If you think you need to speak to a criminal lawyer,
you probably do.
You’re caught up in a situation that could easily spiral out of control.
Perhaps no one has been arrested or even questioned. Yet.
But you need good advice, and you don’t know where to start.
The sooner you speak to a criminal lawyer, the better.
“[Julie-Anne’s] fierce advocacy and innate sense of justice ensure that her clients not only have the best chance of a fair outcome, but also that their voice is heard in a system that sometimes silences the vulnerable. I always jump at the chance to work with Julie-Anne because of her humanity, energy and intellect”
Tim McKinnel
Private Investigator, Auckland
I’m Julie-Anne Kincade.
I’m a criminal barrister with more than 30 years’ experience as lead counsel in high–profile jury trials and appeals. Whether you’re facing allegations of fraud, drugs, assault, arson, homicide or any other serious criminal charge, I can help.
Prior to joining the independent bar as a criminal defence lawyer, I was a prosecutor for more than a decade. I know how the police work, how the prosecution builds its case and how to challenge it effectively. My approach is based on fierce, strategic advocacy designed to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Justice, fairness and accountability are at the heart of my practice, together with my belief that we can’t just sit on the sidelines criticising; we must ‘be the change’ we wish to see. I strongly believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial and I am committed to holding all those involved in the criminal justice system to the highest standards to ensure those rights are respected.
In 2019 I was appointed King’s Counsel, an honorary title that acknowledges excellence, depth of expertise, and commitment to justice, integrity and leadership in the law. I’m proud to be consistently recognised by my peers as one of New Zealand’s best criminal lawyers (Doyle’s Guide).
Dealing with the police and facing prosecution can be overwhelming. It may feel like the cards are stacked against you. You need an experienced criminal lawyer you can trust.
The sooner we talk, the sooner I can help
It’s never too early to get legal advice and you don’t have to go through this alone. Get in touch now and together, we’ll figure out your next steps.
“[An] Influential criminal lawyer making waves in New Zealand’s legal landscape.”
LawFuel Power List
“A regular figure in some of the biggest criminal cases in courtrooms around Auckland”
NZ Herald
I have acted as lead counsel in numerous high-profile cases, covering the full spectrum of serious criminal charges.
Need to speak to a criminal lawyer ?
If you’ve been arrested, charged or need urgent legal advice, call +64 9 929 4940 now.
Otherwise, please send an email or a text, and we’ll get in touch during office hours.
Julie-Anne Kincade KC is one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent criminal barristers and a leading voice for justice and fairness in criminal law.
She has acted as lead counsel on hundreds of jury trials and appeals, including high-profile cases like the Lundy hearings, the Desert Road homicide and the Dome Valley murders. In 2024 she was lead counsel for Gail Maney’s third appeal, exposing a substantial miscarriage of justice that led to Maney’s acquittal of homicide after serving 15 years in prison.
Julie-Anne began her career in London in 1991 when she was called to the Bar of England and Wales, defending and prosecuting serious criminal cases at all levels as a member of Mountford Chambers. After relocating to New Zealand in 2006, she joined Meredith Connell as a senior prosecutor, before moving to the independent bar in 2013.
A recognised leader in criminal law, Julie-Anne is Vice President of The Law Association of New Zealand and Convenor of the TLANZ Criminal Law Committee. She is an active member of the New Zealand Bar Association, the New Zealand Law Society and the Auckland Medico-Legal Society. She is a faculty member of the Litigation Skills course, regularly presents seminars for criminal lawyers, and sits on the prosecution panels of both the Serious Fraud Office and the Commerce Commission.
Julie-Anne was appointed King’s Counsel in 2019 and has been consistently recognised as one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent criminal lawyers in Doyle’s Guide, as well as by the New Zealand Herald and NZ Lawyer.
Julie-Anne was a founding member of Augusta Chambers in Auckland, where her practice is supported by junior barrister Jasmine Jackson and legal executive, Peta Freeman.
“I chose Julie-Anne because I knew she’d be kind to the client
and firm with the judge”
Lawyer
Jasmine Jackson
Criminal Barrister
Jasmine has acted as junior counsel on a range of criminal matters including major homicide trials, and has appeared alongside lead counsel in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Naturally curious and empathetic, Jasmine specialised in criminal defence because it allows her to advocate for and assist others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With a BA in criminology she especially enjoys the investigative aspects of her role, analysing the evidence and building a theory of the case.
