Goodwin Law logo
Contact us
Goodwin Law Contact

Former Beca principal Carel Viljoen avoids jail over $2m fraud case

Nov 18, 2025

Carel Viljoen was said to have played a key role in a $2 million international fraud, costing two kiwis a significant amount of money. After being found guilty at trial, he faced up to 7 years in prison. At sentencing Angus successfully advocated for Mr Viljoen to only receive a sentence of home detention, despite the sentencing judge previously indicating that imprisonment was likely. Read the full article here.

Recent News

STAFF NEWS

May 29, 2025

We are happy to advise that our law clerk, Spencer Wells, has recently been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court.

He has now begun his role within Goodwin Law as a junior barrister, and we look forward to watching his development.

STAFF NEWS

Apr 7, 2025

We advise that after close to 5 years working at Goodwin Law, Ciara Chester-Cronin has left the practice, effective from 4 April 2025. We wish her all the best with her future endeavours.

We are pleased to announce that Ciara will be replaced by another successful criminal lawyer, who commences on 12 April (details to be announced shortly). Our law clerk Spencer Wells, who has worked for the practice for 3 years, moves into a fulltime role as a junior following his admission to the Bar on 23 May.

ANOTHER NEW TESTIMONIAL: MATT GOODWIN

Sep 24, 2024

“I would like to thank you Matt for everything over the last 3.5 years. It definitely was a long and hard process but I am very satisfied with his work. From the beginning my matter was full of emotions and lots of patience from Matt’s end and that showed for the duration of my case – it helped me know that I was in good hands and that he tried his best, right to the end. I do have some regrets from my end however, I accept my sentence and know that there was nothing else we could do so for that I am thankful. I wish Matt the best and hope to see him soon!”
ML

DISCHARGE WITHOUT CONVICTION – DRINK DRIVING

Mar 14, 2024

BT was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol. BT was assisted by Ciara and pleaded guilty early in the proceedings and applied for a discharge without conviction. 

The incident occurred after BT made the erroneous decision to drive after celebrating her university graduation with friends, going to bed and sleeping for a number of hours before waking up early in the morning to leave the address. When stopped by Police, BT returned an alcohol-breath reading of 662 mcgs.

At sentencing Ciara outlined for the judge how BT had a difficult past which she had overcome to obtain a degree as a healthcare professional. However, the impact of a conviction would stymie the progression of her career, which was only at an early stage and BT had completed various courses to make amends for her actions.  

The application was successful and a discharge without conviction was granted. 

Tags