Lawyers in Wales

If you are arrested for an offence in Wales you should look to instruct a lawyer in Wales. Although the law in Wales is the same as the law in England, it is always helpful to have a lawyer who you can meet with at short notice and has local knowledge. Contact Law can assist with putting you in touch with a lawyer in Wales.

The courts and tribunals are the same as in England and are located across the country. The procedures for solicitors to follow are also the same as in England. For a civil claim your solicitor should write to the defendant to explain that you will be making a claim and invite the defendant to respond. If the defendant fails to respond, or does not respond to your satisfaction, then your solicitor will lodge a claim with the civil court: which court depends on the value and complexity of the claim. The procedure for going to the criminal court depends on the type of offence that the defendant is accused of. More serious offences will go to the Crown Court while less serious offences to the magistrates’ court. There are magistrates’ and Crown Courts all over Wales and which one you go to will depend on both your case and on your geographical location. If you are arrested for a criminal offence in Wales you will be entitled to free legal advice and may have a duty solicitor called. You can also instruct your own solicitor, which is advisable in more serious cases.

Wales has an interesting legal history. The last man killed by hanging in Cardiff was a Somali immigrant who had married a welsh woman. The trial was inflected with racism throughout and there was clearly flawed evidence used to convict the accused. He was posthumously pardoned by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. The law is often not as clear cut as it seems, and utilising the knowledge of a solicitor is often vital.

If you would like help finding recommended solicitors local to Wales, Contact Law can put you in touch with a firm we work with free of charge. So, if you have any questions please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.