Laura Baumanis - Olliers Solicitors

Laura Baumanis, criminal defence solicitor

Laura joined Olliers in 2005 and qualified as a solicitor in 2008. She is an outstanding Magistrates’ Court advocate and appears in courts across the country on a daily basis representing the best interests of her clients.

Since joining the firm, Laura has worked on a number of serious criminal cases which, of note, include high profile human trafficking cases, murders and many conspiracies to supply drugs.

Interviews under caution

Laura regularly attends interviews under caution particularly voluntary interviews which take place by arrangement with the police. She will always look to obtain early disclosure of allegations against her client so that meticulous preparation for the interview can take place. This will ensure that the most effective strategies are deployed at the police station. When clients are released under investigation Laura will then consider how best to ensure successful outcome to the investigation (see below).

Representation during criminal investigations

Laura is known for her pro-active approach during the ongoing investigation stage of a case. An interview under caution is an extremely important stage of the process but it is often after the police interview that the real work begins. She will always look to bring an investigation to a conclusion without the need for a prosecution. She is known for her strategic approach liaising with investigators throughout. She applies a combination of formal and informal representations to police and prosecutors ensuring that the chances of a prosecution are kept to a minimum.

Legal Aid is not available during this stage of a case.

Specialist Magistrates’ Court trial advocate

Since qualification, however, Laura has concentrated her time predominantly on providing quality advice and assistance at the police stations and appearing on a daily basis in the Magistrates’ Court. In this time she has gained and maintained an excellent reputation as an advocate, boasting an impressive acquittal rate when it comes to trials as well as securing notable results when dealing with sentences, bail applications and various ancillary applications.

Laura prides herself in being able to deal with any type of criminal offence during both the pre and post charge stages, and puts at the heart of her representation her clients needs. Pre-charge work covers the full spectrum of cases ranging from offences of dishonesty, sexual offences, drugs offences. Laura has a particular specialism in cases of domestic violence and harassment.

She understands that, to many, finding themselves on the wrong side of the law is a daunting and often overwhelming experience, and dedicates much of her time to addressing these issues. Her priority is to ensure that each client receives confident, professional and accurate legal advice within a context that provides them with the maximum amount of reassurance and support. Her experience ensures that the best possible outcome is reached in each and every case.

Laura does not generally accept trial instructions on a legally aided basis.

Football Banning Orders

Laura also specialises in the defence of football related offences including public order offences arising both pre and post football matches. She has considerable experience of successfully opposing football banning orders before the Magistrates’ Court.

Laura in the Media

Due to Laura’s experience and impressive reputation she is frequently asked to comment on issues relating to criminal law by the national media.

Laura was recently quoted in The Guardian highlighting her concerns about the prevalence of spice in prisons. Read more.

Laura also spoke to Vice about the law surrounding the supply of drugs. Read more.

Testimonials

“I couldn’t be happier with the service and representation I received from Laura Baumanis and Olliers. From initial contact and then throughout the case, Laura was easily contactable, explained everything clearly and demonstrated expertise and knowledge which all helped me immensely.”
“From the prompt response to my initial enquiry and the friendly and helpful office staff; I was impressed from the start. Laura’s advice throughout was spot on and she was a huge help. When you’re facing a situation that you’ve never faced before you need a Laura by your side.”
“Thanks for all your help. If it wasn’t for you I’d be serving a 3 year ban. I really am grateful and I’d not hesitate to recommend you.”
“I want to say a big big thank you for the other night. I was expecting that to be the most nerve wracking experience of my life, but you really put me at ease, which allowed me to give my evidence as clearly as I could. Very very much appreciated!”
“I still can’t thank you enough. I know it’s just your job to you. But to me and my family I can’t tell you how pleased we all are with the result.
I have only ever had three other encounters with solicitors. You by far are the most down to earth, polite, professional and approachable of them all.”
“An absolute masterclass performance, confident and knowledgeable.”
“Would just like to say many thanks to you and your team. Laura was an absolute blessing in court … she kicked ass …. “

Recent Cases

R v L 2018 – Successfully opposed imposition of Football Banning Order following a guilty plea to pitch invasion.
R v Z 2017 – Three handed case of pitch invasion. Laura’s client was the only person to avoid the imposition of a Football Banning Order.
R v Y 2017 – Theft from employer. Client was acquitted despite CCTV evidence purporting to show the offence.
R v X 2017 – DV assault. Acquitted after trial.
R v W 2017 – Victimless prosecution. Crown sought to rely upon res gestae evidence. Laura successfully opposed the Crown’s application to adduce such evidence and the case was dismissed
R v A 2016 – Section 47 assault. Client pleaded guilty on day of trial to an ABH, accepting causing serious injuries to the complainant, including a broken nose. Received a financial penalty.
R v B 2016 – Racially aggravated public order and racially aggravated assault. Long standing feud between mother and daughter. Acquitted after trial.
R v C 2016 – Acquiring criminal property. Client found with stolen bicycle within her property and co-accused used her bank account to organise the sale of the item. Acquitted after trial.
R v D 2016 – Common assault. Neighbour dispute. Numerous witnesses to an alleged assault. Matter denied. Acquittal after trial
R v A 2015 – Terrorism offence. Youth accused of assisting another in the purchase of noxious substances in order to endanger life. Provided advice and assistance throughout numerous interviews. The client was released without charge.
R v B 2015 – Rape. Allegation of raping a drunk female after a night out in her flat. No further action taken against the client following police station advice and attendance.
R v C 2015 – Case of domestic assault. Client put forward self defence in interview but was charged due to an independent witness corroborating the victim’s account. Laura had conduct of the case from his initial arrest to his trial and secured an acquittal, the Court accepting that he acted in self defence.
R v D 2015 – Fraud. Client charged with using a fraudulent credit card to purchase medical procedures. Subsequently found not guilty after trial.
R v E 2015 – Police Assault. Client alleged to have assaulted an Officer during her arrest, causing him visible injuries to his elbow and knee. Client acquitted after trial.
R v D 2015 – Harassment. Client pleaded guilty to an allegation of harassing her ex-partner. Despite the case being adjourned for the consideration of a community based penalty Laura was able to mitigate to persuade the Court to deal with the case by way of a fine and no Restraining Order.

Contact

Tel: 0161 834 1515
Fax: 0161 839 0804
Email: laurabaumanis@olliers.com
URL: http://www.olliers.com/lawyers/baumanis-laura/