How to Choose the Right Criminal Defence | AB Mackenzie Solicitors

Choosing the right criminal defence solicitor in London is one of the most important decisions you could make if you are facing charges, under investigation or seeking legal advice. Getting this decision right can have a real impact on how your case proceeds, the options you’re offered, and ultimately your outcome. Below is a comprehensive guide — covering what to look for, what to ask, and how to decide — with specific reference to what you should expect from a top-tier London firm such as ABM & Mackenzie Solicitors (https://abmackenzie.co.uk/), which you may wish to consider.

1. Understand why the choice is so important

Before digging into the practical steps, it’s helpful to understand the stakes.

In criminal matters your liberty, reputation, livelihood – and sometimes your very future – may be at risk. A wrong plea, missed opportunity or weak defence can change everything.
Criminal law is a specialised area: general practice firms may not have the depth of experience, strategy or resources required for serious matters. As one firm noted, “You’re going to want someone who specialises in criminal law.” Stuart Miller Solicitors+2Makwana Solicitors | London Law Firm+2
London presents its own layer of complexity: multiple courts (Magistrates, Crown Court, Crown Court at the Old Bailey etc.), many specialist judges, prosecutors and local procedures. A firm with proven London-based experience is often preferable.

That means this isn’t just about picking a solicitor — it’s about picking the right one for your case, your circumstances and in the London criminal-law context.

2. Key criteria to consider when choosing

Here are the major factors you should evaluate. For each, I’ll include some insight into how a firm like ABM & Mackenzie may meet them.

(a) Specialisation in criminal defence

Make sure the solicitor (and the firm) primarily practices in criminal law — not just “general litigation” or a mix of many fields. A specialist will have deeper subject-matter knowledge, courtroom experience, and ready access to criminal-law networks (barristers, investigators, forensic experts). Stuart Miller Solicitors+1
On the ABM & Mackenzie site you should check that they advertise criminal defence as a core area. A London-based firm with that focus is a good sign.
Ask: “How many cases exactly of the type I face have you handled? For how many years?”

(b) Credentials, regulatory status and reputation

Check that the solicitor is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and is in good standing. This ensures they are properly regulated. ABV Solicitors+1
Look for reputable directories such as Legal 500 or Chambers & Partners for endorsements of criminal-law expertise.
Look for client reviews or testimonials. One article notes: “Look online for reviews… ask friends and family who have recently been involved…” ABV Solicitors
ABM & Mackenzie’s website should show awards, case outcomes or recognitions – this enhances confidence.

(c) Local London experience and court-connections

In London, knowing the local courts (Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, perhaps the Old Bailey) and the local practitioners can give significant advantage. One guide states: “Choosing a lawyer who is proficient in criminal law and has experience in the local courts… crucial.” oneilldefence.co.uk+1
So you should ask: “Have you appeared in the court where my case will be? Who are the prosecuting teams? Which barristers do you work with?”
ABM & Mackenzie being based in London is helpful; you may ask for past case work in the same court you face.

(d) Communication, responsiveness and trust

It’s vital the solicitor communicates clearly, promptly and in a way you understand. One guide emphasises: “A good lawyer will be able to discuss the law with you clearly while making you feel at ease.” Stuart Miller Solicitors+1
Ask: “Who will be handling my case day-to-day? When can I speak to them? How will you update me?”
Trust is also essential. You need to feel comfortable and confident that your solicitor will act in your interests — not just as a transaction.

(e) Fees, funding and transparency

Criminal cases can become expensive, especially if they move to the Crown Court or involve extensive investigation. So you must understand the cost structure. The article on choosing a criminal solicitor says: “You will need to find a firm that can set down the services you need at your initial consultation, so no additional fees will appear.” ABV Solicitors+1
Ask: “What is the fee estimate for my case? What is included? Are there hidden costs? If things change (e.g., case goes to trial), how will cost increase?”
For clients eligible, legal aid might cover representation — consider whether the firm handles legal-aid clients or is purely private. GOV.UK+1
ABM & Mackenzie should provide clear terms of engagement including scope, likely fees and billing method.

