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.
“
Consult with our experienced team for complete solutions to your legal issues.
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