“The best way out is always through”
– ROBERT FROST
If you, a close family member or friend have been arrested or charged by the police, you need a good lawyer. A criminal defence lawyer. I can help.
The bad news is that there’s no way to avoid your charges – you simply have to face them head on and get through them. The good news is that once you get me on board, we can make a plan to get your life back on track. This is about the bigger picture. It’s about your life. Your family. Your job. Your future.
The stakes are high, perhaps impossibly high, but let me help. Together, we can find a way through.
You’re a person – you’re not a criminal.
You need the best criminal barrister you can get- that goes without saying. Take a look at my LinkedIn profile for my CV and full details of my experience.
To get the very best result, you need more than that. You need a criminal lawyer you can trust, who understands what you need, helps you take control to get your life back on track.
I love the law. It is my passion. In Court I’m tenacious, I love a good argument and will fight hard on your behalf. Criminal defence advocacy sometimes means the gloves have to come off. You need someone in your corner ready and willing to fight as hard as it takes. There is no second place in criminal litigation.
I’m strategic so I know the best way through the system for you. There are many choices and you need the right guidance to make the right choice.
You need peace of mind. Having to appear in court may be one of the most stressful experiences you can face. Criminal law is what I do every day, so let me help.
What am I like? Can you trust me?
I don’t take myself too seriously, but I take my job incredibly seriously and I an recognised for it. I hope you’ll find me good value - in every sense.
If you want someone who calls a spade a spade, who explains things in a way you can understand and helps you to make the decisions that are right for you, then I am the criminal lawyer for you.
But don’t take my word for it. Get in touch. It is essential that you trust me and the only way to know if we are a good fit is for us to have a chat. Let’s see if I am the one to help you get your life back on track. This is no charge and no obligation.
Testimonials
“Thanks so much Emma. You really were such an amazing lawyer. It’s so funny how when it all happened I thought it was the end of my life and I now see that it was just a little bump on the timeline. Thanks for everything. “
JD, wounding jury trial- section 106 discharge without conviction
“Emma and her team represented me on manufacture, supply and precursor charges. I have complete trust in Emma. She has done a marvellous job defending me. Emma has been totally professional in her approach to defending my legal matters. I find Emma to be a down to earth lady who loves a challenge no matter what the circumstances. I would and have recommended her services to others. I’m extremely grateful for the outcome she has managed to secure for me.”
SK, Manufacture and Supply Class A- complex drug intercept jury trial
“Emma represented a family member of ours recently and the outcome was amazing! It was a WIN. Emma was always there for us. Her work ethic is impeccable and faultless, her submissions are a Master Piece. She is the one Lawyer you want in your corner, she knows the Law and the Courts like the back of her hand. Listen to everything she tells you because you will come of better off. Emma will have your back 100%”
BP Family, Successful first parole application
“Emma was completely professional and very clear
from the start about all the options. Honest but
always positive. A pleasure to work with and great energy and passion for the legal process. Thanks so much for your hard work. I can highly recommend Emma and her practice.”
VB, pre-arrest legal advice- avoided charges
“Beyond her outstandingly astute professional skills, Emma remained empathetic, supportive and consistent. She obtained the best possible outcome for our loved family member who faced very serious charges. As a result of her expertise, her advocacy and genuine care for her client he is doing well.Thank you Emma. We could not have asked for more.
JM Family, Class A drug importation and manufacture jury trial
“Emma Priest is someone you want in your corner, with a fierce work ethic and immeasurable diligence, she really helped me out with issues earlier this year. She has a wealth of experience and an approachable demeanour, and getting legal advice from Emma was as straightforward as things can get in our very complicated judicial system. If you need someone to guide you through processes that many people don't properly understand, Emma is your best bet!”
QS, sexual allegations- pre-arrest advice- not charged
“I met Emma in one of the darkest day of my life. She was the only lawyer who answered me immediately. She is awesome woman and make you feel better even that what your case is. She always gave me the suggestion and was able to answer all my stupid questions. Before I met her, I thought that it was really hard to find a good lawyer. But with Emma, you will find out how amazing she is.”