(f) Strategy, resources and ability to litigate

You want a firm that not only handles “routine” cases, but can fight hard if needed — whether negotiation or going to trial. A good lawyer should not “push you into a plea” just because it’s easier. As one guide warns: “A lawyer should go to trial when it is best for you and should never pressure you to accept a plea deal unless it is truly in your best interest.” oneilldefence.co.uk
Check the firm can access barristers, experts (forensic, digital-forensics etc), investigative resources. The guide from Makwanas notes: “We have a team of barristers, King Counsel and the best experts on hand…” Makwana Solicitors | London Law Firm
Ask ABM & Mackenzie: “What’s your strategy for a case like mine? How many similar matters have you defended? If trial is necessary, what do you bring in?”

(g) Personal compatibility

This may be somewhat intangible, but very real: you should feel comfortable with the solicitor, minutes after your first meeting. Are they listening? Do they explain things without Legal-ese? Do you feel treated as a person, not a file number?
Especially in criminal defence, where the stress and consequences are significant, the human side matters.
Trust your instincts in that first consultation.

3. Step-by-step: How to select your solicitor

Here’s a suggested process structured for London criminal defence situations, and you can follow it guided by the above criteria.

Step 1: Clarify your case

What exactly are you being investigated for or charged with? (e.g., theft, assault, sexual offence, fraud, etc.)
Are you under arrest/in custody, being interviewed by police, or already charged? These matter for urgency.
What are your objectives? Minimise bail conditions? Avoid conviction? Clear your name? Know what you want.
Time is often critical. The moment police interview stage is reached, engaging a solicitor as soon as possible is wise.

Step 2: Short-list firms

Google “criminal defence solicitor London” + your type of offence.
Use the Law Society “Find a Solicitor” tool to check firms’ credentials. solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
Think about: are they London-based? Do they clearly advertise criminal defence? Do they list the relevant court(s)?
Include ABM & Mackenzie in your short-list. Visit their website https://abmackenzie.co.uk/ to check credentials, team profiles, area of law, testimonials, fee info.

Step 3: Initial consultations

Arrange a meeting or phone call with 1–3 firms. Many offer a free or low-cost initial discussion.
Ask prepared questions (based on the criteria above):
- How many years in criminal defence?
- How many cases of this type have you handled?
- Who will be working on my case? Will it be the senior partner or a junior lawyer?
- What is your strategy for my case? What are possible outcomes?
- How frequently will you update me? Via phone/email?
- What is the fee structure? Any likely additional costs?
- Are you familiar with the court and local prosecution team likely to handle my case?

Step 4: Evaluate your options

Compare the firms based on: specialisation, reputation, fees, strategy, your comfort level with them.
Avoid choosing purely on price – the cheapest may not be the best, especially with liberty at stake. As one forum pointed out: “You need a specialist… you may pay more… but it would likely cost you less in the long run.” MoneySavingExpert Forum
Consider the size of the firm: sometimes a smaller firm gives more personal attention, whereas a large firm might have more resources. Guides suggest for criminal law smaller or medium size can be better. Stuart Miller Solicitors
Check clear terms of engagement: who is your point of contact, how will you communicate, what is the fee estimate.

Step 5: Make the decision quickly

Time delays can be costly in criminal matters (evidence gathering, interviews, bail). A decision should ideally be made without undue delay.
Once you choose the firm (for example, ABM & Mackenzie), ensure you sign an engagement letter which states scope of work, fees, approximate timetable and who is handling your case.

Step 6: Monitor progress and stay engaged

A good solicitor will keep you informed and involve you in decisions (plea vs trial, strategy changes).
If you feel you’re not being updated, or you don’t understand what is happening, raise this. Communication is key.
Ask for plain-language explanations of legal moves.
Keep records of your meetings, communications, and any agreements.

