We do not underestimate the complexity of these cases, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible defence. Goodwin Law has considerable experience in dealing with murder and manslaughter cases, which cause the most serious consequences for clients and distress for their whanau.

In a murder or manslaughter trial, the State deploys massive resources. The prosecution case against clients normally involves extensive evidence, some of which comes from forensic scientists. The Police and the Crown are determined to secure a conviction, their preparation is thorough.

We counter those resources by exercising great care in preparing for trial, being well-organised; having a strong line of communication with clients; developing a credible trial strategy; deploying our own arsenal of experts on forensic issues; working with a highly experienced private investigator to track down and interview potential witnesses; and presenting a compelling defence at trial.

Not surprisingly, these cases often generate significant media interest and prejudice against our clients at trial. We discuss with our clients developing a strategy for dealing with publicity, both before and during the trial.

We have the specialist knowledge to provide sound advice to clients charged with importing, manufacturing and supplying Class A, B and C controlled drugs. The sentencing range for Class A and B drugs often involves lengthy terms of imprisonment, so the consequences for clients can be severe.

During the early days of the disclosure process, the Police tend to release their evidence in instalments, without any real guide as to how the pieces of information fit together. There are often large amounts of call data, witness statements, search evidence, alleged drug terminology and mobile phone use (attribution) to be evaluated and considerable cross-referencing.

We are experienced in assembling the jigsaw of pieces to attempt to gain an overview of the case against our clients. In some trials, the defence case is precise (eg. attribution cannot be proved), in other cases we are contending there is an absence of proof (eg. the prosecution can’t prove our client’s alleged role).

That experience includes representing clients in some of the largest drug operations in New Zealand.

We prepare thoroughly. We are well-organised and have a clear trial strategy devised in consultation with our client. Our presentation in court is focused, incisive, measured and when needed, hard-hitting.

Allegations of sexual offending inevitably cause stress to clients and their whanau. In some cases the complaint is recent (eg date rape), in other cases the allegations may be historic, stretching back decades.

We have considerable expertise in dealing with these cases. Normally, the complainant’s credibility is the central issue at trial. We believe that the key to presenting a strong defence is to scrutinise the complainant’s statements for inconsistencies and to look for evidence that counters the allegations, whether an existing prosecution witness, a witness to be called by the defence or independent evidence (eg forensics).

We dig deep. Often we instruct a private investigator to assist us. In some cases, we apply for a court order to compel a third party to hand over documents (eg Oranga Tamariki).

We regularly represent clients charged with violent offences, ranging from an aggravated robbery (eg banks, service stations) and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to assault, often in the domestic context.

Often the prosecution relies upon a combination of evidential strands, including eyewitness testimony, CCTV footage, phone data (text, polling / GPS locating and intercepted calls) forensic and medical evidence.

We carefully evaluate the prosecution evidence and discuss with our client’s defence strategy, which can include issues of mistaken identity, inconsistencies in witnesses’ accounts, lack of intent, self-defence, defence of another person or insufficient evidence where numerous persons are present.

Where appropriate, we instruct a private investigator to interview potential witnesses and/or instruct forensic experts. We then work collaboratively with the private investigator and/or expert, to advance a solid defence.