Private Defence For People With The Most To Lose.
When allegations threaten reputation, career, business or liberty, legal representation is only part of the challenge.
Chambers UK 2025, Crime
"He has such good judgement, really gets involved with the case and fights for his client's best interests."– Chambers UK, 2025
The Private Defence practice is structured for individuals whose lives and livelihoods cannot withstand the standard trajectory of the criminal justice system. Craig works on the understanding that for the clients he represents through Forbes Solicitors, the collateral damage of an investigation is often more severe than the legal penalty itself.
Beyond Legal Representation
Standard legal defence focuses exclusively on the courtroom. Our approach is holistic, addressing the intersecting threats that accompany high-stakes allegations:
- Reputational Damage: Managing the media, internal stakeholders, and digital footprint to prevent the allegation from defining your public profile.
- Professional Consequences: Anticipating and mitigating action by regulatory bodies (GMC, FCA, SRA, etc.) to protect your ability to practice.
- Business Disruption: Shielding corporate entities from the fallout of investigations into key personnel.
Discretion and Control
Craig prioritises absolute discretion. The most successful engagements are those that resolve quietly, without public knowledge or regulatory intervention. His strategy is designed to maintain control of the narrative and force early, favourable resolutions.
Are You A...
Your profession shapes both the risk and the strategy. See how Craig works with regulated professionals.
Related Situations
The Police Have Contacted Me
Immediate guidance on initial police contact and your strategic options before responding.
I Have Been Asked To Attend A Voluntary Interview
Understanding your rights and risks before attending a voluntary police interview.
A Search Warrant Has Been Executed
Immediate steps during and after a police search of your home or business.
My Phone Has Been Seized By Police
Digital evidence guidance when police have seized your phone or devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suggested Reading
Defending Criminal Investigations: The Ultimate Guide
A comprehensive strategic guide to defending police and pre-charge criminal investigations in England and Wales: fifteen chapters from first allegation to final outcome.
Understanding Criminal Investigations: A Strategic Guide
The definitive guide to criminal defence in England and Wales for professionals. What to expect, how to protect yourself, and how strategic defence works.
Police Search Warrants: A Strategic Guide for Homes, Businesses and Professionals
A strategic guide to police search warrants in England and Wales: the powers behind a search, what can be seized, privileged and protected material, and why the period immediately after the search may be decisive.
The wider picture
What else could this affect?
An investigation rarely stays in one place. These are the areas that, depending on the facts, may also need to be considered.
Your reputation
An allegation, even one that is never charged, can create reputational exposure that benefits from a considered, strategic approach.
Your privacy
Protecting privacy, including who knows what and when, is often a central concern and can be planned from the outset.
Your assets
Some investigations raise questions about assets or restraint; where relevant, this should be assessed early with advice.
Media interest
Some investigations attract press or online attention; how and when anything becomes public may need to be considered carefully.
Your family
Investigations place real pressure on families; managing the practical and emotional impact is part of a considered approach.
Your liberty
A criminal investigation can carry the risk of arrest, bail conditions or, ultimately, prosecution; the position should be assessed early.
Before you act
The decision you may be facing next
People in your position often face one of these decisions before anything else. Each one is best made with advice, not under pressure.
Should I agree to attend an interview?
Should I provide documents that have been requested?
Should I seek pre-charge representation now?
Discretion & reputation
Protecting your reputation and privacy
For high-net-worth clients, protecting privacy, reputation and assets is often as important as the criminal question itself, and benefits from a discreet strategy.
Your reputation
An allegation, even one that is never charged, can create reputational exposure that benefits from a considered, strategic approach.
Your privacy
Protecting privacy, including who knows what and when, is often a central concern and can be planned from the outset.
Your assets
Some investigations raise questions about assets or restraint; where relevant, this should be assessed early with advice.
Media interest
Some investigations attract press or online attention; how and when anything becomes public may need to be considered carefully.
expertise
Over 700 Trials Conducted Personally
Unparalleled courtroom experience built across two decades. Every case is led by Craig MacKenzie, not delegated.
expertise
Experience in the Most Serious Cases
From murder and terrorism to organised crime, large-scale conspiracies and cross-border investigations, Craig MacKenzie has extensive experience defending clients in the most serious and complex criminal cases. That experience shapes every decision, from the first police interview through to trial.
access
Direct Partner Access
Your case is led personally by Craig MacKenzie. You have direct access to your solicitor, with all key decisions, strategy and advice provided at partner level. Behind the scenes, Craig is supported by an experienced legal team to ensure your case is progressed efficiently without compromising on the quality of advice.
Do You Require Advice About Your Circumstances?
This material provides general information and is not a substitute for advice about a specific investigation or case.
Craig provides legal services exclusively through Forbes Solicitors. To make an initial enquiry, contact Craig at:
craig.mackenzie@forbessolicitors.co.uk
An enquiry does not constitute an instruction. Forbes Solicitors must confirm in writing that it has accepted the matter before any solicitor–client relationship arises.