Chris Daw KC is renowned for his expertise in Criminal Law, offering top-tier representation in some of the most serious and complex criminal cases.
With three decades of experience defending people facing criminal charges, Chris provides strategic, focused, and effective legal defence. His services cover a wide spectrum of criminal offences.
His intensive approach to client care, preparation and courtroom strategy ensures that all Chris' clients achieve the best possible outcome in every single case.
Serious Violent Crimes
Chris Daw KC has defended people accused of every kind of violent crime, up to and including murder, where the consequences of conviction include Life Imprisonment.
Murder and manslaughter: defending those accused of the most serious violent crimes and conspiracies, some of which carry a mandatory life sentence.
Causing Grievous and Actual Bodily Harm: dealing with cases of violence, from shootings and stabbings to all forms of physical assault, including the use of vehicles as weapons.
Public Order offences: acting for defendants accused of using or threatening physical violence in a public place (notably John Terry, who was exonerated of an alleged racially aggravated public order offence).
Sexual Offences
Accusations of sexual offences carry severe reputational damage and legal consequences. Chris Daw KC’s experience in handling sensitive cases includes:
Rape and Sexual Assault: Offering comprehensive legal defence for individuals accused of these serious crimes, ensuring every aspect of the case is scrutinised.
Historical Allegations: Defending clients against sexual offence charges dating back many years, often involving complex legal and evidential issues.
Indecent Images and Internet Offences: Representing individuals facing accusations of possessing or distributing illegal content, including digital forensics expertise.
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Stalking and Harassment
In recent years, the police and prosecutors have brought a wide range of charges, relating to alleged inappropriate and criminal behaviour, often in the context of personal relationships, including:
Coercive and controlling behaviour: Acting for individuals (notably Ryan Giggs, who was cleared) accused of patterns of behaviour, designed to remove the independence and freedom of victims, over an extended period of time.
Stalking: Defending in cases of unwanted attention, either from known individuals or complete strangers. Chris was involved in the notorious "Baby Reindeer" affair, which led to a $170 million lawsuit in California.
Harassment: Chris has defended many individuals, male and female, accused of patterns of harassment, in the context of civil restraining orders and criminal prosecutions.
Drug Offences
Chris has substantial experience in defending clients charged with drug-related offences, including:
Possession with Intent to Supply: Defending individuals accused of holding drugs with the intent to distribute, a charge that can result in lengthy prison sentences.
Drug Trafficking: Representing clients involved in large-scale drug importation or distribution operations, often requiring an understanding of international law and logistics.
Personal Use Cases: Assisting clients accused of possession of controlled substances for personal use, seeking the most lenient outcomes.
Appeals and Miscarriages of Justice
Chris is also well-versed in the process of appeals and overturning wrongful convictions:
Criminal Appeals: Representing clients seeking to challenge their convictions or sentences in the Court of Apppeal, seeking to ensure that any legal or procedural errors are corrected.
Miscarriages of Justice: Pursuing justice for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted, often involving complex post-conviction investigations and evidence reviews.