Criminal Law
Always on your side
If you have been charged with a criminal offence we realise it can be a stressful and worrying experience.
At James Murray Solicitors we are experts in defending your rights, from the Magistrates Court to the Court of Appeal.
We realise that every case is different and promise to provide you with the best, professional and honest advice at all times. With us you will never be just another number.
Our dedicated team will ensure your case is properly prepared so you know what to expect when your case goes to court.
We will take care to take a proper note of your statement of events, help you find witnesses to support your case and even visit the site of the alleged offence and take photographs if necessary.
We have unrivalled contacts and access to the best expert witnesses and barristers across the country.
Our lawyers are also experienced in dealing with high-profile cases and are well versed in handling the media should your case attract press attention.
Please click here for an initial consultation.
The team:
From the outset you will have an experienced team of people handling your case. James Murray Solicitors is probably Merseyside’s largest criminal department. Our growth has been based on personal recommendations and known legal expertise.
Key Players:
Jim Murray LLB (Hons) – founder and senior partner.
Jim is senior partner and founder of James Murray Solicitors.
He is a specialist in criminal law and holds the Higher Courts Qualification for Advocacy, which means in addition to the Magistrates Courts, he can also represent clients in the Crown Court.
Jim has a reputation for meticulous preparation of his cases and is a well known figure in the courts.
To contact Jim please call 0151 933 3333
or e-mail jmurray@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Paul Fletcher LLB (Hons) – Managing Partner
Paul Fletcher heads up the crime department and qualified as a solicitor in 1998.
A graduate of both Northumbria and Liverpool John Moores Universities, he joined James Murray Solicitors in 1995.
Paul holds the Higher Rights Qualification for solicitors and can therefore also represent clients in all Criminal courts.
He is also qualified as a Duty Solicitor for Liverpool police stations and courts and is an elected member of the Regional Duty Solicitor Committee.
He has been involved in several high profile court actions during his career and is also a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, where he teaches Crime and Advanced Criminal Studies.
To contact Paul please call 0151 933 3333
or e-mail pfletcher@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Mark Ellis LLB (Hons) – Partner
Mark Ellis qualified as a solicitor in 1992 after obtaining a degree from the University of Central Lancashire, Preston.
He holds the Higher Courts Qualification for Advocacy in Criminal Courts and is a Duty Solicitor for the South Sefton area.
Mark joined the firm in 2000 and his exceptional ability helped him rise to partner level in 2004.
He has scores of successful court outcomes, including matters such as serious drugs, assault and theft-related offences.
He also specialises in motoring and driving offences and is a regular contributor to CityTalk radio where he advises and assists the people of Merseyside with their legal queries.
To contact Mark please call 0151 933 3333
or e-mail mellis@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Steve Charters LLB (hons), solicitor
To contact Steve please call 0151 933 3333
or e-mail scharters@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Steve qualified as a lawyer in 2004 having completed his degree at Liverpool John Moores University.
He is an experienced duty solicitor and has worked on several high profile criminal trials including serious drugs cases.
Mel Tomlinson BA (hons), solicitor
To contact Mel please call 0151 207 9910
or e-mail crime@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Mel joined the firm in 2005 having previously worked at Morecrofts Solicitors in Crosby.
She is a duty solicitor in South Sefton and has vast experience of dealing with a variety of criminal cases, including drugs and sexual offences matters.
Peter Williams BA (hons), solicitor
To contact Peter please call 0151 207 9910
or e-mail pwilliams@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
A graduate of Warwick University, Peter joined the firm in 2003 and qualified as a solicitor in 2005.
He is a duty solicitor with extensive experience in criminal cases, but is also a specialist in family law, especially cases involving children.
Chris MacMaster BA (hons), solicitor
To contact Chris please call 0151 207 9910
or e-mail cmacmaster@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Chris qualified as a lawyer two years ago having graduated from Bangor University.
He is a duty solicitor and has experience of all types of criminal cases, including serious offences such as murder and rape.
Ian McArdle LLB (hons), solicitor
To contact Ian please call 0151 207 9910
or e-mail imcardle@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
A graduate of Liverpool John Moores University, Ian joined the firm in 2007.
He works in criminal cases and regularly attends court but also has extensive experience in prison law such as Parole Board Hearings and family proceedings.
Tracy Reynolds, legal executive
To contact Tracy please call 0151 207 9910
or e-mail treynolds@jamesmurray.law.co.uk
Tracy has over 15 years experience in dealing with criminal matters. She regularly deals with drugs conspiracies and other serious criminal matters.
Tracy enjoys working in criminal litigation, and regularly works closely with experienced Counsel in the preparation of complex cases. Tracy is someone who has great skill in paying attention to detail and is meticulous in her preparation.
