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
A special shout out to Partner and Head of the Youth Team, Caroline Liggins, her “phenomenal” work has seen her recognised as a DEI Champion in this year’s rankings.
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
A special shout out to Partner and Head of the Youth Team, Caroline Liggins, her “phenomenal” work has seen her recognised as a DEI Champion in this year’s rankings.
Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani’s “bold and committed” approach to both Protest Law & Extradition has seen her receive recognition as an "Associate to Watch".
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani’s “bold and committed” approach to both Protest Law & Extradition has seen her receive recognition as an "Associate to Watch".
Partner, Ruth Harris receives recognition for her outstanding work in Financial Crimes: Individuals. Praised for her “highly personable, empathetic and intelligent” approach, she is a true “asset to the firm.”
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Partner, Ruth Harris receives recognition for her outstanding work in Financial Crimes: Individuals. Praised for her “highly personable, empathetic and intelligent” approach, she is a true “asset to the firm.”
Partner, Mike Schwarz was also highlighted as Star Individual for his work in Protest Law while receiving a Band 2 ranking for his exceptional work in Public Inquiries.
"Mike brings all his expertise and is trusted by clients."
"Mike brings all his expertise and is trusted by clients."
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Partner, Mike Schwarz was also highlighted as Star Individual for his work in Protest Law while receiving a Band 2 ranking for his exceptional work in Public Inquiries.
"Mike brings all his expertise and is trusted by clients."
"Mike brings all his expertise and is trusted by clients."
We are delighted that our criminal Defence Team has retained a Band 2 Ranking.
We couldn’t have asked for kinder feedback, “The wider team is unparalleled”, “they had an ability to shine in all aspects of case preparation” and “have a great culture and strength throughout the firm”.
We couldn’t have asked for kinder feedback, “The wider team is unparalleled”, “they had an ability to shine in all aspects of case preparation” and “have a great culture and strength throughout the firm”.
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
We are delighted that our criminal Defence Team has retained a Band 2 Ranking.
We couldn’t have asked for kinder feedback, “The wider team is unparalleled”, “they had an ability to shine in all aspects of case preparation” and “have a great culture and strength throughout the firm”.
We couldn’t have asked for kinder feedback, “The wider team is unparalleled”, “they had an ability to shine in all aspects of case preparation” and “have a great culture and strength throughout the firm”.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
Proposals to hear fraud cases in the absence of a jury is constitutional vandalism.
Partner, Raj Chada joins Matthew Wright on LBC to discuss why we must oppose courts without jury. Underfunding & inefficiencies in our court system must be addressed but not at the cost of fair trials.
Partner, Raj Chada joins Matthew Wright on LBC to discuss why we must oppose courts without jury. Underfunding & inefficiencies in our court system must be addressed but not at the cost of fair trials.
July 6, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Proposals to hear fraud cases in the absence of a jury is constitutional vandalism.
Partner, Raj Chada joins Matthew Wright on LBC to discuss why we must oppose courts without jury. Underfunding & inefficiencies in our court system must be addressed but not at the cost of fair trials.
Partner, Raj Chada joins Matthew Wright on LBC to discuss why we must oppose courts without jury. Underfunding & inefficiencies in our court system must be addressed but not at the cost of fair trials.
Thurrock cut youth services but found public money to silence protesters.
Partner, Raj Chada tells @novaramedia.com why this growing use of sweeping civil injunctions to target protestors raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic rights.
#RightToProtest #ClimateJustice
Partner, Raj Chada tells @novaramedia.com why this growing use of sweeping civil injunctions to target protestors raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic rights.
#RightToProtest #ClimateJustice
July 4, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Thurrock cut youth services but found public money to silence protesters.
Partner, Raj Chada tells @novaramedia.com why this growing use of sweeping civil injunctions to target protestors raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic rights.
#RightToProtest #ClimateJustice
Partner, Raj Chada tells @novaramedia.com why this growing use of sweeping civil injunctions to target protestors raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic rights.
#RightToProtest #ClimateJustice
Can arrest be used as a form of intimidation?
@theguardian.com highlights how police are increasingly using arrests to intimidate protesters with no intention of prosecuting.Partner, Raj Chada argues the Met are abusing their authority for control, not justice.