VN- Serious drug charges- dismissed pre-trial
“Emma is a proven performer. Sensible and rock solid at the Crown, she now is a senior and influential member of the defence bar. I have no hesitation in recommending her. You will be defended to the maximum and always kept informed of progress and options. Highly recommended.”
SC- defence lawyer, Auckland
“Emma is amazing. From your first meeting you just know you are in the best of hands. This was my fourth time through the court system, but the first time I've felt truly supported. What I think sets Emma apart is not just her exceptional skill as a lawyer, but that she makes you feel like your case is the most important in the world to her, and that she will do everything she can to get the best possible outcome. And that's exactly what you need when going through these trying and scary situations. If you are looking for a great lawyer then don't hesitate to contact Emma. You won't be disappointed.”
JC, recidivist sexual offender- rehabilitative outcome
“We just wanted to convey our heartfelt thanks for the result yesterday and acknowledge both you and your teams hard work and the professionalism you have showed. We were pleased you were on the defence team and not the prosecutor. You’ve helped make a real difference to a young man and his family, once again we thank you so very much. [X] will continue to work on his mental health and self esteem. This is all positive going forward and will be a new beginning for him.”
C Family, Possession and exportation of objectional material- section 106 discharge without conviction and permanent name suppression
“I take it as an absolute privilege to have had Emma as my lawyer. Emma is both an exceptional lawyer and a genuine person. Ever relentless in your pursuit of justice, yet a person of real integrity.
The sterner the challenge, the more driven and motivated she is. Never leaves a stone unturned, nor backs down for a cause she believes in. If ever faced with difficult allegations, she would be your best bet for counsel.
Emma is also kind can considerate, always having your best interests at heart. She keeps you informed and in the loop throughout. Continually laying out available options and advising you accordingly.
I could not recommend her more strongly.”
AB, sexual allegations- high profile jury trial, discharge without conviction, name suppression
"Our family’s greatest concerns were around the seriousness of the charges my young son faced and the long term consequences for his future. I am confident we would be facing a very different situation today if it was not for her. What impressed me the most was not only her legal knowledge but also her patience & willingness to discuss and go over the strategy and explain this as often as required so that we felt confident that we all understood and could make the best decision with the best legal advice.She showed genuine empathy for the family’s plight and went above and beyond what one would expect from a lawyer. I would recommend Emma in a heartbeat, she is an experienced, confident, and caring professional that will offer a service that you can have confidence in without judgement or bias. Thanks to Emma, we can look to the future with hope and anticipation for great things to come and would not think twice about seeking her assistance again if ever required."
KP, mother of defendant facing serious violence and aggravated robbery charges (second strike)
“It was a long fight but Emma was really helpful and she had details of every minute thing that could affect me. She really understands the defendant well and gives him/her all the options before the case progress. It was a great to work along with Emma and get the best possible outcome of the case. It ended well and I am really great that Emma fought my case. Thank you Emma so much for all your hard work.”
PK, Domestic violence- discharge without conviction
“If you’re reading this because you’re searching for a lawyer, you can stop looking now. Emma will deliver superior legal representation that results in the best possible outcome for you. Her work ethic is remarkable, her abilities are outstanding. Selecting Emma Priest as your lawyer is almost an unfair advantage.”
BP, Drugs and fraud jury trial- acquitted
“Emma represented me this year and was the most hard working and efficient lawyer I have ever come across! Every time I spoke to her (which was plenty!) she had taken further initiative in my interest which all culminated in a result that represented the very best possible outcome. Thanks Emma for your energy, your drive, your diligence and your consummate professionalism in representing me on what were initially very scary drug charges! I recommend Emma Priest to anyone in the market for a highly effective lawyer.”
BA, serious drug charges- reduced, no penalty imposed
“Emma is great lawyer. She was working on my case earlier this year. My case was dismissed and all charges dropped. I would highly recommend Emma to anyone needing a professional and reliable lawyer.”
AK, Fraud- charges dismissed