Criminal law · Guernsey
Your criminal lawyer in Guernsey
If you or your business faces a criminal investigation or charge in the Bailiwick, the right Advocate makes a material difference. Our free matching service connects you with a Guernsey criminal lawyer who understands the Royal Court and Magistrate’s Court.
- Free, no-obligation matching with a specialised Advocate
- Response within 24–48 hours from a Guernsey-based lawyer
- Clear guidance on criminal procedure, bail and appeal deadlines
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Why it matters
Criminal defence in Guernsey is not a copy of England
When you are interviewed under caution, charged or summoned before the Magistrate’s Court or the Royal Court, you need a criminal lawyer in Guernsey who is admitted as an Advocate of the Royal Court. Guernsey is a Crown Dependency with its own legislation, courts and customary law: English statutes do not apply automatically, and rules on arrest, bail, evidence and appeal often differ from those in England and Wales. Because Guernsey’s Advocates follow a fused profession—acting as both solicitor and barrister—you deal with one point of contact from first advice to trial and any appeal. Our matching service helps you choose an Advocate who regularly handles criminal matters in the Bailiwick, including representation before the Magistrate’s Court and the Full Court. There is no charge to be matched and no obligation to instruct the lawyer we suggest.
Local context
How criminal proceedings work in the Bailiwick
Guernsey, Alderney and Sark form one Bailiwick with a mixed legal system: Norman customary law, English common-law influence and local legislation. Criminal cases are heard in the Magistrate’s Court or the Royal Court, depending on the seriousness of the alleged offence.
Two trial courts for criminal matters
Summary criminal jurisdiction lies with the Magistrate’s Court, where a Judge sits alone. The most serious criminal cases are tried by the Full Court of the Royal Court, constituted by the Bailiff and at least seven Jurats. Your Advocate appears before either court.
The Advocate’s fused role
Guernsey Advocates are admitted by the Royal Court after passing Bar examinations and taking the oath in French. They act as both instructing lawyer and court advocate, so you work with a single professional throughout the case.
Appeals: 28-day deadline
A notice of appeal against conviction or sentence must be filed with the Registrar of the Court of Appeal within 28 days from conviction or sentence. Missing that deadline can end the appeal, which is why prompt advice matters.
Legal aid for criminal defence
State-funded representation is available where the interests of justice require it—for example, if conviction carries a real risk of custody, loss of livelihood or serious reputational harm. Your Advocate can help you apply.
French heritage in court
Although proceedings are in English, the French legal tradition remains: Advocates take their oath in French and wear a toque rather than a wig. Court names such as the Greffe and the Bailli reflect the Bailiwick’s Norman roots.
No contingency fees
Guernsey Bar Rules prohibit success-fee arrangements and damages-based agreements. Your lawyer’s fees are usually charged at an hourly rate, and legal aid may reduce the cost if you are eligible.
Key time limit — Criminal Law
Criminal appeal – conviction/sentence — 28 days from conviction/sentence. Notice filed with Registrar of Court of Appeal.
Data verified against official Guernsey sources and the Royal Court’s practice guidance, last reviewed August 2026.
- Legal and Court System in Guernsey – Appleby
- Advocates of the Royal Court – Guernsey Royal Court
- Guernsey Bar
- Collas Crill Explains Prescription
- Defamation & Reputation Management – Chambers
- Prescription and Limitation – Ferbrache Farrell
- Time Limits – Bedell Cristin
- Requirements Employment – EEOS
- Matrimonial Causes – Royal Court
- Evictions – Royal Court
- Rent Control – Gov.gg
- Court of Appeal Practice Directions – Royal Court
- Legal Aid and Costs – Royal Court
Common situations
Where a criminal lawyer in Guernsey can step in
These are the moments when early advice makes the most difference.
Cautioned or arrested
Being interviewed by police without advice can harm your defence. A criminal lawyer in Guernsey can attend, advise on what to say and help you understand the process before you answer questions.
Facing charges in the Royal Court
Serious criminal charges are tried by the Full Court with Jurats deciding facts. The stakes are high, and an experienced Advocate will prepare your defence and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Appealing a conviction or sentence
The 28-day appeal deadline is strict. If you miss it, your appeal may be barred. A lawyer can assess grounds, prepare the notice and represent you before the Court of Appeal.
What you get
Why use our matching service
We remove the guesswork from finding a local criminal defence Advocate.
Free, no-obligation matching
Tell us about your matter and we match you with a criminal lawyer in Guernsey whose experience fits the charge you face. You decide whether to instruct them.
Fast response
Most requests receive a first response from a lawyer within 24–48 hours, so you are not left waiting when quick advice on bail or interview matters.
Local knowledge
Every lawyer on our panel is admitted as an Advocate of the Royal Court and practises in the Bailiwick, including the Magistrate’s Court and Court of Appeal.
Confidential and secure
Your enquiry is handled discreetly. No details are shared with third parties, and you remain in control of whether to proceed with a consultation.
Coverage
Other jurisdictions we cover
Our legal matching service covers Guernsey and its neighbouring jurisdictions in Europe. If you need representation in another country, we can help you find a local lawyer.
FAQs
Questions clients ask about criminal defence in Guernsey
Do I need a criminal lawyer in Guernsey if the police only want to interview me?
Yes. Anything you say in a police interview can be used later. An Advocate can attend, advise you on whether to answer questions and ensure the process is lawful, which protects your position from the start.
What is the difference between the Magistrate’s Court and the Royal Court?
The Magistrate’s Court hears summary criminal matters with a judge sitting alone. The Royal Court’s Full Court tries the most serious cases with the Bailiff and at least seven Jurats deciding facts. Your lawyer will explain which court applies.
Are Guernsey’s criminal laws the same as in England?
No. Guernsey is a Crown Dependency with its own legislature and courts. English statutes do not automatically apply, and English case law is persuasive only. Your defence must be built on Bailiwick law and local procedure.
Can I get legal aid for a criminal case in Guernsey?
Legal aid may be available if the interests of justice require it—for example, where conviction carries a real risk of custody, loss of livelihood or serious reputational harm. Your lawyer can help assess your eligibility.
What is the deadline to appeal a criminal conviction or sentence?
You must file a notice of appeal with the Registrar of the Court of Appeal within 28 days from conviction or the pronouncement of sentence. This deadline is strict, so seek advice immediately if you are considering an appeal.
Do Guernsey lawyers wear wigs in criminal cases?
No. Advocates wear bands, a robe and a toque—a black hat in the style worn by French advocates—but not wigs. This reflects Guernsey’s Norman legal heritage and its fused legal profession.
Next step
Find the right criminal defence Advocate
Send a confidential summary of your situation. We will match you with a criminal lawyer in Guernsey who can advise on your next steps—free of charge and without obligation.