Pauls Areas
of Expertise

Kings Council

Approved Lawyer

Paul Dacre KC is a distinguished criminal defence lawyer with a reputation for excellence in handling complex legal cases, appointed King’s Counsel in 2013.

Paul has a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, during which he has successfully represented clients in high-stakes legal battles across New Zealand and the Pacific. His specialisation in serious fraud cases, drug trials, and murder defence sets him apart as a leading expert in these challenging areas of law. Renowned for his analytical acumen and ability to simplify intricate legal issues, Paul is committed to delivering top-tier legal defence.

Murder

Paul has prosecuted and regularly defends murder trials. His defended cases include a death penalty trial in California; New Zealand’s first serial killer; multi accused trials; domestic arguments resulting in homicide; organised crime retributions; homicide involving infants and during the course of other offending.

Paul is a particular expert in the pathology of death and technical defences, including the last successful provocation case, Mr Big police investigations, insanity and temporary insanity as well as issues of culture and drugs.

SFO / Fraud

Paul has successfully appeared on some of New Zealand’s longest and most complex Serious Fraud Office and Police fraud trials. These include prosecutions for political donations to the Labour Party and the National Party; a former Cabinet Minister accused of defrauding Immigration NZ;
an MP accused of corruption; Ponzi schemes and directors involved in failed businesses.

Paul is aware that trials of this nature require a team of experts including forensic accountants, private investigators and forensic computer analysts. Paul has the support of these experts.

Financial Markets
Authority Prosecutions

Handling Financial Markets Authority (FMA) prosecutions requires a lawyer with exceptional expertise and strategic insight. Paul Dacre KC is distinguished for his skill in defending clients against FMA prosecutions. With a distinguished criminal law career, Dacre offers extensive experience and understanding of financial regulations and enforcement actions.

FMA prosecutions may involve serious allegations such as market manipulation, insider trading, and false or misleading statements, each carrying severe consequences including substantial fines, imprisonment, and reputational damage. Dacre’s meticulous approach addresses the complexities of financial transactions and regulatory frameworks to construct a strong defence.

His strategic legal acumen ensures that every facet of the prosecution’s case is carefully scrutinised and contested. Dacre’s ability to translate complex financial data into clear, persuasive arguments is essential in these high-stakes scenarios. His reputation for securing favourable outcomes is grounded in his profound knowledge of financial markets and dedication to client advocacy.

For navigating FMA prosecutions, Paul Dacre KC is the lawyer you can trust for expert representation aimed at achieving the best possible result.

Serious Drug Offending

Paul has represented clients charged with importing, manufacturing  and distributing Class A, B and C Class drugs. The importations originate from China, USA. South East Asia, Australia, Mexico and South America. One such case involved the second largest importation of methamphetamine and the largest conspiracy to import and distribute  Class A and B drugs into New Zealand.

This is a very technical area of criminal law. Paul is very familiar with international shipping and aircraft operations, as well as police and Customs procedures. He also understands the nature of surveillance information including phone and vehicle tracking, text and WeChat messaging. Importantly Paul is in a position to challenge search warrants, seizures and unlawfully obtained evidence.

Proceeds of Crime

Proceeds of crime cases, involving the confiscation and forfeiture of assets believed to be obtained through illegal activities, demand expert legal defence. Paul Dacre KC, excels in this highly specialised area of law. With a profound understanding of financial crime and asset recovery, Dacre provides exceptional representation to clients facing these complex and often daunting charges.

Proceeds of crime legislation aims to disrupt the financial foundations of criminal enterprises, but its application can sometimes ensnare individuals unfairly. These cases typically involve intricate financial investigations and a detailed examination of the origins of assets. The potential consequences include the loss of property, hefty fines, and severe reputational damage. Dacre’s approach involves a thorough analysis of the prosecution’s evidence and the development of a robust defence strategy that seeks to protect his clients’ rights and assets.

Paul Dacre leverages his extensive experience in serious fraud and financial crime to challenge the assumptions and evidence presented by the prosecution. His strategic insight and tenacity are crucial in navigating the complexities of proceeds of crime cases. By focusing on the specifics of each case and providing personalised legal counsel, Dacre ensures his clients receive the best possible defence, safeguarding their interests against overreach and ensuring a fair legal process.

Tribunals

Navigating the complexities of tribunal hearings demands expert legal representation, and Paul Dacre KC, excels in this domain. With extensive experience across various tribunals, Dacre provides adept counsel for clients facing regulatory, disciplinary, and administrative hearings. His nuanced understanding of tribunal processes and procedures ensures meticulous preparation and compelling advocacy.

Tribunal hearings often involve intricate legal and procedural issues, requiring a strategic approach to achieve favourable outcomes. Dacre’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of tribunal matters, including professional misconduct, regulatory compliance, and administrative disputes. His thorough knowledge of tribunal rules and his ability to present clear, persuasive arguments are key to his success in this field.

Dacre’s client-focused approach means he takes the time to understand the unique circumstances of each case, providing tailored advice and robust representation. He meticulously prepares his clients, ensuring they are well-informed and confident throughout the tribunal process. His strategic acumen and dedication to justice make him a formidable advocate in tribunal settings.

By choosing Paul Dacre, clients benefit from his exceptional legal acumen and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. His proven track record in tribunal hearings underscores his ability to protect his clients’ interests and uphold their rights in complex and challenging legal environments.

Human Rights

Defending human rights and upholding the Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of Paul Dacre KC’s legal practice. As a King’s Counsel with a profound commitment to justice, Dacre has dedicated his career to protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. His extensive experience in human rights law ensures that clients facing violations of their civil liberties receive comprehensive and formidable representation.

Human rights cases often involve complex and sensitive issues, including unlawful detention, discrimination, freedom of speech, and the right to a fair trial. Dacre’s expertise in these areas allows him to effectively advocate for clients whose rights have been infringed upon by state or private entities. His meticulous approach to legal research and case preparation ensures that every angle is explored, and every legal avenue is pursued.

Dacre is known for his ability to navigate the nuances of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, providing a robust defence against any encroachment on individual freedoms. His strategic litigation has not only resulted in successful outcomes for his clients but has also contributed to the development of human rights jurisprudence in New Zealand.

Choosing Paul Dacre for your human rights case means entrusting your concerns to a lawyer who is passionately committed to justice, equality, and the protection of your fundamental rights.

Sexual Offending

Paul has defended numerous people charged with sexual offending. These include allegations of sexual violation within marriage, historical offending, teachers and others in authority alleging sexually abusing young persons; child sexual abuse, indecent acts in public, gang rapes and serial rapists. He  had also acted for people charged with making and distributing indecent images and films.

Paul has successfully raised the defence of sexsomnia. He is familiar with DNA, medical and evidential matters which can arise.

In matters of this nature issues of name suppression, communications with family, employers and professional bodies arise. Paul appreciates that these issues require discretion and sensitivity. Often the services of psychiatrists,  psychologists, medical professionals are required.  Paul has his team on call.

Affiliations

Pitcairn Islands Public Defender
Criminal Bar Association former president
New Zealand Bar Association former council member
New Zealand Law Society seminar presenter
Auckland District Law Society Seminar Presenter
Advanced Litigation Skills Faculty Member
Legal Research Foundation Member
Legal Research Foundation Member
Advanced Litigation Skills Faculty Member
Auckland District Law Society Seminar Presenter
New Zealand Law Society seminar presenter
New Zealand Bar Association former council member
Criminal Bar Association former president
Pitcairn Islands Public Defender

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