Ciara appeared at North Shore District Court for our client, BH who was charged with discharge and possession of a firearm.

The Police accepted there was insufficient evidence to obtain a conviction and sought to withdraw both charges pursuant to s 146 of the Criminal Procedure Act. This provision means the charges could be re-laid against our client in the future.

Ciara argued that BH is entitled to the uncertainty of outcome in the Court process and if the Police’s application was granted, the uncertainty of future disposition would be onerous and unjust.

Ciara convinced the Court that dismissal pursuant to s 147 was the appropriate provision, which is deemed an acquittal.

Recent News

Not Guilty at Judge Alone Trial- Receiving property over $1000

After two years of going through the court system, a client was found not guilty at judge alone trial under the assistance of Spencer, who successfully convinced the judge that there was reasonable doubt in the client being reckless in receiving the stolen property.

Successful review for Diversion

A client was declined entry into the Diversion programme- a Police led initiative which may allow first time offenders to do self-improvement courses instead of receiving a conviction.

Spencer successfully led the client through the right to review process, having the Police reconsider their decision and offer Diversion to her after all.

STAFF NEWS

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

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.

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