Members of Chambers across all levels of call have experience of the full spectrum of offences; we are 'the go-to set for the full range of criminal practice'.
Overview
QEB Hollis Whiteman's foundations are in General Crime. We have produced outstanding advocates through the early focus on the prosecution and defence of crime. As such, we have experience at all levels of Counsel, of all types of offence and at every stage in criminal proceedings.
Our Experience
Our experience of General Crime covers everything from the unusual to the more commonplace; no stone has been left unturned. We have a dedicated team of Junior Counsel committed to dealing with minor offences, progressing towards more Senior offences as they build their practice. Such is their skill and reputation, Junior Members are often instructed in cases that would ordinarily demand those more senior in call, whilst more Senior Members are instructed in cases that are higher-profile, heavy-weight and often multi-handed in their nature.
We have experience of all types of theft, burglary, criminal damage, arson, and drugs offences. We have experience of the full range of public order offences, including violent disorder and rioting and were a nominated specialised set selected to prosecute the London Riots in 2011. We have expertise across the spectrum of offences against the person, including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, both wounding with intent and unlawful wounding. We have experience of cases involving threats to kill, stalking and racially motivated crimes. We have experience of firearms offences, blackmail, kidnap, false imprisonment and offences relating to prostitution.
Our reputation in the field of General Crime means that we are often sought out to deal with unusual and sometimes new offences. These have included: administering poison; female genital mutilation (FGM); social media and cybercrime. We have written and taught extensively on the niche fields where we have developed a particular and unusual expertise, most recently in relation to FGM and cybercrime.
Our strength in depth across the board means that we are regularly sought out to represent professionals and high-profile individuals when they find themselves involved in the criminal process, whatever offence, stage or role. Our experience of trials means that we are well placed to advise from the outset, either to avoid charge and trial entirely or to help direct and control the process in order to place the client in the most advantageous position possible, once their case is in the Courtroom.
