Darren Withers

Criminal Duty Solicitor

Darren Withers
Lincoln:

01522 717410


Darren Withers is a Criminal Defence Lawyer specialising in criminal litigation and advocacy, motoring law, regulatory defence and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) proceedings.

Qualified in 2007 and holding Higher Rights of Audience in both Civil and Criminal matters, he represents clients in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and higher courts, accepting instructions for both legally aided and private costs clients.

Based at the Pepperells Lincoln office Darren is able to accept client instructions from all office areas and nationally if funding is available. Client conferences can be arranged in person, via Teams video conferencing and telephone. Communication is key to defence case preparation.

Darren has a strong track record advising and representing individuals and businesses across the UK in serious and general crime, road traffic, financial crime, regulatory investigations and enforcement action, as well as in confiscation orders, freezing orders and civil asset recovery under POCA. Known for delivering clear, pragmatic advice at an early stage, Darren applies a meticulous, evidence‑based, client‑first approach to case preparation and advocacy, aiming to secure positive and commercially sound outcomes.

In motoring law, he is frequently instructed where clients face the risk of disqualification from driving, providing bespoke advice that factors in the impact on livelihood and reputation and deploying legal and evidential arguments to avoid or reduce disqualification where appropriate.

Darren’s regulatory defence practice involves acting for professionals and businesses facing complex compliance and enforcement frameworks, combining legal expertise with commercial awareness and a focus on reputation management and restoring operational continuity.

For clients that are not eligible for public funding, Darren offers clear, structured private funding options, including realistic cost assessments and, where appropriate, fixed fees, providing certainty and control over legal spend while maintaining a high standard of representation. Approachable and client‑focused, he is recognised for effective communication and strategic guidance that helps clients present their defence in the best possible way, whether through early resolution or robust representation at trial.

Darren is both Higher Rights of Audience (Civil and Criminal) and Criminal Litigation Accredited; a member of the Law Society, SRA‑accredited, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Licensing.

Words from our clients

...In our brief time working with Pepperell's we have been very pleased with their quality of service and professionalism...

After calling 15 carefully picked solicitors, Pepperell’s were the only firm that returned our call and took our business seriously. They carefully gathered information and explained their quotation in a transparent and reasonable fashion. We look forward to working with Pepperells in the future.

...Dealing with Pepperells and Natasha as my solicitor couldn't have been any easier...

Any questions, concerns or problems I encoutered throughout my house buying process were dealt with quickly and clearly. Theres nothing more I could have asked for and could not have been made any easier for me.

...Pepperells and in particular Patrick Craft and his team are extremely professional and you can be 100 % certain that a thorough job is done...

Patrick picked up on an issue that the seller’s solicitor should have seen 2 years ago when the house was first built and had failed to do so, but Patrick was on the ball and would not proceed until the issue was addressed. I would always recommend Pepperells and esp Patrick. Absolutely excellent service. Thank you.

...Excellent!

Ryan and his colleagues are professional, efficient and friendly. I have used their services on several occasions. Highly recommended

...Very helpful

I used Ryan to settle my lease matter, he was very professional and always kept me upto date. Would definitely recommend.

...Outstanding Service

Ryan

Amy and Angelika have been a pleasure to deal with, we will certainly continue to use Ryan and his team for the years to follow.

...Top Service

Ryan and Georgia did an amazing job at working to out tight timescales having previously had our purchase fall through due to the clients circumstances. They made sure all everything was in order and chase the clients solicitors to ensure we kept to time and kept us updated throughout. Very professional service and were very approachable when we had questions. The team were a pleasure to work with and a credit to the Business.

...Directors' Settlement Agreement

It’s difficult to find solicitors who are experts in company law but Pepperells were a gem. From the initial online meeting, they were very honest and approachable. Amy was very knowledgeable and efficient, she kept me informed throughout the process. Going forward, I have a reliable company I can consult on future legal matters.

...Selling of Business

Good communication and help all the way. Amy Hutton was clear and explained all the document queries we had, prior to signing off.

...Professional yet very friendly

Jessica was excellent and extremely helpful throughout what was a challenging sale. She is quite possibly the calmest person I have ever met!

Professional yet very friendly throughout she made us feel at ease and ensured everything was completed meticulously.Needles to say we won’t be using anyone else for our legal services in the future.

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Pepperells Limited, registered in England and Wales: No. 10244781 | Registered Office: 100 Alfred Gelder Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 2AE | Authorised & Regulated by The Solicitors Regulation Authority | Regulation Authority Numbers 636188, 638556, 638554, 647027, 668558, 807163, 818433, 832782, 830125, 8000373, 8007670, 8007671, 8009311, 8009312, 8013429, 8013430, 8013428 and 8013376 | www.sra.org.uk

Pepperells Solicitors are committed to ensuring that all Partners, Consultants and Employees give their full co-operation to the Legal Ombudsman in the event of any dispute or complaint against our firm, contact details of which can be found at www.legalombudsman.org.uk. VAT No. 365 0589 36