recovering your assets from police
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Recent media coverage of JM criminal proceeds defence
Stuff.co.nz coverage here. Police ordered to release cash and a successful costs award against the Commissioner of Police. 2025 award for criminal proceeds and civil advisory - Acquisition International here. 
Jess
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"Whether challenging NZ precedent in respect of tax related criminal proceeds matters, creating trust based arguments to have property released, or joining children as young as 3 months old to criminal proceeds litigation, or successfully defending the early sale of nearly $3M worth of bitcoin in 2025, I take a pro-active, unique, and unpredictable approach getting your assets back from the Commissioner of Police."
"I am also pleased to be working with property solicitors specializing in complex criminal proceeds settlements. See the tab "Settlements with Police" on my website. We are experienced getting deals done at both the restraint and forfeiture stage of a proceeding." "My particular specialty in criminal proceeds is related to relief applications i.e. applications to have your property released even if it is tainted. I also specialize in applications for release and relief at both the restraint and forfeiture stage." "I am proud of my clientele who come from all walks of life in New Zealand, and it is fair to say I am friend and/or counsel to many prominent proceeds of crime clients." "I represent children, small business owners, presidents/leaders of motorcycle clubs, families of senior members of motorcycle clubs, ordinary Mums and Dads, Aunties and Uncles, Grandma and Grandad, notable alleged money launderers and alleged large scale tax fraudsters. I also assist foreign based individuals who have interests in the outcome of some New Zealand proceeds of crime matters. I love my work and look forward to meeting you." |
1. Services
Assistance with section 107 examinations
Opposition to restraint
Opposition to forfeiture
Joinder of further parties to a criminal proceeds proceeding - including children
Applications for severance of property interests
Applications for exclusion of property on basis of undue hardship
Crafting and negotiating settlement with third parties and the Commissioner of Police/OA
General applications under the High Court Rules 2016 and the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009
Judicial Review of Commissioner of Police's and his officers' powers under the Criminal Proceeds regime
Judicial Review of the Official Assignee's powers under the Criminal Proceeds regime
Out of court advisory
Legal opinions and second opinions
'Shadow Counsel'
Education/Information for groups who are vulnerable under the criminal proceeds regime
Assembly of litigation teams for large value and complex matters
Strategic Advocacy Services
Coordinated advocacy
(multi-targeted, in and out of court, including social media)
Opposition to restraint
Opposition to forfeiture
Joinder of further parties to a criminal proceeds proceeding - including children
Applications for severance of property interests
Applications for exclusion of property on basis of undue hardship
Crafting and negotiating settlement with third parties and the Commissioner of Police/OA
General applications under the High Court Rules 2016 and the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009
Judicial Review of Commissioner of Police's and his officers' powers under the Criminal Proceeds regime
Judicial Review of the Official Assignee's powers under the Criminal Proceeds regime
Out of court advisory
Legal opinions and second opinions
'Shadow Counsel'
Education/Information for groups who are vulnerable under the criminal proceeds regime
Assembly of litigation teams for large value and complex matters
Strategic Advocacy Services
Coordinated advocacy
(multi-targeted, in and out of court, including social media)
2. Legal Fees
Criminal proceeds is civil litigation.
$550 + GST per hour, plus disbursements.
Payment is due upon invoice unless otherwise agreed.
Fixed Fees may be available at my exclusive and sole discretion.
Urgent criminal proceeds work will incur premium hourly rates between $1,000 to $2,000 per hour, depending on time, complexity, and the work I must drop to deal with your urgent matter.
3. Large Criminal Proceeds Cases - assembling a team of barristers
For large value criminal proceeds matters, with multiple respondents and interested parties, and multiple party types (companies, trusts, individuals, limited partnerships, children etc) it may be necessary to have multiple barristers acting for different parties. This is to avoid the appearance of conflict, but also actual conflict that may arise during the litigation. This also assists with a more manageable and safe workload for each barrister and their solicitor. I assemble legal teams via criminal proceeds defence group.
4. Types of clients I have acted for/provided advice to
Companies
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5. Proceeds of Crime Fund
Where does the money and property go if the Commissioner of Police is successful having your property forfeited to the Crown?
https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/about-the-justice-sector/proceeds-of-crime-fund/
https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/about-the-justice-sector/proceeds-of-crime-fund/