Michael Procter
Called to the Bar in 1993

An experienced criminal lawyer who both prosecutes and defends in the Magistrates and Crown Courts in all areas of Criminal Law including the whole range of violent, sexual, drugs and dishonesty offences.
As a former Magistrates’ Court advisor between 1999-2002 Michael also specialises in road traffic cases (particularly those involving serious injury or fatalities) and has other expertise in cases involving cash seizure under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Licensing Law and anti-social behaviour. He has extensive experience of dealing with cases with unusual, bizarre features or particularly vulnerable witnesses or defendants, including those with mental health issues. Michael is a firm believer in a psychological, sensitive approach to advocacy drawing on his experience.

A member of chambers since 2002 Michael is a Grade 3 CPS Prosecutor. Having helped steer the Human Rights Act 1998 into force as part of a Working Group when a Legal Advisor to the Magistrates, Michael is particularly interested in acting with independent integrity and solving a problem for a client by giving direct, honest pragmatic advice to achieve the optimum result. He has a down to earth, friendly approach to clients from whatever background.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Criminal Law: Michael has extensive knowledge of the different styles of advocacy required to operate effectively for clients or agencies in front of a wide range of tribunals including the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Courts and Local Authorities and Councils. Amongst his specialisms are social services disclosure work in criminal proceedings and Public Interest Immunity work.
• Cash Seizure and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders: Michael has expertise in both prosecuting and defending cash seizure proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act and prosecuting and defending proceedings involving Anti social Behaviour.
• Public Law: Michael has successfully conducted applications, transfers and appeals in relation to the Licensing Act 2003 and hearings in relation to Traffic Commissioners hearings and taxi licensing.

HIS WORK

Michael regularly accepts instructions from both the Crown Prosecution Service and criminal defence solicitors. He believes that his independence and experience as an advocate makes him well-placed to give good advice, based on real experience. He welcomes “direct access” clients, in the appropriate case, where he has the opportunity to give advice, and solve or achieve the optimum result for a client very cost-effectively. Sometimes this can be achieved at a lower cost for clients who are nonetheless eligible for Legal Aid.

His most recent cases include as a junior barrister, successfully defending a client on a murder charge and representing Joanne Dennehy, the female multiple murderer. He has successfully defended many clients on charges of rape, GBH, robbery and the whole range of criminal offences including historical sexual allegations and recently successfully prosecuted a defendant in possession of a 1941 Walther PPK firearm and a man involved in a conspiracy to create a fake robbery to bring about an abortion.

Michael has a proven track record in defending clients in the Magistrates’ Courts, where very different advocacy skills are required and has secured acquittals in a large number of driving cases involving fatalities.