ALLISTER DAVIS
Allister completed his LLB (Bachelor of Laws) at Canterbury University in 1984 and has held a practising certificate since 1985. He is an astute, hardworking, motivated, and highly driven barrister. He brings a healthy competitive edge to his practice and has exceptionally high integrity as well as an honest approach to everything that he encounters in life.
His skills and experience over the last 38 years in practice and 27 years with NZLS in various roles from Vice President (South Island), President NZLS Canterbury/ Westland Branch to being a convenor of a National Standards Committee have helped him develop long-lasting relationships with people from all walks of life, both personal and professional. His tenacity and enthusiasm to achieve positive outcomes and a drive to truly make a difference in people’s lives are motiving features of his practice.
SPECIALISING IN CRIMINAL LAW
I have appeared in a number of District and High Court jury trials, appeals, judge alone trials and sentencings.
Recent cases include serious sexual offending, murder, serious drug matters, violence matters and dishonesty matters.
I have made numerous applications including applications for a discharge without conviction, S94 Land Transport Act applications and name suppression.
Traffic Matters
Including careless/dangerous driving charges, drink driving, applications to avoid a disqualification and applications for limited/work licences.
Appeals
Experience in all appellate jurisdictions. Employing a meticulous review of legal procedures and evidence, combined with persuasive argumentation, to advocate for clients seeking post-conviction relief and favorable outcomes at the appellate level.
Parole Board
Applications for parole and special conditions relating to extended supervision orders (ESO’s) and variations of release conditions.
Dishonesty Cases
A dishonesty case can involve a variety of things, but each case requires expert legal advice early on in the process. These cases range from simple theft to large-scale fraud operations, and a charge can have a significant impact on future employment.
Having experience in dishonesty charges, I can help you decide upon the best course of action, whether that’s paying reparation to obtain the available discount or defending the charges at trial either Judge alone or Jury.
Pragmatism and commonsense is at the core of my legal advice, meaning I set out to achieve the best outcome for any client.
- All types of fraud, theft and burglary
- Theft by a person in a special relationship
- Using a document for pecuniary advantage
Civil Debt Collection
I am highly experienced in business to business as well as personal debt collection and have represented a number of national firms through these processes.
In today’s tough economy, I believe it is well worth businesses employing effective legal debt recovery representation and debt enforcement advice.
I can provide legal advice in the following areas:
- Negotiating settlement of debt claims for both creditors and debtors.
- Acting on civil claims in the District and High Courts.
- Statutory demands and liquidation procedures in the High Court
- Bankruptcy applications
- Post judgment enforcement applications such as charging orders, attachment orders and sale orders.
Police Station Representation
Before you are charged the Police will question you at the Police Station. The police can ask you to come to the Police Station voluntarily or they can arrest you and take you to the Station. In either scenario, you have the right to remain silent; that is, say nothing at all. You also have the right to speak to a lawyer free of charge to obtain legal advice.
This is a critical time in the investigation against you. Without legal advice you risk incriminating yourself or providing evidence the Police will use against you. It is imperative that you seek good legal advice as soon as you can. I have extensive experience in representing people prior to, and at, the Police Station interview.
If you are in need of a Christchurch lawyer to be present at the interview and give you advice prior to the interview I can help achieve a positive result.
Sexual Allegations
Being charged with a sexual crime is a confronting and difficult situation, particularly if the offending is denied, and a highly personal one.
I understand this, and can offer robust representation and thorough, measured advice.
Such charges range widely, from sexual violation by rape to indecent act. More often than not such allegations involve only one witness—who is generally the complainant. In those cases it becomes the classic “he said/she said “scenario .
While you may be reluctant to speak to anyone about sexual matters, it is essential that you seek proper and skilled legal representation right from the initial allegation. Having expert instruction from as early as possible in the proceedings is vital to the best outcome for a defendant.
Violence
As an experienced Christchurch barrister, I have seen and handled cases at all levels of violent offending (from assault to murder), and can offer sound advice and a methodical, measured approach for a robust defence.
One of the keys to a successful defence is to receive expert counsel early in the process.
Having good advice from a lawyer experienced in violence cases right from the beginning is invaluable—even if you intend to plead guilty.
In fact, it’s particularly important to consult a criminal lawyer early if you intend to plead guilty. There are significant discounts available at sentencing for an early guilty plea.
Also, if I become involved at the initial stages I can engage in charge discussions with a view to reducing your original charge.