Jasmine was admitted to the bar in 2021 and is an approved Legal Aid PAL 1 provider. She is Secretary of the South Auckland Bar Association, and a member of the TLANZ Parole Committee and Criminal Law Committee. She has a BA/LLB from the University of Auckland.
Peta Freeman
Registered Legal Executive
Peta is a qualified Legal Executive with more than 30 years’ experience in the criminal law arena, having worked for both the Crown and defence in the UK and NZ.
Peta, who originally trained as a journalist, has an extensive knowledge of the criminal legal system and court procedures and is known for her calm,
friendly and approachable manner.
Don’t wait for the situation to escalate
Get legal advice now.
The sooner you talk to us
the sooner we can help.
Send me an email, or text +64 21 235 1047, and we’ll be in touch ASAP
Dealing with the police and the courts can be confusing and overwhelming. Let’s get your questions answered.
If you think you need a lawyer, you probably do. Whether you’ve been arrested, had a call from the police or you’re caught up in unfortunate circumstances and feeling anxious and unsure, it’s never too early to pick up the phone. Call me, or one of my team and together we’ll figure out your next steps. If I’m not the right lawyer, I’ll help you find someone who is.
Stay calm and polite with police interactions. Clarify if you are under arrest or free to leave. When asked, you must tell them your name, address and date of birth. If they ask you any other questions, ask to speak to a lawyer before answering. You have the right to speak to a lawyer.
Please read carefully anything that they ask you to sign, and again, best if you can speak to a lawyer before signing anything at all.
Criminal law is complex and every case is unique. I can’t predict exactly how your case will go.
The most important thing is that you get the right support ASAP, and that means having an experienced lawyer you can trust.
I keep in touch with all of my clients regularly and will make sure you’re fully informed and understand your options every step of the way.
If you’ve been arrested or detained for questioning after hours and need urgent legal advice, please call me on +64 9 929 4940.
In all other circumstances, please email jak@jakincade.co.nz or send me a text. We’ll be in touch ASAP, during office hours.
If you’re facing serious criminal allegations, you need expert advice from an experienced criminal lawyer.
What happens in the early stages of an investigation can be incredibly important to the outcome of your case. That’s why it’s vital to get good advice, right from the start.
While some family solicitors handle minor criminal matters, they are unlikely to have expertise in serious criminal charges. Think of it like the difference between seeing a GP and seeing a specialist.
Although every case is different, a good lawyer will be upfront about legal costs and what to expect.
It’s normal to be concerned about costs, but please don’t let that stop you from getting support. Going without legal advice, even in the early stages of a criminal investigation, could cost you a lot more than money.
If you think you need advice, get in touch with me or one of my team as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to discuss costs and help you understand your options from the outset.
There are strict criteria that must be satisfied to be eligible for legal aid. I am an approved legal aid provider, so I can explain the eligibility requirements and advise you on your options.
The sooner we speak, the sooner I can consider all your options. Your call is completely confidential and discretion is assured, so please reach out and get the advice you need.
Alongside experience and expertise in serious criminal cases, it’s important to choose a criminal lawyer with whom you feel comfortable.
Your relationship with your lawyer will be built on trust – and that goes both ways. Criminal cases can be stressful, complicated and may take some time to resolve. It’s important to trust that your lawyer knows what they are doing and has your back.
In criminal cases there are no guarantees, but I am committed to achieving the best outcome in your circumstances. I will guide you through the process, fight hard for your rights and keep you fully informed every step of the way.
We represent clients right across Auckland, including the North Shore, Manukau and Waitakere District courts, and occasionally the upper North Island. Please get in touch and we’ll see if we can help.
“I always knew you were trying to help me and would never lie to me”
Client
Need urgent legal advice?
Contact us now
Expert legal advice when you need it, from leading criminal barrister Julie-Anne Kincade KC.
Criminal investigations can move quickly, so the sooner you get good legal advice, the better.
My team and I represent clients across Auckland, including the North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau District Courts.
Your call is completely confidential. We will listen without judgement and help you understand your options.
If we can’t help, we’ll try to suggest someone who can.
Don’t let the situation spiral out of control. Get in touch now, so you can get support from me or one of my team.
09 929 4940
+64 21 235 1047
Augusta Chambers,
Level 9, 115 Queen Street
PO Box 106217
Auckland City 1143
jak@jakincade.co.nz
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members”
– Mahatma Ghandi
