James qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and since qualification, James has specialised in Criminal Law. He assists clients facing charges throughout the entire criminal process, from the initial arrest and interview at the police station, to the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court where appropriate. James is a regular trial advocate and has represented clients charged with serious criminal offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, offences of violence, dishonesty offences, drugs offences and complex fraud cases. He also prosecutes on behalf of the RSPCA.
James has extensive experience dealing with cases of benefit fraud, often handling cases worth over £100,000, both at the initial interview under caution at JobCentrePlus or local authority offices and in court proceedings. Due to James’ expertise in social welfare law, he is uniquely placed to understand and interpret the often extremely complex benefit regulations on which criminal cases can depend. This has led to numerous cases where James has been able to persuade the prosecution either that the client has not been overpaid benefits at all, or alternatively that the said overpayment figure should be significantly less than alleged.
He regularly defends prosecutions brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities, the Department for Work and Pensions and other regulatory bodies, such as the Fire Service and VOSA. He has assisted clients in relation to applications made against them for cash seizure, football banning orders, restraining orders and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO’s).
Recent cases have included a terrorism case which he dealt with at the Police Station, Magistrates’ Court and with Counsel at the Old Bailey, and separately a prosecution under the Explosives Substances Act in which the Prosecution were persuaded to withdraw the case against the defendant.
James has a calm and patient manner with clients and a strong working relationship with Counsel.
James’ caseload means that he frequently instructs experts to prepare reports for client’s assistance, including medical reports and blood alcohol calculation.
