Laura Baumanis

Laura joined Olliers in 2005 and qualified as a solicitor in 2008.  She specialises in pre-charge and police interview representation and prides herself on achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.

She is also an outstanding Magistrates’ Court advocate and appears in courts across the country on a regular basis representing the best interests of her clients. Laura is an experienced Crown Court litigator with a specialism in defending allegations of domestic abuse and sexual offences. 

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.

Laura now specialises in the defence of those under investigation, particularly for offences of a sexual nature.

The Legal 500 2024

Laura was shortlisted for the Northern Powerhouse Criminal Lawyer of the Year 2024.

“Laura Baumanis is outstanding. Her client care is exceptional. She really goes the extra mile and is very good indeed with difficult clients in cases of the utmost seriousness.”

Pre-charge 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. Laura has significant experience in dealing with cases at this stage particularly cases involving sexual allegations and indecent images.

Laura acts for a number of professional clients, particularly medical professionals, representing both during the criminal stage of proceedings as well as during the professional discipline stage, frequently dealing with Interim Order Tribunals (IOT) before the General Medical Council (GMC).

Laura does not accept instructions on a legally aided basis at this stage of a case.

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 the most successful outcome to the investigation (see below).

Specialist Advocate

Laura also provides extremely professional  advice and representation at the police station and appears on a regular 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 putting at the heart of her representation her client’s needs.  Regardless of the nature of the allegation, Laura works tirelessly to ensure the best results for those who instruct her. Laura has a particular specialism in youth court work and regularly works with the Court, the CPS, YOS and other agencies to ensure that youths are being dealt with fairly and appropriately.  She appreciates how distressing criminal proceedings can be, not just for the youths involved, but for their family as well and offers unrivalled support and assistance throughout such cases.  

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 and applying to have them removed once two thirds of the order has been completed.  She appreciates the practical difficulties that the imposition of such orders can cause, not to mention the distress caused to many who can no longer support their favourite team in person, and fights hard to minimise the impact of any such prosecution upon her clients.  

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.

• Is deflating tyre offences a criminal offence?  Click here to read
• Revenge porn Click here to read
• Voice of Islam Radio -appeared on radio discussing conviction rates in relation to sexual offences
• Discussing police rights with Stylist Magazine  Click here to read
• Take a Break magazine – comment on stalking, and stalking protection orders for National Stalking Week

