OW pleaded guilty to possessing 24 grams of methamphetamine for supply. Matt acted for OW.

At sentencing, 28 months’ imprisonment was found to be an appropriate starting point and a 20% discount was awarded for OW’s early guilty plea. Matt also obtained a cultural report which outlined our client’s troubled personal background and this attracted a further 20% discount. OW had also made significant attempts to rehabilitate himself against a background of substance abuse and was awarded a further 5% discount for this factor.

This left OW with an end sentence of 15 months’ imprisonment which could be substituted for an electronically monitored sentence. The Presiding Judge found community detention was the most appropriate and OW was sentenced to four months community detention and also 18 months intensive supervision.

OW had also pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol. The Presiding Judge found that the case under s. 94 of the Land Transport Act had been made out and did not disqualify OW from driving but rather, that the community detention sentence could make up the community sentence requirement (so he did not have to serve a sentence of community work).

Recent News

ANOTHER NEW TESTIMONIAL: MATT GOODWIN

“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

NEW TESTIMONIAL: MATT GOODWIN

“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

NEW TESTIMONIAL: CIARA CHESTER-CRONIN

“The professionalism Ciara consistently displayed while managing my case was matched only by her dedication to her work and the empathy she showed me throughout the entire process. Ciara truly went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome for me and I could not have asked for a better lawyer. I will be forever grateful for Ciara’s tirelessness and perseverance in what often felt like a losing battle. If you are seeking a professional with not only an exceptional legal skillset and a wealth of experience, but also someone who is understanding and caring of her clients, Ciara is the best possible person to engage. I could not recommend her higher. “
G, Auckland

DISCHARGE WITHOUT CONVICTION – DRINK DRIVING

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