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Criminal Law
Your Defence in Criminal Proceedings
Criminal convictions and adverse administrative or regulatory findings can have life-changing consequences. Individuals and entities facing criminal charges should seek sound legal advice and representation.
Our criminal defence attorneys specialise in protecting the rights of persons and entities investigated, arrested, or charged with criminal or regulatory offences. We have the knowledge, experience, and commitment to provide efficient service at short notice and in any forum nationally, irrespective of the nature and seriousness of the offence.
Our services include:
- Bail applications at police stations and formal bail applications in all Courts
- Drafting of formal representations for the withdrawal of charges
- Mediation & diversion of criminal charges
- Plea and sentence agreements
- Conduct of criminal hearings in all Courts
- Appeals & reviews in the High Court / Supreme Court of Appeal / Constitutional Court
- Expungements of criminal records
- Review and setting aside of admission of guilt payments
- Domestic violence and harassment offences
- Murder / attempted murder / assault / rape /crimen inuria & other common law criminal offences
- Drug-related offences / driving under the influence of alcohol & other driving-related offences
- Money laundering / fraud / theft & other commercial offences
- Contraventions of the Financial Sector Regulation Act and enquiries by the FSCA
- Contraventions of the Competition Act and hearings in the Competition Tribunal
- All other statutory offences, including but not limited to Municipal by-law offences
OUR SPECIALISTS
Armed with in-depth knowledge of everything from bail refund applications to intricacies of attorney-consumer fraud, these dedicated professionals tirelessly advocate for your rights, ensuring you’re not just a case number, but a person seeking justice.
Koos Geyser
Lorinda van Niekerk
Peter Hill
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To apply for bail, one must submit a formal request through their legal representation at their first court appearance, where the court will decide based on the nature of the crime and evidence presented.
There are three types: police bail for minor offences, prosecutor’s bail for more serious offences not in court yet, and court bail granted by the court during an appearance.
If one can’t pay bail, they will remain in custody until the trial or until a reduced bail amount is negotiated and approved.
Typically, the prosecution must show why an accused should not be granted bail. However, in certain serious crimes, the onus shifts to the accused to prove why they should be released.
In South Africa, drunk driving is a Schedule 2 offence, subjecting the accused to stringent penalties if found guilty.
An assault case begins with the victim filing a complaint. The police investigate, and if enough evidence is found, the accused is arrested. The case then proceeds to court, where the onus is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.