Stuart Blake has been assisting clients in criminal and traffic matters for over 10 years. 

Stuart takes pride in pursuing excellence. He has an excellent track record for obtaining the best possible outcomes for clients appearing in Court on a wide range of criminal charges. He now specialises predominantly in traffic law.

Since his admission to the Bar Stuart has practised in Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton, Whangerei (including Kaitaia, Kaikohe & Dargaville) and Auckland. Stuart gained his first employment in a Law Firm in Tauranga whilst still at Law School. Subsequent to being admitted to the Bar Stuart has continued to undertake a wide range of legal practice working as a Barrister and Solicitor specialising in litigation; criminal law, Maori land law;  civil law; sports law; and commercial law.

Stuart is a member of the Auckland District Law Society, New Zealand District Law Society, International Bar Association; New Zealand Criminal Bar Association and holds a current practising certificate as a Barrister.

Stuart is a Listed Provider with the Legal Services Agency and accepts Legal Aid Assignments for criminal / traffic matters. Stuart currently has proceedings category 3 which allows him to undertake most criminal matters on legal aid, except those with a sentence of life imprisonment.

In relation to indictable charges Stuart has been involved in jury trials in both the District and High Courts, for clients charged with rape, sexual violation, indecent assault, offending on children, violence charges, fraud, burglary, wounding with intent to cause GBH, perverting the course of justice and many more.

In relation to summary charges Stuart appears at the District Court on a daily basis at defended hearings, sentencing(s), and status hearings. Stuart has developed a large traffic/transport practice and has represented hundreds of clients with traffic offences including speeding, dangerous driving, drink driving and other driving charges. Stuart has a very comprehensive knowledge of the Land Transport Act 1998 and the case law.

Stuart prides himself on assisting his clients in a most timely and efficient manner, ensuring the least possible disruption to their daily lives. Whether First Offender or Repeat Drink Driver, Stuart can guide you through the problems and pitfalls of the provisions of the Land Transport Act 1998, the Sentencing Act 2002 and the Bail Act 2000. 

Stuart recognises the importance of continued legal education and thus participates in numerous seminars and programmes each year (including the Lexis/Nexis Seminars of excess breath alcohol), to ensure that he is at the leading edge of legal developments. In a similar fashion, Stuart also endeavours to regularly peruse the latest Court Decisions which may impact on the criminal law.

Stuart has developed a large network of contacts within organisations that help individuals with addictions and other personal problems. Likewise, Stuart will assist clients to make contact with the appropriate counsellors and rehabilitation agencies and he always offers his clients active support and encouragement through their rehabilitation progress. This can be crucial for those charged with excess breath alcohol (3rd Sub).

Similarly, Stuart is passionate about helping young people, whose talents often goes untapped for want of a decent education, a good home and a measure of encouragement. They do not always realise that a seemingly minor event or charge such as drink driving will affect them forever if it remains in their record.

In summary, Stuart has a great deal of passion for the work that he does. He enjoys assisting clients and helping to get them the right result and believes that he fairly represent both advantaged and disadvantaged people and their families in a judicial environment that can be intimidating.