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

• Re S 2023 – lengthy investigation into possession of indecent images of children and RIPA (failing to provide passwords). File was submitted to the CPS under RIPA only and no further action was taken due to lengthy response provided in response to the request, highlighting the defences available and the deficiencies of the police during the investigation
• Re M 2023 – accused of serious sexual assault against a minor. Due to active engagement with the police during the investigation, no further action was taken without the matter proceeding to the CPS. Subsequently an application was made to the DBS to remove evidence of the arrest from his record, which was successful. We were able to establish that this was a malicious allegation, fabricated with the intention to secure custody of the child.
• Re H 2023 – allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against an ex-partner and her child. Significant work was undertaken in obtaining defence evidence, including obtaining audio recordings from with the house, statements from family members and colleagues, banking records, text messages and images. The case was submitted to the CPS prematurely by the police, who had failed to undertake any investigation into the allegations made or the defence raised. Ultimately no further action was taken.
• Re S 2023 – lengthy investigation into possession of iioc and RIPA (failing to provide passwords). File was submitted to the CPS under RIPA only and no further action was taken due to lengthy response provided in response to the request, highlighting the defences available and the deficiencies of the police during the investigation
• Re M 2023 – accused of serious sexual assault against a minor. Due to active engagement with the police during the investigation, nfa was taken without the matter proceeding to the CPS. Subsequently an application was made to the DBS to remove evidence of the arrest from his record, which was successful. We were able to establish that this was a malicious allegation, fabricated with the intention to secure custody of the child.
• Re H 2023 – allegations of c&c behaviour and assault against an ex-partner and her child. Significant work was undertaken in obtaining defence evidence, including obtaining audio recordings from with the house, statements from family members and colleagues, banking records, text messages and images. The case was submitted to the CPS prematurely by the police, who had failed to undertake any investigation into the allegations made or the defence raised. Ultimately nfa was taken.
• Re D 2023 – historic allegation of rape. Assistance provided before, during and after voluntary interview, during which denials were submitted and defence witnesses provided. Due to active pre-charge engagement, a decision to take no further action was taken without recourse to the CPS.
• Re B 2023 – client pleaded guilty to attempting to facilitate sexual activity with a child. Despite the sentencing guidelines suggesting that the requisite sentence exceeded that of two years, due to a significant amount of work done both pre and post charge in respect of rehabilitation, the court was persuaded that the case was exceptional, and reduced the sentence to 18 months, allowing it to be suspended.
• Re C 2023 – instructed to deal with allegation of sexual communications with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, case both pre and post charge. Due to the amount of work undertaken to evidence rehabilitation, including obtaining character references, evidence of various courses attended and impact upon family, the court was persuaded to depart from the sentencing guidelines and imposed a three year community order after a prompt guilty plea.
• R v O 2023 – Successfully acted for doctor at a pre-charge stage facing a number of sexual allegations. Successful outcome at Interim Order Tribunal (IOT) stage. N0 interim orders made and allegations subsequently no further actioned by the police.
• R v N 2022 – Guilty plea to seven charges, including inciting child to engage in sexual activity – advised to expect immediate custody by Counsel.  Sentenced to suspended sentence order
• R v R 2022 – Pre-charge assistance in relation to an allegation of rape.  Following on from advice during interview, and post charge representations, no further action taken, despite apparent admissions being made to the aggrieved party
• R v M 2022 – Pre-charge assistance in relation to allegation of sexual assault.  No further action taken
• R v D 2022 – Court refuses to impose a FBO following on from a g plea for being drunk in a stadium. CPS appeal refusal and appeal is unsuccessful. CC agrees FBO is not appropriate
• R v W 2022 – Guilty plea to possession of indecent images. Case remained in the Magistrates’ Court and a Community Order was imposed
• R v A 2022 – Historic allegation of rape.  Following on from pre-charge representations no further action was taken. Further instructed to apply to have evidence of his arrest removed from his PNC. Also successful
• R v F 2022 – Pre-charge assistance in relation to an allegation of sexual assault against his daughter. As a result of continued contact with the police no further action was taken and Social Services accept no cause for concern. All parties accepted that the allegation was malicious and unfounded.
• R v A 2021 – Sexual communications with a child. Instructed post charge.  Made successful representations to the Crown Prosecution Service that it was not in the interest of justice to prosecute.  The Crown offered no evidence in the Crown Court
• R v B 2020 – Instructed in relation to a youth accused of downloading hundreds of indecent images. Following advice at the police station she was able to persuade the Officers to deal with the matter by way of a youth caution.
• R v C 2020 – Racially aggravated PO at a football match.  Instructed after interview to undertake pre-charge work.  Her pro-active approach in obtaining evidence in support of the defence resulted in no further action being taken.
• R v D 2020 – Rape. Instructed after interview to undertake pre-charge work. As a result of the work undertake on behalf of the defendant and representations made to the police no further action was taken.
• R v E 2020 – Common assault (DV). Laura successful opposed the Crown’s application to adjourn the trial when they were not in a position to proceed on the day. No evidence offered and the case was dismissed
• R v P 2019 – Successful post charge representations in relation to  charges of harassment and criminal damage in a neighbours dispute.  Crown discontinued the case after the first appearance as a result of lengthy written representations put forward by Laura.
• R v U 2019 – Outraging public decency. Laura successfully defended the client at trial and despite there being three witnesses to the incident in question, he was found not guilty
• R v R 2019 – Sexual assault x 2. Two separate allegations of sexual assault were made against R by former colleagues. Laura represented him throughout proceedings and secured him an acquittal at the conclusion of his trial
• R v B 2019 – s47 assault (DV). Instructed after interview to undertake pre-charge work. Detailed representations were made to the Crown which resulted in no further action being taken against him.
• R v C 2019 – Rape. Laura was instructed to represent C at the police station when arrested for an allegation of rape. Following on from her advice and attendance upon the client no further action was taken
• R v G 2019 – Contested application for a football banning order following a conviction for a Public Order offence. Laura was instructed after the guilty plea had been entered. Successfully opposed the Crown’s application for a FBO
• R v R 2019 – Possession of indecent images. Laura represented R who was charged with one count of possession of a category A image. Successfully persuaded the Magistrates’ Court not only to deal with the case rather than commit the matter to the Crown Court for sentence, but to deal with the matter by way of a suspended sentence rather than an immediate period of imprisonment.
• 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

Articles written by Laura