Step 7: Review at key points

If your case goes to trial, you may need a different level of resource (barrister, experts). Confirm with your solicitor they will bring in those support resources.
If circumstances change (new evidence, witness statement, plea offer), revisit strategy and fees with your solicitor.
You can also evaluate mid-case: if you’re not satisfied, you could change solicitor – though this is disruptive and sometimes costly, so better to pick the right one initially.

4. Why choosing a London-based specialist like ABM & Mackenzie can be advantageous

When you narrow your search to London, a few specific things become more important — and why a firm like ABM & Mackenzie stands out:

Local court experience: They will have experience in London Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts. This means familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, courtroom culture and processes — which can be an advantage when shaping strategy.
Access to barristers & forensic experts: London firms often have strong links to leading barristers’ chambers and investigative/forensic specialists. If your case becomes complex (e.g., digital forensics, major fraud, serious sexual offence), you want this network.
Reputation in the London market: Client reviews, peer recognition, reputation matter. A London-firm with a strong standing may influence the dynamics of negotiations or how your case is approached by the prosecution.
Availability & urgency: Being London-based means potentially quicker face-to-face meetings, faster response, more immediate attention — all beneficial in criminal matters where time is of the essence.

On their website (https://abmackenzie.co.uk/), you would want to check that ABM & Mackenzie highlight their London base, list criminal defence as a core area, show team members with trial experience, and provide some indication of their approach (strategy, resources, communication). If all those boxes are ticked, they could be well-placed for your needs.

5. Common mistakes to avoid

It’s not just about doing the right things — it’s also about avoiding the wrong ones. Here are some frequent pitfalls:

Choosing on price alone: Cheap option isn’t always best. If a solicitor has limited experience or uses juniors without sufficient oversight, cost savings may come at major risk.
Assuming any… solicitor is enough: Because criminal law is specialized, picking a general solicitor who does a bit of criminal work may not suffice. Look for specialism. Makwana Solicitors | London Law Firm
Ignoring the contract or terms: Not clarifying who handles the case, when you’ll be updated, what happens if things change (go to trial), what extra costs may appear.
Neglecting communication style and comfort: A technically brilliant lawyer who you cannot understand or connect with can still leave you anxious and under-informed.
Waiting too long: If you delay engaging a solicitor until late in the process it may restrict your options (evidence gathering, bail review, early negotiations).
Not asking about trial readiness: Some solicitors might be good at plea deals but less comfortable going to trial; you want someone who can go the distance if required.
Failing to check credentials or complaints: Use the Law Society tool, check SRA status, look up reviews. solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk+1

6. What to expect from your solicitor (and what you must do)

Once you instruct a solicitor, you both have roles. Here’s what you should expect and what you must participate in.

What you should expect

A clear initial meeting: explanation of the legal process, likely phases of your case, possible outcomes.
Written terms of engagement covering who will manage your case, how you will be charged, what the scope of work is.
A named point of contact: often a senior solicitor or partner for major decisions and a junior for day-to-day.
Regular updates: especially when key events occur (interview scheduled, prosecution offers, pre-trial hearings).
Strategic advice: not just “we’ll do this” but “here’s what we suggest, why, and what your options are.”
Preparation: gathering evidence, liaising with barristers or experts, building your defence from day one.
Honesty: If your case is weak, you should hear that — a good solicitor doesn’t promise an impossible outcome.
Transparent fees: if things change (e.g., case goes to trial), you should be told how costs will increase, and how payment will be managed.

What you should do

Provide full and honest instructions: your lawyer can only help you if you tell them everything relevant, even things you’re embarrassed about.
Ask questions when you don’t understand: legal jargon, process, strategy — stay informed.
Keep in touch and respond: when your solicitor asks for documents, availability or instructions — delays may harm your case.
Attend meetings and court dates: your presence may be required; missing something can hurt the strategy.
Maintain confidentiality: don’t discuss your case in public or on-line in a way that could damage your position.
Follow advice: if your solicitor asks you not to speak to certain persons or to the media, take it seriously.
Stay calm and trust the process: while it’s stressful, your solicitor is there to guide you — your job is to cooperate.

