Hamilton Barristers | 109 Chambers

Auckland Criminal Defence Barristers | 109 Chambers

Criminal defence representation in Auckland

Barristers practising from 109 Chambers may accept criminal defence instructions for proceedings in Auckland, depending on the nature of the case, availability and funding arrangements.

109 Chambers is based in central Hamilton. Members practise independently and may travel to Auckland for court appearances, conferences and other necessary attendances by arrangement.

Criminal matters

Representation may be available for matters involving:

  • police investigations and interviews;
  • bail and electronically monitored bail;
  • assault and other violent offending;
  • drug charges;
  • dishonesty and fraud allegations;
  • sexual allegations;
  • firearms offending;
  • traffic and serious driving charges;
  • Judge-alone and jury trials;
  • sentencing;
  • discharge without conviction applications;
  • conviction and sentence appeals; and
  • parole or recall proceedings.

The work accepted by each barrister varies. Some members accept legally aided instructions, while others may act privately or under particular legal-aid approval categories.

Auckland appearances

A barrister does not necessarily need to maintain an Auckland office to act in an Auckland proceeding.

Subject to availability and agreement, members may:

  • appear in the Auckland District Court or High Court;
  • attend bail, trial and sentencing hearings;
  • conduct preliminary conferences online;
  • review documents electronically;
  • confer with Auckland solicitors and clients remotely; and
  • travel to Auckland where an in-person attendance is required.

Travel arrangements, availability and any associated costs should be discussed directly with the individual barrister before an instruction is confirmed.

Choosing a barrister

The appropriate barrister will depend on:

  • the nature and seriousness of the charge;
  • whether the matter is legally aided or privately funded;
  • the barrister’s experience;
  • the procedural stage of the case;
  • the location and expected length of the hearing; and
  • the barrister’s availability.

Members of 109 Chambers who undertake criminal defence work include:

Initial enquiries

Contact the relevant barrister directly with:

  • the defendant’s name;
  • the charges;
  • the court location;
  • the next court date;
  • whether legal aid has been granted or applied for; and
  • the name of any solicitor already involved.

Providing this information allows the barrister to undertake an initial conflict and availability check.