If you are suspected of committing a criminal offence, your choice of lawyer will be the most important decision you make. A conviction of any type can have major implications; not just for you, but also your loved ones. The risk of losing your liberty, reputation, home, business or livelihood is simply too much. It is therefore critical you find a lawyer with the right blend of experience, skills and expertise to handle your case.
I am a leading criminal defence Barrister. Through my experience of being involved in some of the most challenging cases in the country, I have developed a wealth of experience in all aspects of criminal and regulatory law; whether that is pre-charge advice and strategy, disclosure, applications to dismiss, abuse of process, trial preparation and tactics, sentencing or appeal. Whatever the charge, I have handled every type of case you can think of. Most important of all, I have an extremely high success rate.
I am recognised as one of the top criminal, fraud and regulatory defence Barristers in the country. I am a member of 2 Bedford Row; a highly acclaimed Barristers’ Chambers, based in London. I am frequently instructed to advise and represent a wide variety of clients, both domestically and abroad.
I am consistently recommended in the leading independent legal directories as a leader in my field. To see what the Chambers and Partners Directory and the Legal 500 say about me, please see the testimonials section of this website.
I am an accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator, a registered practitioner at the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) and I also have approval to conduct cases at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Because of my reputation in criminal litigation, I am frequently asked to help clients in highly contentious cases which require intense preparation and skilled presentation in court. My extensive experience covers a wide spectrum of allegations; including homicide, robbery, firearms, serious sexual offences, large scale organised crime involving price fixing, insider dealing, corruption, cartel offences, human and drugs trafficking, money laundering and high value serious fraud.
My experience of advocacy in the criminal courts has led to accepting instructions from a wide range of professionals facing disciplinary action taken against them by their regulators, particularly those involved in the medical, dental and healthcare sector.
I am often instructed at the earliest stages of investigations to give clients the benefit of my advice and assistance during what is often a critical stage in a criminal or regulatory inquiry.
Whether you are an individual or a business, if you need my help, do not hesitate to contact me. I have a hands on and down to earth approach and I believe in giving 100% dedication and commitment to every case. I believe in working together as a team to help you achieve the best resolution to your problem.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you think I can help you. You can email me at enquiries@ashrafkhan.co.uk or call me on 020 7440 8888 to talk to me directly.
What is Direct Public Access?
Previously members of the public could only access specialist services of a Barrister through an authorised intermediary, such as a Solicitor. These rules have now changed. You may contact me directly and engage my services. It's simple - just call me on 07932077605 or email me on enquiries@ashrafkhan.co.uk
What areas of law do I specialise in?
Fundamentally, I am a criminal defence practitioner and take on any type of case which involves an alleged criminal wrongdoing. I appear in the Magistrates' Courts through to the Higher Courts throughout England and Wales. Because of my specialist skills in advocacy and courtroom tactics, I am also increasingly instructed in inquests, regulatory and professional disciplinary cases where robust and effective advocacy is required.
I provide full advice and representation in the following areas:
- Fraud/Financial Crime
- Crime, including serious and organised crime
- Coroner's Inquests
- Health and Safety Prosecutions
- Professional Regulation and Compliance
- Corporate Crime, Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement
- Tax investigations
- Restraint Orders and Cash Seizures
- Confiscation Hearings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
I also provide a comprehensive service in the following matters:
- Second opinions in cases where clients or their families wish to have a conviction and/or sentence looked at by independent counsel with a view to pursuing it to the Court of Appeal.
- Initial advice and assistance on general legal matters where a client just wants guidance about a legal matter troubling him/her. Even if I cannot help you myself, I am happy to direct you to another expert who can provide the same cost effective service.
How do I charge my fees?
My fee structure is simple. Although I can charge hourly rates, I believe clients should know from the outset exactly how much the advice and/or representation will cost. For this reason I believe the cheapest and most cost effective method is to agree a fixed fee for the work that needs to be done. Fees are agreed on a case by case basis.
Can you instruct me directly even if you have already instructed a Solicitor?
You may still instruct me directly even though you have already instructed a Solicitor. In appropriate cases I can still accept your instructions even if you have retained the services of a Solicitor.
What are the advantages of instructing me directly?
You will receive specialist legal help and guidance from a highly regarded expert. You will not incur the additional cost of a Solicitor. In most cases, I work on a fixed fees basis. This gives you more certainty over costs, unlike hourly rates. Although my chambers are based in London, I work all over the country.
How can you instruct me?
Simple - just call me directly on 07932077605 to speak to me or email me on enquiries@ashrafkhan.co.uk. After an initial discussion, we will agree a way forward.
Can you instruct me if you are abroad?
Yes. If you are resident in another country and if you think my expertise can help you find a solution to your legal problem, please contact me. Most meetings can take place using video conferencing through the Skype, Zoom or MS Teams platform. It's that easy. In appropriate cases, I can also come to you.
I have advised many client's living abroad who have outstanding criminal or regulatory issues in England and Wales. In addition, I have experience of representing clients in other jurisdictions which have enacted English Common Law. I am a registered practitioner at the Dubai International Finance Centre and an approved advocate at the International Criminal Court. Most of my international instructions come from clients living in British overseas territories and United Arab Emirates.
How do I work?
I strongly believe in accessibility and flexibility. I'm generally available most of the time. I do not limit myself to working normal working hours. Once we have had our initial discussion, we agree a plan of action and keep in touch throughout the life of the case through a combination of face to face meetings, texts, phone calls, emails and Zoom/Teams/Skype. We work together as a team.
I have links with lots of other experts, for example, forensic accountants, private investigators, fingerprint experts, handwriting experts, medical professionals and many more. If we need to bring in outside expertise, I know the right people.