General Crime

Exchange Chambers’ criminal department is recognised as one of the largest and most successful in the country. We receive instructions to prosecute and defend at every level. We accept both publicly-funded and privately-funded work. Counsel frequently deal with cases of the utmost complexity and sensitivity, many of which are high profile and of national importance.

We provide specialist advocacy and advisory services at all stages of a case, including pre-charge, trial and appeal. Our barristers boast expertise in all matters of general crime, including:

• Murder and manslaughter
• Serious sexual offences including historic abuse
• Fraud
• Terrorism
• Serious and organised crime, including corruption and bribery
• Drug trafficking
• Human trafficking
• International crime
• Money laundering
• Road traffic offences
• Robbery
• Violent offences

We have 37 Category 4 Prosecutors – more than any other barristers’ chambers in the UK. We receive instructions from the CPS and other prosecuting authorities / specialist agencies including the Serious Fraud Office, the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, CAA, SOCA, HMRC, BIS, DWP, HSE and the Environment Agency.

Members appear in all levels of court and in quasi-criminal jurisdictions such as The General Medical Council, the Coroner’s Court and in all forms of judicial inquiry. Many members also specialise in regulatory and professional disciplinary hearings, where their experience from the criminal courts brings distinct advantage.

Our counsel are regularly asked to provide training to local authorities, solicitors, police and other professional bodies.