Sara Haque

Criminal Law

Top Ranked in Legal 500 2020:
Sara Haque is recommended in the Legal 500 for her Criminal practice, 'A hard worker who cares about her clients'.

With over 18 years' of Criminal Advocacy experience, Sara is well known in the Crown Courts on the Northern Circuit. She has successfully built a heavyweight criminal practice and has a high success rate in defending cases of the utmost seriousness. She has extensive and broad experience in both the Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal, defending in cases involving a wide-range of offending; including drugs matters, historical sexual offences, and serious violent crimes.

She believes thorough preparation, persuasive argument and simple hard work are the keys to her success. Her down to earth, approachable manner engages clients quickly; establishing an easy rapport. In Court, this transfers to an ability to convey her well-prepared arguments with flair and in a jury-friendly manner.

Her work with vulnerable Defendants is a particular strength. Sara has considerable experience in representing Defendants with mental disorders and conditions such as Autism, and also those who have suffered brain injuries. She has a thorough understanding of Fitness to Plead issues, has conducted Finding of Fact hearings and worked with Intermediaries. She is well-versed in the Advocates' Toolkit and has significant experience in cross-examining very young witnesses. She performs to the highest standards; protecting her clients' interests with vigour and meticulously prepared argument.

Sara has significant experience in Appellant Court work, both advising and advocacy, seeking leave to appeal both Sentences and Convictions. For example, in a notable success, she successfully overturned the conviction of a young man suffering from Autistic Spectrum Disorder (formerly known as Aspergers) convicted in the Crown Court of a sexual offence involving a 3 year old Complainant . (R V Stewart (2015) - Appeal v Conviction in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) Case Analysis)

Sara has also been appointed to the Specialist Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel of Crown Advocates and is a Category 4 Prosecutor.

Direct Access

Direct Access Sara accepts Criminal Law instructions on a Direct Access basis for appropriate cases. Please refer to the below pricing range for their services; this is subject to case type, complexity and seniority or experience of the barrister. Accurate quotes will be provided prior to commencement of the work involved.

Magistrates
Advice & Preparation (Hourly Rate): £75 to £200 + VAT
Court Attendance (Day Rate):£300 £1000 + VAT
Conferences (Hourly Rate): £100 to £125 + VAT

Crown Court
Advice & Preparation (Hourly Rate):£100 to £250 + VAT
Trial Attendance (Day 1): £1000 to £4000
(Additional days) £500 to £1500 + VAT
Conferences (Hourly Rate): £125 £250 + VAT
Pre-Trial & Post-Trial hearings:£300 to £1000 + VAT

Court of Appeal & High Court
Advice & Preparation (Hourly Rate): £150 to £300 + VAT
Court Attendances (Day Rate): £1000 to £4000 + VAT
Conferences (Hourly Rate): £125 to £250 + VAT

*These price ranges are based on local courts; other courts will incur a travel charge. Please contact our Senior Criminal Clerk, Paul ([email protected]) for further information.*

R v G

Prosecuting cases involving £250k Diamonds scam. Press coverage

R v S (& Ors)

 *Operation Enigma* Defending in Class A Drugs conspiracy involving encrochat evidence. Press coverage

R v M (& Ors)

Defending in conspiracy to rob trial. Press coverage

R v L

 Acquittal of defendant accused of over 10 counts of sexual assault on two child complainants.

R v R

Historic sexual abuse acquittal of retired teacher.