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About Annabel

Annabel has worked as a criminal barrister for 30 years practising firstly in England and then from 2010 in Auckland. She has prosecuted and defended serious crime throughout that time and conducted well over 300 jury trials.

Annabel has been lead counsel in a vast array of criminal cases from murder, sexual and violent offending through to large scale drug and fraud matters.

Here to support you through every stage of a criminal case.

Every charge is different, and so is the best way to handle it. Below is a quick guide to the criminal matters we handle most often for clients across Auckland, from your first police interview through to trial, so you know what to expect and who to call.

Assault & Violence Cases

Strong, non-judgmental defence for assault charges, from common assault to serious violent offending.

Bail Applications

Fast, strategic advocacy to secure your release and negotiate workable bail conditions.

Discharge without Conviction

Helping you avoid a criminal record when a conviction would be out of all proportion to the offending.

Domestic Violence

Discreet, non-judgmental defence for domestic and family violence charges.

Drug Charges

Defending possession, supply and importing charges while protecting your rights.

Firearms & Weapons Cases

Defence for firearms and weapons charges, plus licence appeal support.

Fraud & Dishonesty

Protecting your reputation and livelihood in fraud and financial crime cases.

Jury Trials

Formidable courtroom advocacy for serious charges heard before a jury.

Police Station Representation

Urgent, confidential advice before you say a word to police.

Sexual Offences

Discreet, rigorous defence and support with name suppression applications.

Recent Cases

A snapshot of outcomes we're proud of, from jury trial acquittals to appeals that changed the result entirely
After serving 27 years for a wrongful conviction, our client was released when the Court of Appeal found a miscarriage of justice.
S S v R, NZCA 498
New Zealand Court of Appeal
Accused of murdering his father, our client was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter at trial.
R v A W, CRI-2024-004946
High Court
Charged with a drug offence and set down for a week-long trial, our client had every charge withdrawn on the morning proceedings were due to begin.
R v LR
Auckland District Court
Secured a Court of Appeal ruling allowing permanent name suppression, protecting our client's identity.
C v R, NZCA 682
New Zealand Court of Appeal
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