What Astons Law Chambers does
- Possession allegations, including with intent to supply.
- Supply, conspiracy, and importation cases.
- Cultivation and production matters.
- Forensic challenges — purity, weight, attribution.
Process
- A short call to identify the allegation, the evidence the police are relying on, and any next date.
- A written client-care letter setting out scope and fee.
- Disclosure review, expert input where the forensics warrant it, and trial strategy.
- Representation at the Magistrates’ Court or, more often, the Crown Court.
Instructing directly
A solicitor is not required for this work.
Astons Law Chambers is authorised under the Bar Standards Board's Public Access scheme to accept instructions directly from members of the public. The practice is also authorised to conduct litigation, so the case can be run end-to-end without a separate solicitor. Suitability is assessed during the first call; where a solicitor is needed, Astons Law Chambers will say so and refer where useful.
For matters that qualify for public funding, see how legal aid works at Astons Law Chambers — eligible cases are referred to a partner solicitor firm at no cost.
How Direct Access works →Common questions
- Will my case go to the Crown Court?
- Simple possession often stays in the Magistrates’ Court. Supply, importation, and conspiracy allegations are tried at the Crown Court.
- Can the forensic evidence be challenged?
- Often, yes. Purity, weight, and attribution to the defendant are all open to challenge. The route depends on the disclosure and what an independent expert says.
- I’ve been told to expect a long sentence — is that right?
- It is too early to know. Sentence depends on the role accepted, the weight, and personal mitigation. The first call covers a realistic view, not a worst-case one.
Disclosure
The schedules drive the defence.
Drug cases turn on what is in the disclosure schedules and what is missing from them. Early review sets the strategy.
Call nowBefore you call
A short, useful first call covers three things:
- The allegation and any charge.
- Any next hearing date.
- What you have been told so far.
If you don't have all three, call anyway — the first call is free.
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