Hamilton Barristers | 109 Chambers

Criminal Defence Barristers New Zealand | 109 Chambers

Criminal defence representation throughout New Zealand

Barristers practising from 109 Chambers may accept criminal defence instructions for proceedings throughout New Zealand, depending on the nature of the case, the location and duration of the hearing, funding arrangements and the individual barrister’s availability.

109 Chambers is based in central Hamilton. Members practise independently and may travel to other parts of New Zealand for trials, appeals, sentencing hearings and other significant court appearances by arrangement.

Criminal defence services

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 and recall proceedings.

The work accepted by each barrister varies. Some members accept legally aided instructions within their particular provider-approval categories, while others may accept private instructions.

Working with clients and lawyers throughout New Zealand

Much of the preparation for a criminal proceeding can be undertaken without requiring the client, instructing solicitor and barrister to be in the same location.

Subject to the requirements of the case, members may:

  • hold preliminary conferences by telephone or secure video meeting;
  • receive and review disclosure electronically;
  • confer remotely with clients, solicitors and expert witnesses;
  • prepare written submissions and other court documents;
  • conduct case reviews and hearing preparation online; and
  • travel for court appearances where personal attendance is required.

This can make it practical to engage a barrister from 109 Chambers even where the client or proceeding is located outside Waikato.

In-person court appearances

For appropriate matters, a barrister may travel to appear in courts elsewhere in New Zealand.

The practicality of accepting an instruction will depend on matters such as:

  • the seriousness and complexity of the charges;
  • the court location;
  • the expected length of the hearing;
  • whether the case is legally aided or privately funded;
  • travel and accommodation requirements;
  • the barrister’s existing commitments; and
  • whether local instructing counsel or another lawyer is involved.

Any travel arrangements and associated costs should be discussed before the instruction is confirmed.

Choosing a criminal defence barrister

The appropriate barrister will depend on the nature of the charges, the procedural stage of the case, the experience required and the proposed funding arrangements.

Criminal defence barristers practising from 109 Chambers include:

Making an initial enquiry

To assist with an initial conflict and availability check, provide:

  • the defendant’s full name;
  • the charges or general nature of the allegations;
  • the court and location;
  • the next court date;
  • the present stage of the proceeding;
  • whether legal aid has been granted or applied for;
  • the estimated length of any scheduled hearing; and
  • the name of any solicitor or previous lawyer involved.

Please provide only the information necessary for the initial enquiry. An instruction is not accepted until the individual barrister has completed any required checks and expressly agreed to act.