JR Criminal Defence
With 25 years of experience and a deep & intuitive understanding of the British legal system,
Joe Rawlings has successfully defended clients across the criminal law spectrum and from all walks of life.
He is particularly well known and respected for representing those accused of domestic abuse offences and those alleged to have been involved in serious organised crime.
Email : info@jrcriminaldefence.com Tel: 0161 615 5557
Joe Rawlings | MA, LLB Hons
Higher Court Advocate & Duty Solicitor.
Joe Rawlings is a highly experienced solicitor with over 25 years of expertise in criminal defence, having worked extensively across the Northwest. He began his career at a leading defence firm and later became a consultant for Tuckers Solicitors, the largest criminal defence firm in the UK.
​
Renowned as a skilled advocate, Joe is well-respected for his work in the Magistrates' Court, Crown Court, and Court of Appeal. With two decades of daily advocacy in the Crown Court, his experience extends to complex jury trials. Joe frequently handles cases involving intricate legal issues, whether during pre-charge investigations or post-charge proceedings.
​
Joe is known for his dynamic and proactive approach to defending clients in criminal investigations and prosecutions. He has represented individuals facing serious allegations, including those involved in serious organised crime and terrorism-related offences.
As a dedicated criminal defence consultant, I have the flexibility to offer my clients a direct and personal service. To ensure you have the full protection and resources required for your case, I work with a select number of leading, SRA-regulated law firms across the North West. This means you get my personal expertise, backed by the robust regulatory and insurance framework of an established practice.
"Rigorous and Tenacious Defence and Empathy for those who we Represent".
His portfolio includes numerous high-profile cases, ranging from large-scale drug conspiracies to organised crime, rape, and murder.
Currently, Joe is currently involved in a five-year investigation and now prosecution into the Rochdale grooming gangs. This extensive case involves nearly 50 suspects and encompasses five separate trials.
​
Joe is also highly experienced in dealing with intra-familial domestic allegations, often involving claims of sexual offences, assault, coercive control, malicious communications, breaches of restraining orders, harassment and stalking and more. These emotionally charged and complex cases require a nuanced understanding of the law to build a strong defence and avoid a successful prosecution.
​
He is particularly skilled at handling cases arising from social media offences, where clients face criminal prosecution for their online actions.
​
In domestic violence-related cases, Joe excels in pre-charge representation, leveraging the Attorney General Disclosure Guidelines 2020. By engaging with the police and CPS during the investigation stage, Joe ensures a balanced process, often advocating for cases not to proceed to prosecution or for alternative resolutions.
​
Road Traffic-He has secured acquittals in cases which other lawyers advised were unwinnable and has acted in many successful appeals after being asked to take over from other firms.
​
Joe has dealt with all types of criminal road traffic cases, from minor careless driving matters to highly serious fatality cases. He also possesses a technical acumen for defending drink and drug driving cases via complex legal arguments.
​
There are many (not all) in this field who are unscrupulous and offer highly inflated fees for substandard representation. This is not Joe Rawlings! He prides himself on offering a high standard of representation for a reasonable fee in this area of work.
One of Joe’s key strengths is his tenacious preparation and presentation of his clients' cases. At the same time, he remains approachable and empathetic, as highlighted by numerous client testimonials praising his professionalism and dedication.
The strength of a skilled criminal defence lawyer is evident in their ability to secure favorable outcomes in difficult circumstances.
- Joe Rawlings
