Recent News   2010   Not guilty verdicts in two High Court historical sex cases   (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)     High Court overturns district court decision and grants bail on serious charges.   (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)     2009 Speedy acquittal for man facing historical sexual abuse charges in Manukau District Court, this case followed a successful appeal to the Court of Appeal where convictions at the first trial were quashed and a retrial ordered. (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)  Electronic bail granted for student accused of stabbing Avondale teacher. District Court Judge granted bail after a one day hearing despite strong opposition by the Police (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)    Bail granted for Palmerston North man facing serious charges, despite police opposition to bail (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)    Minimum non parole period set 6 months below the minimum period sought by Crown (Police) lawyers in murder sentencing (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)    Kidnapping charges dropped against Manukau man (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)    Domestic Violence and Threat to kill charges dismissed in Auckland District Court (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)   Methamphetamine manufacture related charges dismissed for Auckland man (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)    Home detention sentence for man pleading guilty to historical sexual charges (lawyer: Chris Wilkinson-Smith)    December 2008         Court Appeal quashes arson conviction for Chris Wilkinson-Smith's client.  Michele Wilkinson-Smith and Lorraine Smith successfully defended Christopher Kahui on the charges of murdering his infant twins.    Michele Wilkinson-Smith has been appointed as a member of the Legal Aid Review Panel (LARP) Aarif Rasheed has joined the chambers as a Barrister sole    Edith Te Whata has joined the chambers as a Barrister sole    Jane Northwood has joined the chambers as a Barrister sole    Melinda Mason  has joined the chambers as a Barrister sole    Other recent good results for clients    Chris Wilkinson-Smith 2008 trials – trials verdicts, search warrant challenges and appeals    Rape  - stay of proceedings granted.  Rape - acquittal  Manufacture methamphetamine - stay of proceedings granted.    Manufacture methamphetamine – section 347 discharge    Manufacture methamphetamine – acquittal    Supply of methamphetamine – charges dropped    Internet Fraud – discharge on all counts    Theft and receiving – acquittal on all charges    Drink Drive charges – acquittal and charges withdrawn (2 cases)    Electronic bail    High Court grants of bail overturning district court.    2007 trials verdicts, search warrant challenges and appeals:    Manslaughter and Robbery – not guilty on both charges    Manufacture Methamphetamine – not guilty    Grievous Bodily Harm, wounding and assault  - not guilty on all charges    Grievous Bodily Harm and injuring not guilty on all charges    Rape and indecent assault – not guilty on all charges.    Successful search warrant challenge on methamphetamine charges – charges dismissed    Successful court of appeal decision, quashes conviction for rape and orders retrial    Successful High Court bail appeals granted bail that had been declined on the district Court.    Successfully sought discharge of charges for historical child sex allegations    Successfully sought discharge of charges for child neglect    Jury acquits man on two counts on aggravated robbery    High Court overturns refusal of bail in the District Court and grants bail to Defendant on serious drugs charges    Court of Appeal grants leave to appeal to Supreme Court for murder conviction    District Court Judge awards damages against police for unlawful arrest and detention   High Court dismiss charges of class A drug dealing on grounds of breaches of bill of rights to driver.          Current Workload    We are currently representing clients charged with:    Murder ( 3 files)  Attempted Murder  Manufacture Class A drugs Methamphetamine  Historical sexual abuse  Possession of precursor substances for the production of Methamphetamine Rape  Proceeds of Crime ( Seized assets)  Indecent assault  Wound causing Grievous Bodily Harm  Aggravated Robbery and Demanding with Menace  Driving related offences  Domestic Violence  Tax evasion  Serious Fraud  Appeals to Court of Appeal