#RightToProtest #PolicePowers
@theguardian.com highlights how police are increasingly using arrests to intimidate protesters with no intention of prosecuting.Partner, Raj Chada argues the Met are abusing their authority for control, not justice.
#RightToProtest #PolicePowers
July 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Can arrest be used as a form of intimidation?
@theguardian.com highlights how police are increasingly using arrests to intimidate protesters with no intention of prosecuting.Partner, Raj Chada argues the Met are abusing their authority for control, not justice.
#RightToProtest #PolicePowers
@theguardian.com highlights how police are increasingly using arrests to intimidate protesters with no intention of prosecuting.Partner, Raj Chada argues the Met are abusing their authority for control, not justice.
#RightToProtest #PolicePowers
New UK proposals aim to fight foreign interference, but at what cost?
Partner, Laura O’Brien & Paralegal, Ben Follows examine the fine line between safeguarding the public & protecting civil liberties.
A relevant consideration given recent moves against #PalestineAction.
#PeacefulProtest
Partner, Laura O’Brien & Paralegal, Ben Follows examine the fine line between safeguarding the public & protecting civil liberties.
A relevant consideration given recent moves against #PalestineAction.
#PeacefulProtest
June 24, 2025 at 11:59 AM
New UK proposals aim to fight foreign interference, but at what cost?
Partner, Laura O’Brien & Paralegal, Ben Follows examine the fine line between safeguarding the public & protecting civil liberties.
A relevant consideration given recent moves against #PalestineAction.
#PeacefulProtest
Partner, Laura O’Brien & Paralegal, Ben Follows examine the fine line between safeguarding the public & protecting civil liberties.
A relevant consideration given recent moves against #PalestineAction.
#PeacefulProtest
With the recent decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws, is the UK shifting towards #Authoritarianism?
Partner Raj Chada joined Steve Holden on LBC to debate this troubling development.
The right to #Protest must be protected.
#PeacefulProtest @palaction.bsky.social
Partner Raj Chada joined Steve Holden on LBC to debate this troubling development.
The right to #Protest must be protected.
#PeacefulProtest @palaction.bsky.social
June 24, 2025 at 11:38 AM
With the recent decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws, is the UK shifting towards #Authoritarianism?
Partner Raj Chada joined Steve Holden on LBC to debate this troubling development.
The right to #Protest must be protected.
#PeacefulProtest @palaction.bsky.social
Partner Raj Chada joined Steve Holden on LBC to debate this troubling development.
The right to #Protest must be protected.
#PeacefulProtest @palaction.bsky.social
Banning choking porn isn’t enough. We need #MediaLiteracy, education, and regulation.
Partner, Sean Caulfield joins the conversation in Cosmopolitan calling for a smarter approach to tackling violence and misogyny.
Education, not censorship, must be the priority.
#OnlineSafety #SexEducation
Partner, Sean Caulfield joins the conversation in Cosmopolitan calling for a smarter approach to tackling violence and misogyny.
Education, not censorship, must be the priority.
#OnlineSafety #SexEducation
June 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Banning choking porn isn’t enough. We need #MediaLiteracy, education, and regulation.
Partner, Sean Caulfield joins the conversation in Cosmopolitan calling for a smarter approach to tackling violence and misogyny.
Education, not censorship, must be the priority.
#OnlineSafety #SexEducation
Partner, Sean Caulfield joins the conversation in Cosmopolitan calling for a smarter approach to tackling violence and misogyny.
Education, not censorship, must be the priority.
#OnlineSafety #SexEducation
The #VagrancyAct 1824 is finally being repealed.
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Tabea Wilkes reflect on what it means for homelessness, justice, & real reform.
A long overdue step toward treating #homelessness as a social issue, not a crime.
#CriminalDefence
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Tabea Wilkes reflect on what it means for homelessness, justice, & real reform.
A long overdue step toward treating #homelessness as a social issue, not a crime.
#CriminalDefence
June 18, 2025 at 3:27 PM
The #VagrancyAct 1824 is finally being repealed.
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Tabea Wilkes reflect on what it means for homelessness, justice, & real reform.
A long overdue step toward treating #homelessness as a social issue, not a crime.
#CriminalDefence
Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Tabea Wilkes reflect on what it means for homelessness, justice, & real reform.
A long overdue step toward treating #homelessness as a social issue, not a crime.
#CriminalDefence