An attempted murder charge is among the most serious allegations anyone can face. Our solicitors for attempted murder build a meticulous defence around the prosecution's burden of proof, from the first police interview to the Crown Court verdict. If you or someone you care about has been arrested or charged, we act immediately and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Attempted murder is defined by section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981. A person is guilty when they do an act that is more than merely preparatory to killing another person and they intend that person to die. Unlike manslaughter, there must be a specific intention to kill, not simply to cause serious harm.
The courts treat attempted murder as a grave offence, and it is always sent to the Crown Court. Because the prosecution must prove a specific intent to kill beyond reasonable doubt, the distinction between intended killing and reckless or accidental harm is often the heart of the defence. Our attempted murder solicitors build the case around this crucial legal gap.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Criminal Attempts Act 1981, s.1 |
| Court | Crown Court (indictable only) |
| Maximum penalty | Life imprisonment |
| Mental element | Specific intention to kill |
| Sentencing | Criminal Attempts Act 1981 and murder guideline principles |
Attempted murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The absence of an actual death does not reduce the maximum, which is why experienced representation is essential from the earliest possible stage.
Read about manslaughter defence and how it differsWhen you first learn that the police are investigating an attempted murder allegation, panic can take over. The steps you take in the first 48 hours can shape the entire case. Our solicitors for attempted murder calm the situation, protect your rights, and start building your defence immediately.
If the police want to interview you about attempted murder, you are entitled to free and independent legal advice, whether that is at a police station or a voluntary interview. You should never attend any interview, answer questions, or provide a statement without a solicitor present. Anything you say can be used in evidence and could form part of the prosecution case.
A charge for attempted murder is a grave step. The case will be sent to the Crown Court, where it proceeds through preliminary hearings, a plea, disclosure of the prosecution case, and ultimately trial by jury or a contested sentencing. Bail decisions are made early and can be fiercely contested by the Crown, so having lawyers who know how to challenge remand is vital.
A successful attempted murder defence begins with forensic scrutiny of the prosecution evidence. Our lawyers examine witness accounts, CCTV, phone and digital records, and medical evidence to test whether a specific intention to kill can truly be proved. Where appropriate, we explore self-defence, diminished responsibility, or evidence that the act was not more than merely preparatory.
Attempted murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Actual sentences are set against the murder guideline and depend on factors including intent, premeditation, the use of a weapon, the harm caused, and whether a guilty plea was entered early. In our experience, robust mitigation and careful preparation can make a decisive difference to the outcome.
Attempted murder cases demand lawyers with genuine Crown Court experience, calm judgement, and total commitment. Our team combines all three, acting privately and under legal aid across England and Wales.
Our solicitors live and work at the Crown Court, handling attempted murder and other grave offences where the stakes could not be higher.
Arrests happen day and night. A member of our team is always available to attend a police station or advise urgently, whatever the hour.
We instruct leading counsel and prepare the case strategy, disclosure challenges, and expert evidence that win serious crime trials.
We act for legally aided and private clients, with clear fixed fees and free initial advice so you always know where you stand.
Woolfe and Co Solicitors is a regulated law firm acting for private and legal aid funded clients. Our solicitors are members of the Law Society and we are recognised for our standards of client care and honest, accurate advice. In our years handling attempted murder and related serious offences, we have seen how preparation and early detail change outcomes.
Across our firm we have secured acquittals in serious violence trials, successfully argued that a specific intention to kill could not be proved, and mitigated sentences for clients who had no choice but to plead guilty. Every case is different, but our commitment to preparation and early intervention is constant.
We answer the questions our attempted murder clients ask us most. If your situation is not covered here, call our solicitors for free, confidential advice on 01582 380938 at any time.
Attempted murder is closely connected to other serious offences. Explore the pages below to understand how our lawyers protect you at every stage of a homicide or violence allegation.
Specialist legal representation for murder and homicide allegations at the Crown Court across England and Wales.
Explore murder defenceExpert representation for voluntary and involuntary manslaughter charges and how they differ from attempted murder.
Explore manslaughter defenceCrown Court representation for section 18 GBH and serious wounding offences, an alternative to an attempted murder charge.
Explore wounding with intentA comprehensive guide to diminished responsibility as a partial defence in murder and attempted murder cases.
Explore diminished responsibilityExpert defence for all violence and assault cases including ABH, GBH, robbery, threats to kill and related offences.
Explore violence defenceExpert Crown Court defence for serious cases including attempted murder, jury trials, sentencing and appeals.
Explore Crown Court defenceIf you or a loved one has been arrested, interviewed, or charged with attempted murder, contact our specialist solicitors now. We offer confidential, urgent advice 24 hours a day and will act immediately to protect your position.
All conversations are strictly confidential. Your initial consultation is free.