Case Studies

The Situation: Our client, a resident visa holder and skilled chef, initially faced a strangulation charge that was withdrawn on the trial date. He pleaded guilty to the remaining charge of domestic assault. A conviction would have triggered automatic deportation, separating him from his New Zealand-citizen daughter and wife. The Critical Risks: Automatic deportation liability , with a high risk of permanent removal from New Zealand. Loss of permanent residency pathway , tra

I was in a really difficult situation and wasn’t sure how things would turn out, but Eric and Courtney went above and beyond to help me get a discharge without conviction (which is rare in my circumstances). Both Eric and Courtney kept me well informed, always quick to respond, and genuinely cared about achieving the best possible outcome. I’m extremely grateful for their support. I can’t thank them enough and would highly recommend Eric and Courtney to anyone who finds thems

Our client, a hard-working resident and father, faced a single charge of driving with excess breath alcohol (118 blood). A conviction would have triggered not only a criminal record but also severe immigration consequences that threatened to break his family apart. The Critical Risks: Immigration & Family Separation: As a resident visa holder, a conviction would have made him liable for deportation. Under immigration rules, he would then be unable to sponsor his wife’s visa.

Our client, a respected Partnerships Manager in the education-tech sector with no prior history, faced a single charge of assault in a family relationship—an offence carrying up to two years’ imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. The stakes were exceptionally high. A conviction would have: Ended his current career at a leading education-tech company, where he manages key partnerships with firms like Microsoft and Amazon, and works with youth and underfunded communiti

We recently represented a skilled professional who had pleaded guilty to a traffic offence carrying heavy penalties, including a mandatory criminal record and licence disqualification. He was on his motorbike when fleeing from the police, reaching a speed of 157 km/h in a 50 km/h area. Our client faced catastrophic consequences from a conviction: Immediate loss of career pathway as a licensed industry inspector Risk to his work visa and ability to remain in New Zealand with h

Visitor visa holder charged with family violence assault granted discharge without conviction in Auckland Family Violence Court after completing rehabilitation programmes.

University business student charged with aggravated failing to stop and dangerous driving granted discharge without conviction. Academic and career prospects protected.

Strangulation and threatening to kill charges withdrawn after CCTV evidence obtained. Remaining assault charge results in discharge without conviction through strategic advocacy.

Domestic violence charge reduced from intent to injure to reckless disregard. Discharge without conviction granted after completing stopping violence programme.

Limited licence logbook breach results in discharge without conviction at Manukau District Court. No additional disqualification imposed despite licence condition violation.

Driving whilst disqualified charge results in second discharge without conviction on appeal. Successful District Court appeal after Community Magistrate decline.

Bus driver with 840mcg reading granted discharge without conviction on appeal. North Shore District Court judge recognised disproportionate consequences and granted relief.

Diesel mechanic with 958mg breath alcohol reading granted discharge without conviction after completing community work. Limited licence obtained despite extremely high reading.

Resident visa holder with 118mg blood alcohol reading granted discharge without conviction. Immigration expert evidence prevented family separation and deportation to India.

Truck driver with 138mg blood alcohol reading granted discharge without conviction at Auckland District Court. Employment preserved through disproportionality arguments.

Strangulation charge withdrawn, assault charge reduced, and discharge without conviction granted for businessman. Strategic negotiation protected international travel requirements.