Charged with wounding, receiving a discharge without conviction

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 themselves in a similar situation.

Thanks again Eric!

Result: Successful discharge without conviction for wounding with reckless disregard and assault on a person in a family relationship – charges carrying up to 7 years' imprisonment.

The Challenge:Our client, a skilled immigrant professional with no prior history, faced two serious violent charges after a drug-fuelled domestic incident. The Crown opposed the application. The likely outcome: imprisonment, a criminal record, and the end of his career.

The Stakes Were Catastrophic:

• Automatic job loss in his specialised tax role.

• Permanent ban from U.S. travel – blocking essential professional exams.

• Rescinded senior job offer in Australia.

• Failed ‘fit and proper person’ test for Chartered Accountancy.

• Jeopardised New Zealand citizenship pathway.

Our Strategy:We built a powerful s106 application proving the consequences of a conviction were “out of all proportion” to the offence. We demonstrated:

• Proactive rehabilitation (counselling, community work, drug abstinence).

• Genuine remorse and victim support through restorative justice.

• Tangible, severe consequences with evidence from his employer and immigration experts.

The Outcome:The Court granted the discharge. Our client kept his career, his travel rights, his professional qualifications, and his future in New Zealand – avoiding a life-altering criminal record.