Our Services
Criminal Defence
Nobody plans to need a criminal defence barrister — but when the Police come knocking, you want someone who knows exactly what to do. From defending a dodgy driving disqualification that’s left you stranded, this is a specialist criminal defence practice based in New Zealand. Court appearances, bail applications, sentencing — it’s all handled here, with straight-up advice and no messing around
Your Rights. Your Defence. Your Future.
Being charged with a criminal offence is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. The New Zealand criminal justice system is complex, the stakes are high, and the Crown has significant resources on its side. That’s why having an experienced criminal defence barrister in your corner from the very start isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
Criminal defence covers a wide range of offending, from assault and drug charges to burglary, fraud and serious violence. Every case is different, and every person deserves to have their side of the story properly heard. A charge is not a conviction, and the job here is to make sure the Crown proves every element of its case — because that’s exactly what the law requires.
The Earlier You Call, the Better
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to get legal advice. The moment you become aware that Police are investigating you — or the moment you’re arrested — your choices start to matter. What you say, what you do and who you talk to can all affect the outcome of your case. Early advice can mean the difference between charges being laid or dropped, between bail or remand, and sometimes between a conviction and walking free.
What to Expect
From the first appearance in the District Court if needed, you’ll have someone who knows the process, knows the law and knows how to fight. That means scrutinising the evidence the Police have gathered, identifying weaknesses in the Crown’s case, cross-examining witnesses, and making sure every legal avenue is explored. No stone is left unturned — because when your liberty is on the line, nothing less will do.
- Experienced criminal defence representation in the in Court
- Specialist traffic and driving offence defence, including licence disqualification appeals
- Dedicated barrister sole — one lawyer, fully focused on you
Limited (Work) Licences
Limited (Work) Licences are available for people that have either been suspended because of having too many demerits, or because they have been disqualified after a court case
To be granted a Limited (Work) Licence, the applicant (the driver) must prove that they will experience extreme hardship from the disqualification (usually job loss) or another person will experience undue hardship (employers losing contracts, or family members not being able to get to places at all because there is no alternative options).
If there are alternative transport options, like public transports, or having someone else to do the driving, a Limited (Work) Licence will not likely be granted.
The Police Prosecution Service (PPS) will decide whether they oppose the application or not. If the Police have issues with the application, we discuss this and it may result in having to change some of the conditions for it to be granted. Police take more issue with applications when you have a bad driving history – this usually means lots of criminal convictions or suspensions for bad driving so please speak to me if you have worries that might be the case.
If you are applying for a Limited (Work) Licence after being sentenced for a driving offence in Court, there is a mandatory 28-day stand-down period after the disqualification is imposed before the Limited (Work) Licence can be issued. i.e. if a client is sentenced on 1 March, they cannot drive on a Limited (Work) Licence until at least 29 March.
In these cases, we still prepare the application well before the 28th day to avoid any additional delays.
If the Limited (Work) Licence application is based on hardship in relation to employment (often the case), an affidavit from the client’s employer/or someone who can corroborate their need to drive for their employment will need to be filed which consequently discloses the offence to the employer.
If you are self-employed, a profit and loss document will need to be provided for the application if you are asking to drive for work purposes.
The PPS have a strict policy that a Limited (Work) Licence cannot operate over a seven-day period. Therefore, driving for work Monday to Saturday inclusive is acceptable, but not every day. There are rare exceptions if you do shift work or are a truck driver. In any application, you will also have to limit how many hours you drive a day and figure out a time window for your application.
Most people will be eligible to apply for a limited licence. You will not be able to apply for one if:
- You are subject to an alcohol interlock sentence.
- You have been "indefinitely" disqualified from driving because of drink or drug driving charges.
- You have been disqualified from driving because you were convicted of driving while you were already disqualified or suspended.
- · You only have a suspension for 28 days - these are done on the roadside.
Let's help your case,
Other Services
Criminal Defence
Being charged with a criminal offence is serious — and the decisions you make in the first 24 hours can shape everything that follows. From assault and drug charges to burglary, fraud and serious violence, criminal defence is the core of this practice. The Crown has significant resources on its side, and you deserve someone equally committed to fighting your corner. A charge is not a conviction, and every person is entitled to a full and proper defence under New Zealand law — no matter which court their case is heard in.
Bail Applications
Being held on remand while your case moves through the courts can cost you your job, your home and your family life. A well-prepared bail application puts your strongest case forward — addressing the court’s concerns directly and giving you the best possible chance of getting home while you wait for your day in court. If you or someone you know has been arrested anywhere in the Waikato or surrounding regions, get in touch immediately.
Jury Trials
A jury trial is where everything comes down to the wire — twelve everyday New Zealanders deciding your fate. It takes thorough preparation, sharp cross-examination and the ability to tell your story clearly and convincingly. Whether your trial is in Hamilton, Thames, Tauranga or another District Court across the region, you’ll have a barrister who is fully prepared and ready to fight when it counts most.
Sentencing Appearances
A conviction doesn’t have to mean the worst possible outcome. Sentencing is your opportunity to tell your full story — your background, your circumstances and why you deserve a second chance. A well-prepared sentencing appearance can be the difference between a prison term and a sentence that lets you move forward with your life, regardless of which court you’re appearing in.
Appeals & Reviews
If something went wrong in your case — a legal error, a sentence that feels too harsh, or a verdict that doesn’t sit right — it may not be over. New Zealand law provides real pathways to challenge decisions through the Court of Appeal. Knowing how to navigate those pathways, and when to use them, can make all the difference.
Police Questioning Advice
You have the right to silence under New Zealand law — and knowing when to use it is critical. Before you walk into a Police interview or make any statement, get advice first. What you say to Police can and will be used against you in court. It doesn’t matter where in the Waikato you’re being questioned — a quick phone call beforehand could save you a significant amount of trouble down the track.
Drug Offences
Possession, supply, and manufacture charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act are dealt with regularly across the courts of the Waikato. Whether it’s a minor possession matter or something more serious involving alleged dealing or supply, the consequences under New Zealand law can be severe.
Family Violence Charges
Family violence charges in New Zealand are treated with urgency by Police and prosecutors and arrests are made quickly — often before the full picture has emerged. If you’ve been charged following a domestic incident anywhere in the Waikato or surrounding areas, getting legal advice immediately is essential. These cases move fast, and early intervention by an experienced criminal defence barrister can make a significant difference to the outcome.
Youth & First-Time Offenders
Everyone makes mistakes — some just end up in front of a judge. For young people and first-time offenders appearing in court for the first time, early legal advice and strong representation can mean the difference between a clean record and carrying a conviction for years to come. Every person deserves a fair go, regardless of their background or the circumstances that brought them to court
Contact & Location
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Our location
Waikato, New Zealand
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027 501 7409
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