LinkinLegal
David Hardstaff photo

David Hardstaff

David Hardstaff is a partner in BCL’s serious and general crime department, specialising in criminal litigation, professional discipline, controlled drug licensing, and proceeds of crime. He has particular experience in representing individuals accused of sexual offences, drugs offences and offences involving violence. He is an experienced police station representative and advocate, representing clients in a wide range of proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. Regularly acting for professionals and high-profile individuals, he has a reassuring appreciation of the pressures and strains that clients face when subject to investigation. He also advises witnesses, corporates and broadcasters involved in criminal proceedings on matters such as reputation management and public relations. In addition to his busy criminal practice, David advises companies and institutions in the cannabis industry. He is experienced in the Home Office controlled drug licensing system and in advising businesses (from start-ups to multinationals) in relation to proceeds of crime considerations. · BCL Solicitors LLP

EnglandCriminal Defence, Professional Discipline

About

David Hardstaff is a partner in BCL Solicitors LLP's serious and general crime department, specialising in criminal litigation, professional discipline, controlled drug licensing and proceeds of crime. He acts for individuals (including professionals and high-profile clients), represents clients at Magistrates' Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal, and advises corporates and businesses in the cannabis industry on licensing and proceeds of crime matters.

Practice areas

Criminal DefenceProfessional DisciplineControlled Drugs LicensingProceeds of CrimeBusiness Crime & RegulationPolice Station RepresentationMedia & Reputation Management

Office

Expertise

Cannabis industry (commercial and controlled drug licensing)Sexual offences defenceDrugs offences defenceOffences involving violenceRepresentation of professionals and high-profile individualsAdvocacy at Magistrates' Court, Crown Court and Court of AppealReputation management and public relations for witnesses, corporates and broadcasters

Education

  • University of Dundee (2009, Law LLB (Hons))
  • California Appellate Project (2010)
  • University of Law (2012, Legal Practice Course)

Admissions

  • Qualified 2014 (England & Wales)