Michael Goldwater

Michael practices in both criminal law and personal injury.

His criminal practice is wide ranging, and includes offences against the person, rape and other serious sexual offences, offences against property, and the importation and supply of controlled drugs.

He has considerable experience of sexual offences involving young persons and is familiar with the difficulties of handling these sensitive cases.

He also has extensive experience of property crime, where the forensic examination of documents plays a major part in case preparation.

Michael was recently involved in the leading authority of Highton (2005)EWCA Crim. 1985, which laid down guidelines in relation to the admissibility of character evidence under Section 101 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

He has considerable experience in presenting cases before the most difficult of tribunals, the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).

In addition, Michael Goldwater practices very extensively in all forms of personal injury work at all levels, including injuries of the utmost severity. He regularly prepares and presents cases before the higher Courts, where the detailed preparation of Schedules of Loss is a major part of case preparation. Whilst recent work includes brain damage, serious spinal injury and medical negligence, he also enjoys the less stressful experience of appearing before District Judge in less demanding work.

Wherever possible Michael prefers to be involved in personal injury actions from the outset, where his substantial experience in predicting the vagaries of judicial decision making can be of great assistance in negotiating a timely settlement.

He also has a particular interest and expertise in Civil Actions against the Police. He has substantial knowledge of the law, practice and procedure of such actions and a sound knowledge of the CPR rules, whilst his extensive experience of presenting cases before juries is particularly useful.

When not working, his principle interests are fly fishing, cooking and managing three teenage children.

Area of Practice:-

Crime:

• Rape and other serious sexual offences
• Importation and supply of Class A Drugs
• Violence cases including firearm offences
• Robbery
• Arson

Civil:

• Personal Injury
• Clinical Negligence
• Civil Action Against the Police