Benn Maguire

Call 1994
BA (Hons) (Edinburgh) MA (Bristol)

Practice: Crime

‘approaches all his cases very seriously and prepares very thoroughly’ – The Legal 500 (2010)

Summary

Benn Maguire has successfully defended a member of the Household cavalry charged with homicide, a merchant banker acquitted of assault charges, a company director found not guilty of Perjury and represented an alleged drug supplier following his successful appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Benn Maguire has experience of a broad spectrum of criminal matters, including homicide, grave sexual offences and drugs offences.

Whilst he undertakes both prosecution and defence work, he is particularly noted for his very successful defence work, both public and private. He is a favourite with the best criminal law firms, and as a highly respected leading junior, Benn Maguire regularly leads in all areas of criminal work, including money-laundering, drugs importation (one of the largest in history), historic child abuse and confiscation matters.

His tenacious and tactical approach to his appellate work has secured a number of unexpected reversals of fortune. Benn Maguire has “an excellent practice”, developed a reputation for “never giving up”, approaching “all his cases very seriously” and for preparing “very thoroughly” (Legal 500 (2010). Benn Maguire is recommended in Chambers and Partners (2010).

Reviews

Benn Maguire has an "established and impressive criminal practise encompassing advocacy in both the Crown & Appellate Courts" Chambers UK (2011)

‘Recommended in Crime ’ – Chambers UK (2010)

‘Recommended in Crime ’ – Legal 500 (2010)

Recent Work

Confiscation Applications

Benn Maguire has represented individuals in confiscation applications under Proceeds of Crime Act, Drug Trafficking Act and the Criminal Justice Act.

Benn Maguire has defended individuals facing complex multi million pound applications relating to assets directly/legally owned and assets where an individual has an alleged beneficial interest. Further, in light of the broad scope of the legislation Mr. Maguire represents the interests of third parties affected by potential and/or actual confiscation orders.

Media Matters

Benn Maguire continues to provide advice to the largest selling national newspapers re the potential criminal implications of the activities of journalists and their articles. Examples of matters where Benn Maguire has provided advice include the Madeline McCann case and the Saunders case (barrister shooting).

Further Benn Maguire continues to provide advise to terrestrial television channels and production companies and regarding alleged crimes, for example committed by ‘actors’ in ‘shock tv’ programmes.

Private Prosecutions

Benn Maguire has advised individuals regarding the merits of pursuing a private prosecution against a wide variety of individuals including politicians and celebrities.

Appellate Practice

Benn Maguire has developed a successful practice in providing advice and representation to individual’s intent on pursuing an appeal against a wrongful conviction having been represented by alternative advocates at the original trial.

Family Court Applications

There is an embargo on the use of documents used in Family proceedings (such as affidavits and transcripts) in Criminal courts without leave of the Family Court. Benn Maguire will draft the application and apply for permission to use relevant documents in the Criminal courts.

Additional Information

Member of the British Association of Sports Law
Member of the Criminal Bar Association
Registered with the Bar Council – Public Access Directory
Member of the Public Access Bar Association - PABA

Languages - French