John Briant

Background

About John Briant

John Briant has been a criminal defence lawyer since 1995. He has been involved in all aspects of representation from the police station to the crown court. As well as experienced counsel who practices in the Crown Court, He is one of the most experienced and effective police station defence lawyers currently practicing in England and Wales. He has represented in excess of defendants being interrogated by the police for offences ranging from driving matters to terrorism. He has defended more than 70 suspects accused of murder, hundreds of sexual offences and multiple billions of pounds worth of fraud. He has defended those suspected of offences by all of the UK’s investigative bodies including the SFO, specialist criminal directorates at Scotland Yard, HMRC, National Crime Agency, Trading Standards and DVSA. As well as being incredibly personable, he has been described by practitioners as having an encyclopaedic knowledge of police station law and practice and he combines these to generate favourable outcomes for those he represents. He has written in the Guardian and Legal journals, advises panels seeking to change police policies and practice and trains those providing support for vulnerable adults and children at police stations. He has advised CEO's, solicitors, accountants, consultants (both in the financial and medical arena) and other high-profile professionals. He has been effective in avoiding prosecution both at the investigative stage pre-charge and pre-trial following careful submissions. Notable Cases HW v R successful appeal of sentence where the Judge had misapplied the money laundering guidelines when linked to a drugs offence. R v SE Absolute discharge in firearms offence - special verdict - insanity. R v SI Led in million pound money laundering case - acquitted. R v B Led in murder case with significant causation issues. R v S Acquitted in s18 with 14 y/o defendant. R v JBR – one of three defendants accused of attempted S18 wounding - acquitted after 3 week trial. R v S - one of five football supporters accused of violent disorder – successfully argued self-defence. R v C – defendant accused of assaulting flat mates with weapons. Unanimously acquitted. R v X - Black Lives Matter protestor accused of assaulting police during protests. Having gone through hours of unused police footage, was able to demonstrate police officers accounts were not credible. Voluntary work John is passionate about civil liberties and the right to protest. He has a telegram channel on which he provides real time protest advice.