Hodge Jones & Allen Criminal Defence

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As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, Partner Darrell Ennis-Gayle reflects on one of the profession’s most prominent criminal barristers, the legendary Courtney Griffiths KC. Darrell honours his legacy and looks back at other key figures who have shaped the rich history of Black lawyers in the UK.

We’re delighted to again be recognised as one of the leading Criminal Defence teams in the Legal 500 UK 2026 Guide. We’ve maintained our Top Tier ranking in the category Crime: General, and earned an improved ranking for our “Financial Crime & Regulatory” team in White Collar Crime.

#Legal5002026

Learn how to protect your driving future: www.hja.net/expert-comme...

How do penalty points affect your licence, insurance, and right to drive?

Sean Caulfield and Sadie Funnell explain the risks and what steps to take if you're facing disqualification.

Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors Joins New APIL Scheme To Support Victims Of Negligence Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors has joined APIL’s new scheme to strengthen support for victims of negligence, campaigning for better rights and treatment for injured people.

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Too often, victims of negligence are overlooked or misunderstood.

That’s why we’re joining @apiluk.bsky.social’s new partnership scheme supporting victims of negligence.

Leticia Williams will lead our collaboration as we work to strengthen victims’ rights & drive real reform.

#PersonalInjury

Image: Close-up of a person in handcuffs sitting at a table with a lawyer writing notes on a clipboard during a legal consultation. Text: How can I challenge conditions imposed as part of pre-charge bail?

What are your rights if you're released on pre-charge bail?

In protest-related arrests, bail conditions can cross the line into disproportionate restrictions on civil liberties. Francesca Cociani & Kit Gamble explore what you can do if bail is being used to suppress lawful protest.

Laura O’Brien appeared on @aljazeera.com warning of the growing suppression of voices around #Gaza.

With international journalists banned from entering the region & groups like Palestine Action being proscribed here, are political interests being protected at the cost of truth?

#RightToProtest

Retirees are being arrested under terrorism laws for peaceful protest.

@katiemcfadden.bsky.social speaks to @arabnews.bsky.social, describing how these individuals are stepping forward because they recognise the threat to fundamental freedoms.

#RightToProtest #PalestineAction #FreedomOfSpeech

#Cuckooing will soon be a specific offence under the #CrimeAndPolicingBill 2025.

Partner, Sean Caulfield & Trainee, Louisa Reddin discuss how effective implementation of the new offence will depend on more than just legislation, nuance is key in protecting victims rather than punishing them.

Best-selling Irish author Sally Rooney has pledged to donate a portion of her earnings to support #PalestineAction.

@katiemcfadden.bsky.social joined Ben Kentish on @lbc.co.uk to unpack the legal risks Rooney may now face under UK anti-terrorism laws. 1/2

#RightToProtest #PeacefulProtest

Raj Chada spoke to @lewisgoodall.com on @lbc.co.uk about the implications of proscribing #PalestineAction.

This decision breaks new ground by using property damage as a reason to label a group terrorist, a move with wide-reaching consequences for political protest. 1/2

#RightToProtest

The proscription of #PalestineAction sends a chilling message about the #RightToProtest.

Senior Associate, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social appeared on BBC News to challenge this criminalisation of protest. Even the arresting officers are beginning to see the flaws in this policy.

#FreeSpeech

Is the right to protest being unfairly redefined and restricted?

Partner, Laura O’Brien joins James Hanson on @lbc.co.uk to outline the legal implications around the Palestine Action ban and why it may potentially threaten all protest rights. 1/3

#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience

Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer by training, a leader by conviction.

Gandhi pioneered peaceful resistance & reshaped the fight for justice in India & beyond.

His story is a reminder that true power often lies in peaceful resistance.

#SAHM2025 #RootsToRoutes #SouthAsianHeritageMonth

As public concern grows over the recent proscription of Palestine Action, @katiemcfadden.bsky.social joins Peter Caldwell on Talk TV to outline practical steps for protestors and defends the principle of dissent at the heart of democracy. 1/4

#PalestineAction #RightToProtest #CivilDisobedience

Wrongly Accused: How We Can Help Get Your Case Dropped Been wrongly accused of a crime? Learn how our criminal defence solicitors can help get your case dropped through legal representation, evidence, and strategic action.

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Image: Young man stood in court Text: Wrongly Accused - How we can help get your case dropped

What does it take to get a criminal case dropped?

Associate, Ghislaine Sandoval examines some of the tools at a solicitor’s disposal to challenge weak or unjust prosecutions.

If you’ve been unfairly charged, the legal system still gives you a chance to fight back.

#WronglyAccused #CriminalDefence

‘A Practical Guide to Sentencing in Protest Cases’ by Laura O’Brien ISBN: 978-1-916698-89-5 Published: June 2025 Read a FREE chapter online now Purchase from ourselves by adding to cart below, or purchase with optional Prime delivery from Amazon, here.

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Cover of a legal guide titled 'A Practical Guide to Sentencing in Protest Cases' featuring police officers in high-visibility jackets holding batons in formation with headshot of author, Laura O'brien.

At a time when the legal landscape for protest is under intense scrutiny, ‘A Practical Guide to Sentencing in Protest Cases’ by Laura O’Brien provides clarity where it’s most needed.

A timely and indispensable read for those working in this fast-evolving area of law.

#ProtestLaw #RightToProtest

Are we witnessing the quiet criminalisation of protest? 2/2

#FreeSpeech #RuleOfLaw #Protest

Peaceful protesters continue to be arrested following the #PalestineAction ban.

Partner, Raj Chada speaks to @shelaghfogarty.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to argue that proscription law is unclear, incoherent & nonsensical.

It is a sign of authoritarianism & abuse of power. 1/2

Bristol Harbour Festival A weekend of total Harbour Festival fun from 19 - 21 July 2024. Five areas jam-packed the with the best of Bristol's talent including mind-blowing circus and on-the-water stunts. See you there!

Learn more here: www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

Defending Protest Demanding Justice Join Raj Chada & Gaie Delap as they discuss legal justice in activism. Sunday 20th July 15:00

Don’t miss Raj Chada, Partner & Head of our Crime, at the #BristolHarbourFestival this weekend in discussion with Gaie Delap, whose #JustStopOil protest led to a 20-month prison sentence.

From arrest to release, their session will unpack the legal fight for protest rights in today’s UK.

Partner, Raj Chada joins Jim Diamond on LBC to explain why a move to juryless trials is a dangerous shortcut that risks fair justice.

Funding and reform are needed, but not at the expense of a cornerstone of our legal system.

#JuryTrial #JusticeSystem #LegalSupport

Our Right to Protest - a spotlight on environmental defenders Join Wera Hobhouse MP and N1M for a panel discussion examining rights violations faced by environmental defenders

Learn more here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/our-right-...

Protesters and security personnel stand near a metal fence during an environmental demonstration event announcement.

Partner, Raj Chada is delighted to be chairing the panel discussion on the #RightToProtest, a spotlight on environmental defenders, with many great activists & some MPs dropping by.

Our democratic right to protest must be protected against troubling recent moves by our leaders to stifle dissent.

Francesca Cociani

Find out more about Francesca's work here: www.hja.net/legal-team/f...

The proscription of #PalestineAction led to dozens of arrests over the weekend.

Senior Associate, Francesca Cociani joined Ash Sarkar on @novaramedia.com to discuss these developments with peaceful protesters facing being labelled as terrorists for holding up a sign.

#PeacefulProtest #ProtestLaw