Old Bailey Solicitors, Regulatory and Criminal Defence Lawyers

12/10/2026

If you’re arrested and taken into police custody, what actually happens next?

From arriving at the police station and speaking to the custody officer, to being interviewed and eventually released or charged, the custody process can be unfamiliar and daunting, particularly if you have never been arrested before.

You also have important rights while in custody, including the right to free and independent legal advice.

In our latest blog, Zoe Corderoy, Paralegal, explains police custody procedures in Brighton, including what happens when you arrive, your rights while detained, what to expect during a police interview and how long you can be held in custody.

She also explains the role a solicitor can play throughout the process and why seeking legal advice at the earliest opportunity is important.

Read the full guide:
https://www.oblaw.co.uk/police-custody-brighton-guide/

10/10/2026

If the police seize your phone or laptop during a criminal investigation, how long are they allowed to keep it?

There is no fixed period for which the police are automatically entitled to retain an electronic device, and there must be a lawful basis for continuing to keep it.

Jessica Sale, Paralegal, explains the police's powers to seize and retain electronic devices, when a forensic copy may be sufficient and what happens when the device is no longer needed.

Read the full blog:
https://www.oblaw.co.uk/police-seize-electronic-devices/

05/10/2026

We’re proud to be recognised as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500 UK 2027 rankings.

We’re also delighted to see three members of our team individually recognised as Recommended Lawyers:
Rod Hayler, Solicitor & Managing Director
Camilla Rents, Director and Solicitor Advocate
Jeanette Appleton, Chartered Legal Executive Advocate

This recognition reflects the specialist expertise and commitment of our team, and the work they do every day to support our clients.

Thank you to our clients and peers for their continued trust and recognition, and to the whole Old Bailey Solicitors team.

05/10/2026

Sentencing Myth vs Fact: Being sentenced means you’re going to prison.

A custodial sentence is only one of the options available to the courts.

In this video, Rod Hayler explains the different types of sentences that can be imposed, including fines, conditional discharges, community orders and imprisonment.

👉 Watch the video to separate myth from fact.

16/09/2026

Does a longer prison sentence always make society safer?

The Sentencing Act 2026 has sparked considerable debate around early release, prison overcrowding and the role imprisonment should play in our criminal justice system.

In his latest blog, Rod Hayler, Solicitor and Managing Director, looks beyond the headlines to consider the role of rehabilitation, the reality of community sentences and whether tackling the underlying causes of offending could ultimately do more to reduce reoffending and prevent future victims.

Read Rod's full blog:
https://www.oblaw.co.uk/the-sentencing-act-2026-changes/

14/09/2026

We are grateful to receive this kind feedback from a client who was supported by Camilla Rents throughout a sensitive criminal case..

This testimonial highlights the reassurance and meticulous preparation Camilla provided throughout the case, alongside the support and representation of Michaela, Francesca and John of 5 St Andrews Hill, whom the client described as “stars in their own right”.

Thank you to our client for sharing their experience and for their generous words about Camilla and everyone involved in their case.

Read more client testimonials:
https://www.oblaw.co.uk/client-testimonials/

11/09/2026

A charging decision isn’t always something you simply have to wait for.

For someone who has been interviewed under caution and released, pre charge engagement can, in appropriate cases, provide an opportunity to address the evidence and make representations before the police or Crown Prosecution Service decides whether to bring charges.

This may involve presenting evidence that supports an individual’s account, addressing inaccuracies, highlighting lines of enquiry or making formal representations. However, knowing whether to engage, and what information to provide, requires careful consideration of the individual case and wider defence strategy.

In her latest blog, Director Camilla Rents explains how pre charge engagement works, when it may be beneficial and why early advice from specialist criminal defence solicitors can make a significant difference.

The blog also provides useful insight for fellow professionals advising clients or colleagues who may be facing a criminal investigation.

Read more: https://www.oblaw.co.uk/pre-charge-engagement-explained/

07/09/2026

31/08/2026

Witness interference can have serious legal consequences.

Whether it involves intimidating a witness, encouraging someone to change their evidence or attempting to prevent them from attending court, allegations of witness interference are treated seriously and may lead to offences such as witness intimidation or perverting the course of justice.

In her latest blog, Kelsey Reid, Paralegal, explains what witness interference is, the offences that can arise, and why obtaining specialist legal advice as early as possible is so important if you are under investigation.

Read more: https://www.oblaw.co.uk/what-is-witness-interference/