raj Chada joined Jonathan Ray on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal and civil rights implications.
Proscription is intellectually bankrupt, politically unprincipled , morally wrong … and ridiculous. There will be further legal challenges against it.
#ProtestLaw #CriminalDefence
Proscription is intellectually bankrupt, politically unprincipled , morally wrong … and ridiculous. There will be further legal challenges against it.
#ProtestLaw #CriminalDefence