Facing charges? Get expert advocacy on your side.

charles harvey, criminal & regulatory defence barrister

Being investigated or facing charges can be overwhelming. Whether you have been asked to speak with Police, have just been charged, or your matter is already before the Court, getting legal advice early can make a significant difference.

Charles Harvey provides experienced criminal defence representation for private and Legal Aid clients throughout Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand. He has experience across the full spectrum of criminal offending, from driving and violence charges through to serious drug offending and homicide. Having worked as both a criminal defence lawyer and Crown prosecutor, Charles understands how cases are investigated and presented from both sides of the courtroom.

Charles also advises individuals and businesses in regulatory and compliance matters. Drawing on his experience as in-house counsel at the Commerce Commission, he provides advice and representation in Fair Trading Act matters, regulatory investigations and prosecutions, helping clients navigate investigations and manage regulatory risk.

Call Charles

not sure where to start?

  • If Police have contacted you to arrange an interview or asked you to come to the station, it is important to get legal advice before deciding what to do. Even if you have not been charged, what happens at this stage can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

    In most cases, Charles' advice is straightforward: do not participate in a Police interview or answer questions about the allegations until you have received legal advice—even if you are innocent or believe you have evidence that proves your innocence. He will explain your rights, help you understand the purpose of the interview, and advise you on the best course of action in your particular circumstances.

    Early legal involvement can help avoid common mistakes, protect your legal position, and ensure any decisions you make are informed ones.

  • Being charged with a criminal offence can be stressful and uncertain, but it is also the point at which early preparation can make the greatest difference.

    Charles will explain the charges, the Court process and your options in plain English. From the outset, he works proactively to understand the prosecution's case, identify the key issues, and begin preparing your defence. Depending on the circumstances, this may include obtaining further evidence, instructing private investigators or expert witnesses, and preserving evidence that may become more difficult to obtain over time.

    Early legal advice also means important decisions such as bail, reviewing the evidence, and the overall strategy for your case are considered carefully from the beginning.

  • If your case is already before the Court, it is not too late to obtain experienced legal representation.

    Whether you are preparing for a trial, applying for bail or name suppression, seeking a discharge without conviction, or preparing for sentencing or an appeal, Charles can provide clear advice and experienced advocacy tailored to your circumstances.

    Charles will review where your case currently stands, identify the key issues, explain your options, and develop a strategy designed to achieve the best outcome available in your particular case.

how can CHARLES help?

criminal defence

1

Charles represents clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, including:

  • Violent offending: assault, aggravated robbery, family violence

  • Theft and property offending: burglary, fraud, arson, shoplifting

  • Traffic and driving offending: dangerous driving, drink-driving, driving while suspended

  • Drug offending: possession, supply, dealing

  • Sexual violence offending

  • Firearms offences

regulatory & compliance

2

Charles advises and represents individuals and businesses involved in regulatory investigations, prosecutions and compliance matters, including:

  • WorkSafe

  • Ministry of Primary Industries

  • Commerce Commission

  • Civil Aviation Authority

  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

  • Serious Fraud Office

approach

Understand the prosecution’s case

Having worked as a former Crown Prosecutor, Charles understands how prosecutions are investigated, prepared and presented. That experience provides valuable insight when assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution case.

Preparation starts immediately

The days following a charge are often critical. Where appropriate, Charles works immediately to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, obtain CCTV before it is lost, and engage independent investigators or expert witnesses where they are likely to assist.

Work directly with Charles

Harvey Legal is a sole barrister practice. That means you'll work directly with Charles Harvey throughout your case, not be passed between different lawyers or junior staff.

From your first conversation to your final Court appearance, you'll receive consistent advice, careful preparation and experienced representation from the person responsible for your defence.

Seeing the person behind the case

Every client has a story, and every case has context. Charles takes the time to understand your circumstances, not just the allegations, so your case is presented as the whole picture, not just the charge before the Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQs

  • After you have been charged, you will usually be required to appear before the Court. Before then, there are often important decisions to make about bail, obtaining and reviewing the Police evidence, and preparing your case. Every matter is different, but getting legal advice early gives you the best opportunity to understand your options and make informed decisions from the outset.

  • Legal Aid is available for most criminal cases, depending on your financial circumstances. If you are unsure whether you qualify, Charles can discuss your eligibility and, where appropriate, assist you with the application process.

    If you are not eligible for Legal Aid, you can still instruct Charles privately. Harvey Legal offers transparent fee estimates so you can understand the likely costs before deciding how to proceed.

    You can also read more about the Legal Aid eligibility criteria on the Ministry of Justice website.

  • While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, obtaining legal advice before your first appearance is strongly recommended.

    Important decisions can be made from the outset, including bail, disclosure, and the future management of your case. Criminal proceedings can have lasting consequences, and the decisions made early in your case may affect its outcome. Having an experienced lawyer guide you through the process helps ensure those decisions are informed, strategic and in your best interests.

Contact

Get in touch with Charles to map out a clear path forward.

charles@harveylegal.co.nz
022 409 0655
PO Box 8181, Tauranga 3110