7. Scenario-specific considerations for London

Since you’re looking at London (and a firm like ABM & Mackenzie likely operates there), a few extra pointers:

The London criminal courts are busy; delays, listing changes, large prosecution teams may apply. Having a solicitor familiar with those dynamics helps.
Travel and logistics: If you are based outside London but the case is in London, pick a firm that can handle in-person meetings or has good video-call arrangements.
If your case involves high profile or major offences (drugs, terrorism, white-collar fraud, sexual offences) then London firms generally have more specialist access (top barristers, expert forensic teams).
Ensure your solicitor is familiar with London’s legal aid landscape if your case is eligibility-based, since the London market may have particular funding and duty-solicitor arrangements.
Consider the firm’s capacity: London firms can be busy with high-end work — you want to ensure you will receive the attention your case demands, not get lost in a large roster.

8. Why you might choose ABM & Mackenzie (https://abmackenzie.co.uk/)

Given all the above, here are some specific reasons you might select this firm:

They are London-based (so they will understand the local court system, prosecution teams, logistics).
Their website indicates criminal defence is a core service; they likely have team members experienced in court and in London.
If they provide clear information on costs, team, credentials, and strategy, they align with best practice.
Engagement with a firm with this profile increases your chances of being treated seriously by the prosecution (not automatically, but having experienced legal representation often influences the dynamic).
They may offer initial consultation and be prepared to outline how they would approach your case.

Before instructing ABM & Mackenzie, you should still carry out the evaluation steps above: ask the specific questions, verify their credentials, check they have handled similar cases, ensure you feel comfortable with their communicator, clarify the fee structure, and ensure you’re clear on how your case will be managed.

9. Checklist: Questions to ask the solicitor

Here’s a handy checklist of questions you should ask at your first consultation or early on:

“How many years have you practised criminal defence in London?”
“How many cases similar to mine (type of offence, court, complexity) have you handled?”
“Who will manage my case day-to-day? Will it always be the same person, or will juniors rotate?”
“What strategy do you suggest for my case, and what alternative strategies may apply?”
“If my case goes to trial, what additional costs or resources (barrister, expert) will we need?”
“How will you keep me informed? How often? By phone/text/email?”
“What are the fees? Is there a fixed component? What happens if things go wrong or change (plea discussions, trial, new evidence)?”
“Are you familiar with the court that my case will be heard in (London Magistrates/Crown Court)? Have you appeared there recently?”
“What is your track record of results in cases like mine (without guaranteeing outcome)?”
“What happens if I don’t pay your fees, or if the case prolongs? Are there payment plans, legal-aid options?”
“What will you need me to do? What information/documents should I provide? What restrictions apply (e.g., speaking to media)?”
“How long do you estimate my case will take, from now to resolution? What are the key milestones?”

10. Final thoughts

Selecting the right criminal defence solicitor is not merely about finding someone to put their stamp on your file — it’s about partnering with a legal professional who will act strategically, communicate clearly, react promptly, and bring a deep knowledge of criminal law in London to your defence.

Here is a summary of the key imperatives:

Ensure specialism in criminal defence — you want a practitioner who deals with this all the time, not occasionally.
Confirm credentials and reputation — registration, reviews, recognition in directories.
Prioritise London-court experience — local familiarity can make a difference.
Demand good communication & personal fit — you must feel you can trust and work with this person.
Get clarity on fees and funding — transparency is essential.
Ensure trial readiness and resources — your solicitor should be able to escalate if your case requires it.
Act promptly — delay can reduce options.

If you proceed with ABM & Mackenzie Solicitors, you have a strong candidate among London-based firms. But do your diligence: verify the fit for your specific case, ask the questions above, and trust your judgement.