Services Provided
Elevate your legal defence strategy today with the expertise of a seasoned barrister by your side in Matt Smit. Secure your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Below are the main services area I specialise in.
Representation in District Court
Matt is a successful lawyer across all criminal matters and can represent you well in both minor and major charges (of which he has good experience). We provide services for any criminal offence, which can include (but is not limited to):
- Diversion
- Negotiating or seeking resolution of charges
- Seeking a reduced sentence
- Defending you in trial (such as judge alone or jury)
Driving offences
Matt smit can provide you with advice and guidance for driving offences, such as (but not limited to):
- Drink driving, known as Driving with excess breath alcohol (EBA)
- Driving while disqualified or suspended
- Careless or dangerous driving
- Sustained loss of traction
- Alcohol interlock sentences
Limited licence service
A limited licence (or work licence) is needed when you have been suspended or disqualified from driving and still require your licence for work or other essential needs.
Matt Smit will help you obtain a limited licence (work licence) in the District Court with efficiency and on a fixed fee basis.
Discharge without conviction
This is an application for a discharge of a criminal offence (no conviction). To apply for a discharge without conviction, we must first accept that the offence occurred. Then make an application to the court for no conviction on your criminal record. A discharge without conviction can be applied for when the consequences of the conviction are significant. For example; loss of employment, impact on mental health or deportation.
Section 94 application
This application seeks to avoid the consequence of disqualification due to a driving offence. This can be applied for when you have previously been disqualified. If successful the court will impose a community-based sentence rather than disqualification, such as community work. This application is often successful when a loss of licence results in hardship to the family, or loss of employment.
Youth advocate
Matt also represents young people aged between 14-17 years old in the Christchurch Youth Court. Matt works on behalf of the young person to advocate for restorative justice; which means supporting youth and whanau to reduce further offending and increase wellbeing.