Philosophy
We hate convictions. Not because we want people to avoid responsibility, but because we understand their lasting impact. Whether this is your first charge or your two-hundredth, a conviction has consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.
Our approach is methodical:
Phase 1:
We start by analysing whether the prosecution can actually prove their case. This analysis often creates opportunities - charges might be withdrawn, dismissed by the court, or amended to less serious alternatives. Even when charges proceed, thorough preparation creates leverage for negotiation.
Phase 2:
When negotiations do not achieve the desired outcome, defending the charges at trial is next. We will be direct - trials carry inherent risks and no lawyer can guarantee outcomes in the criminal justice system. The decision to defend is yours alone. Our role is to ensure that decision is fully informed by all factors that matter - assessment of your prospects, including whether judge-alone or jury trial serves you better, the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and realistic possible outcomes. No false promises. What we promise is this: if you choose to fight, we fight with everything we have.
Phase 3:
We explore every alternative to conviction. Success isn't just about winning at trial or negotiation - where guilty pleas make sense, we pursue police diversion, discharge without conviction, and other resolutions that avoid criminal records. Strategic advocacy sometimes means accepting responsibility while protecting your future.
Phase 4:
When conviction is unavoidable - whether through guilty plea or after trial - we focus on proportionate sentences that protect your future. Not everyone wins at trial. But even in defeat, skilled sentencing advocacy makes a difference between imprisonment and community-based sentences, between conviction and discharge, between career-ending and manageable consequences.
Phase 5:
If convicted and sentenced, we assess appeal prospects honestly. Conviction appeals, sentence appeals, or both - where there are genuine grounds, we pursue them.
This systematic approach means we do not miss opportunities. We do not rush to guilty pleas. We do not treat conviction as inevitable.
Strategic advocacy means using the right tool at the right time. Practical advice means being honest about your options. Proven results come from applying this philosophy consistently across hundreds of cases.