Jude Rios

Lester has had vast experience defending in major murder and manslaughter cases. These trials often receive a great deal of attention in the media. However, despite this, Lester’s focus is always on uncovering weaknesses in the crown case and preparing and presenting the best possible defence. Murder and manslaughter allegations are usually complex and involve […]

Lester is committed to providing a high-quality defence for serious sexual offences. He is frequently contacted by those accused of sexual offences because of his expertise in successfully defending cases involving false allegations. Lester continually demonstrates the necessary skills to successfully defend clients accused of serious sexual offending. Those skills include understanding clients who are […]

The importation, manufacturing, and supply (including selling) of class A, B and C controlled drugs are offences that are particularly prevalent today. Charges relating to these matters require a wide range of specialised advocacy and forensic skills. There are also often additional issues relating to confiscation of assets and proceeds of crime which need careful […]

Lester regularly represents clients who are charged with the entire range of violent offences, ranging from common assault to grievous bodily harm and aggravated robbery. He can therefore readily identify, after consultation with the client, possible defences to the charge. Defences can range from mistaken identity to lack of intention to self-defence or the defence […]

Appeals against sentences and convictions form a vital part of Lester’s expertise. Lester is often contacted to review criminal proceedings which have resulted in convictions or long sentences of imprisonment. This type of review requires Lester to carefully consider the evidence presented at trial in order to assess whether there is a chance of a […]

More often than not the first question asked by a client who is charged with a criminal offence is: “Will I be able to get bail while I wait for my charges to be heard?” Due to busy court schedules, especially after the covid lockdowns, the wait for trial can often be many months and […]

Lester has considerable experience in acting on behalf of individuals, companies and other business entities accused of fraud and dishonesty offences such as money laundering, tax evasion, false accounting and other unlawful financial dealings. Lester is often contacted prior to a client being charged and asked to give advice when the Police, Serious Fraud Office […]

When an accused person admits responsibility for an offence, or if they are found guilty, a sentencing hearing will be set down where a Judge will pass sentence for a particular crime. Lester appears at sentencing hearings on a regular basis and is highly familiar with the types of written and oral submissions that the […]

Lester has represented clients in cases involving firearms offences including possession of firearms without lawful purpose and allegations involving firearms used in the commission of other offences such as major robberies, kidnappings and murder/manslaughter. Lester has also acted, with success, in cases involving charges of illegal exportation and importation of firearms. Notable Case: Customs Department […]

Lester recognises that usually criminal convictions have far-reaching consequences for careers, future travel, immigration status and other types of personal applications, as well as a client’s personal and business reputation. Sometimes, when the evidence is strong or the likelihood of an acquittal is low, it may be appropriate for a client to plead guilty, and […]