Jim joined Switalskis in 2008 and is the head of department for motoring crime.  Jim is a barrister and high-profile criminal law practitioner in the Leeds area.

He has a wide range of experience in criminal law matters, including representing clients in a variety of high-profile cases from murder, fraud, money laundering and large scale drug offences.

Jim has extensive experience in defending clients including:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Sexual offences
• Violent crimes
• Drug misuse
• Supplying drugs
• Firearms
• Fraud
• Drink driving
• Driving disqualifications
• Drug driving
• Disturbing the peace
• Burglary and theft

Jim has appeared at the Court of Appeal on many occasions and has successfully appealed both conviction and sentences. He is also instructed regularly by other firms of solicitors.

Jim is head of Switalskis' motoring crime team and represents privately funded matters before the magistrates. He is a specialist in this area, and regularly represents individuals in road traffic cases. Jim’s thorough understanding of both the court system and road traffic law means that he can offer expert advice on all motoring offences.

As a barrister, Jim can offer continuity of representation for motoring law clients in the event that a road traffic case should proceed to Crown Court.

Jim is also experienced in cases involving HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and has worked as a supervisor for the Legal Services Commission Fraud Panel.

APPROACH

Jim’s approach to each case is to be meticulously prepared and to act as an advocate for his clients.

EXPERIENCE

• R v H successful defence for attempt murder on the grounds of non insane automatism where the crown instructed a KC
• R V O successful defence for murder as junior counsel
• R v Y successful defence of a PCSO for rape and sexual offences whilst on duty
• R v C 12 handed violent disorder linked to murder one of only two defendants acquitted
• R v successful defence for s18 by a serving prisoner in Dartmoor
• R V R successful defence in an OCG drugs conspiracy to supply class A
• R V G successful defence of an upcoming grime artist for conspiracy to supply firearms linked to a murder