Services

 Criminal law

 

Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until guilt is proved, and that is how we treat our clients. Facing the might of the state when charged with a criminal offence can be daunting - your career, family, reputation in jeopardy. We offer exceptional service for those who wish to put forth a robust defence. Stephen specialises in drug cases, jury trials and appeals. Roderick is available to appear on virtually any criminal matter, with a strong background in drink drive law. We both appear in Courts all over New Zealand, and offer competitive packages while having a proven track record of achieving results.

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Stephen is
taking drug cases from A-class down. He is one of the few, if not only, lawyers in the country who has had a client walk in to their office charged with supply of methamphetamine, which carries life imprisonment, then leave Court having pleaded guilty but then obtained a discharge without conviction. Whatever the charge, the first step Stephen will take is to assess whether the Police evidence is admissible. This may require seeking further disclosure, and in some instances going to Court to force the Police to hand over all of their information. If the Police have stepped outside the law, there may be a challenge to the admissibility of the evidence that results in an acquittal. If there is no defence, you will be advised about steps you can take between charges being laid and sentence being imposed to ensure you have the least restrictive sentence possible.


Stephen will also consider taking on select appeals and jury trials. Recent jury trials have resulted in acquittals for charges alleging indecent assault, and assaulting police with a weapon. While some lawyers are afraid of an innocent client, Stephen relishes the opportunity to ensure a solid defence case is put to the jury, and justice is done. Unlike many other lawyers, our jury trial preparation includes taking a comprehensive brief of evidence from you, and any defence witnesses, then engaging a colleague to put you all through a simulated court experience. The difference between a witness who is unprepared and afraid and a confident, well prepared witness is clear - your chance of acquittal is much higher. Sure, this will cost more than what a legal aid lawyer would get paid, but, we are extremely competitive in our pricing, when compared with the inner city lawyers with high rent, and in any event, when your liberty and reputation is at stake, you get what you pay for.


As far as paying for exceptional advicacy, if you are charged with an offence that is not on the face of it serious, but, carries huge implications for you personally, Roderick is your man. As a doctor and a barrister, he carries both an impressive Court manner, and a deeper understanding than most of the forensic police practices. He has cutting edge drink drive defence skills, cultivated through his deep understanding of the process around analysing breath and blood alcohol content. If your case requires a thorough analysis by an exceptionally bright man, contact Roderick. his first step will be to thoroughly analyse your case, and advise you on your prospects of success. Following that, even if you have no defence, he will walk you throuh your other options, which include seeking a discharge without conviction. If there is a way to have you walk unscathed, we will find it.


As a part of our criminal practice, we deal with a lot of drivers. Stephen has an impressive track record with acquittals for careless driving causing injury charges, which include obtaining an acquittal for a man who crashed in to a mobility scooter that was making its way across a pedestrian crossing! Whatever offence you face, if your licence is in jeopardy, we will explore your options with a view to avoiding disqualification, or, failing that, obtaining a limited licence.


Please, contact us today for a no obligation free chat about your situation.