Alexander Cousins: Specialist Criminal Defence Solicitors
Alexander Cousins are expert criminal defence solicitors, providing robust legal representation for individuals facing a wide range of criminal proceedings. We specialize in defending clients in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, and the Court of Appeal, ensuring comprehensive support at every stage of the judicial process.
Beyond court representation, we also offer crucial assistance to those undergoing police interviews as suspects and individuals under investigation by major regulatory and enforcement bodies. This includes cases handled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Our office, conveniently located on Dewsbury Road in Leeds, provides easy access to the Magistrates’ Court, the Crown Court, and the main Leeds Police Stations, facilitating timely and efficient legal support.
A significant portion of our work is funded through our contract with the Criminal Defence Service, allowing many of our clients to benefit from Legal Aid. For cases where Legal Aid is not available, we offer highly competitive private rates.
We are rated as one of the best solicitor firms in Leeds
We have successfully resolved up to 360 cases,
You will get sensible down to earth advice without legal jargon and a very clear plan about how the case is to be conducted so as to get you the best possible result.
Clients praise Shaid Iqbal's approachable nature and his ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts, leaving no stone unturned in their defense.
From your first meeting to the final hearing, we develop a clear plan for your case, regularly reviewing it with you as it moves through the court system.
We do not believe in passing people "from pillar to post," which is why everyone in our firm is familiar with the cases we are conducting. We operate seamlessly as a unified team to ensure you get the best possible result.
We are one of the leading criminal law firms in the North of England, proudly affiliated with numerous professional bodies and associations. This includes the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and Criminal Litigation.
We're deeply committed to providing our clients with the highest quality advice and advocacy. Our unwavering dedication ensures you receive comprehensive, expert legal support & formidable representation precisely when you need it most.
Simon qualified as a Solicitor in 1975 and became a Higher Court Advocate early in 2005. He is a Duty Solicitor at the Magistrates Court and at the Police Station and spends most of his time representing Clients facing serious criminal charges in the Crown Court.
Simon has been led by Queen’s Counsel in one of the largest VAT fraud that has ever been prosecuted by the Revenue and Customs.
Chris qualified as a Solicitor in 1984. He worked for many years as a Solicitor at the Harehills and Chapeltown Law Centre, where he dealt with a wide variety of legal work, involving social welfare law and he also became a member of the Mental Health Tribunal Panel.
Chris specialises in dealing with criminal cases in the Magistrates Court and in the Youth Court. He is also a Court Duty Solicitor and a Police Station Duty Solicitor.
Shaid is a solicitor and a criminal law specialist with over 24 years’ experience in dealing with major criminal cases and investigations. He specialists in defending grave criminal allegations including terrorism, homicide, international drugs conspiracies, money laundering and complex tax fraud against HMRC.
Shaid’s main strength lies in raising legal arguments to stop cases reaching charge or trial.
Involves serious acts or threats of violence designed to influence a government or intimidate the public for political, religious, racial, or ideological causes. This can include preparing for acts, collecting useful information, or disseminating terrorist publications.
Both relate to the unlawful killing of another person. Murder involves an intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, while manslaughter is an unlawful killing without that specific intent, often categorized as voluntary (with mitigating factors like loss of control) or involuntary (due to gross negligence or an unlawful act).
The process of converting or disguising money or assets obtained from criminal activities to make them appear legitimate. This includes concealing, disguising, converting, transferring, or acquiring criminal property, or entering into arrangements that facilitate its control.
Encompasses a range of illegal activities related to controlled substances, including possession, possession with intent to supply, production, cultivation, and importation or exportation of illicit drugs. Offences are categorized by drug class (A, B, C) and severity of involvement.
Concerns illegal activities involving firearms, such as possessing a firearm or ammunition without a certificate, carrying a firearm in a public place, or using a firearm with intent to endanger life. These often carry severe mandatory minimum sentences.
Covers a broad spectrum of crimes involving non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation, including rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration, and offences against children, all typically defined by a lack of consent.
Robbery: Theft committed through the use of force or the threat of force against a person.
Burglary: Entering a building as a trespasser with the intent to commit certain offences, such as theft, grievous bodily harm, or unlawful damage.
A broad category encompassing various offences where physical harm or the threat of harm is inflicted upon another person. This includes common assault, actual bodily harm (ABH), grievous bodily harm (GBH), and wounding, varying in severity based on injury and intent.
Refers to a wide array of criminal acts committed while operating a vehicle. This can range from minor infractions like speeding or driving without insurance to more serious offences such as dangerous driving, drink or drug driving, or causing death by dangerous driving.
Got to be in top 3 solicitors in Leeds
I couldn’t recommend Shaid Iqbal enough! I was really nervous having to go into the police station. He talked me through everything and advised me on what I should say, and within an hour I was out of there with no further action taken against me! He was very professional as well as very down to earth and east to talk to. Best solicitor I’ve ever used.
They do not mess around!
Excellent service, I wouldn’t use any other solicitor. Thank you so much for the efficient service and attention to detail. Your experience and knowledge shines through the work you do. I would highly recommend
Excellent, efficient service, very professional
i would highly recommend alexander cousins solicitors. if you are arressted or interviewed by the police dont use a duty solicitor ask for them in person. Upon my sons arresti contacted them, Mr Iqbal attended interview. i foundhim to be down to earth, he was very helpful, professional and he knew exactly what to do, he even helped my son in returning his computer and mobile phone which the police had taken. Luckily for us no further action was taken by the police.
highly recommend this firm, one of the best
A truly amazing set of people, especially Shaid Iqbal. Incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Reliable and Friendly. Was guided through everything calmly and professionally. I felt like there was somebody there to help me the entire time. The amount of time from getting in contact with the company to receiving support was so quick, literally minuets and he was there to help me.
Amazing Firm, Brilliant Solicitors and Top Class all around
Shaid has been great in dealing with our case. Shaid is very approachable and friendly has provided great legal support. Would highly recommend his services.
Great customer service
Shaid has been my solicitor for over 15 years and he's been exceptional in every aspect of his services. I can't express the lengths Shaid's gone to and the level of his knowledge and expertise on all the legal matters I've dealt with him on over the years. A true professional and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him!
The Highest Recommendation
We operate a 24 hour, 365 day a year Police station emergency service. This work is funded by the Criminal Defence Service and is done at no charge to the client.
For all of these reasons it is very important that you should be represented at the Police station and if you need representation, please use the emergency number (out of office hours). Call us on 0113 271 3939, or out of office hours on 07790 607 429.
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© 2025 Alexander Cousins – Criminal Defence Solicitors. All rights reserved. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Registration No. 365700.
Alexander Cousins Ltd is registered in England & Wales under number 12333264. Its registered office is at 237 Dewsbury Road, Leeds, England, LS11 5HZ.
Just want to thank Mr Iqbal and Iram for there help on my case which would of been costly if id of been found Guilty. I got the result i wanted and they left no stone unturned in getting a result. Got me off with a few things now over the years. Top quality solicitors