Rowberry Morris, Solicitors, Gloucester

Proceedings before the Crown Court involve the more serious offences that Defendants face. These are categorised as Either-way or Indictable only. The procedure differs to that in the Magistrates' Court and the consequences on conviction can be far more severe.

Trials are before a Judge with a Jury. They vary in length from one day through to several months depending on the amount of evidence to put before the court.

The rules for Legal Aid are also different. When a court determines that a case is going to be heard in the Crown Court Legal Aid is no longer means tested, and any application will invariably pass the merits test. This means that Legal Aid is available virtually as of right in the Crown Court. The Crown Court does have power to make Recovery of Defence Costs orders at the end of proceedings to recover costs from Defendants where appropriate.

Due to the seriousness of cases that go before the Crown Court not all solicitors are able to represent clients in court. Only those that have been granted 'higher rights of audience' may appear on behalf of clients, otherwise Barristers are instructed who do not become involved in the case until that stage. Rowberry Morris have two Solicitor-Advocates in Jon Holmes and Joe Maloney who, due to their experience and qualifications, have been granted higher rights, and can provide the full representation service in a case under one roof. It will sometimes be the case that it is more appropriate that a Barrister is engaged. Rowberry Morris has access to the most highly regarded Barristers both locally and nationally.

We have a team of staff working on cases before the Crown Court only. Please see our profiles below.

We have recent or current experience in the following types of cases by way of example:-

Murder (R v B; R v M and others)
Corporate Manslaughter (R v Y)
Gross Negligence Manslaughter
Death by Dangerous Driving (Various)
Numerous offences of violence including sec 18, 20 and 47 Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (GBH, GBH with Intent and ABH); sec 2 and 3 Public Order Act (Violent Disorder and Affray), Possession Offensive Weapons, Firearms etc
Drug related offences including Trafficking, Supply, Possession with intent to Supply and associated Money Laundering offences
Numerous cases of sexual offences including Rape, Indecent Assault/Sexual Touching, Grooming, Incest, Production and Possession of Indecent Images etc
Armed Robbery, Robbery and general offences of dishonesty including Fraud, Theft, Deception, Money Laundering (see our Specialist Fraud Department)
Offences of Conspiracy, Perverting the Course of Justice, Escape.