Antonia Kim Charles
Director/Manager
Antonia brings over 25 years of experience in criminal defence, with a specialisation in serious and complex criminal matters. Her expertise covers a wide range of cases, including homicide, fraud, serious drug offences, and firearm charges.
Widely regarded for her exceptional reputation, Antonia has cultivated an impressive client base throughout England and Wales. She is known for her unwavering dedication to her clients, committing to a hands-on approach at every stage, from police station interviews to the final verdict. Her attention to detail and relentless pursuit of the best possible outcomes for her clients are hallmarks of her practice.
Antonia’s fearless defence strategies, coupled with her determination and thorough examination of prosecution evidence, ensure the best outcomes for her clients. She is particularly recognised for her approachable demeanour and her strong focus on client care, making her a trusted and respected figure in the legal community.
With significant experience representing high-profile clients from the sports and music industries, Antonia is adept at handling cases that require discretion and expertise.
Antonia Kim is a dedicated with extensive experience representing vulnerable clients, including individuals with mental health difficulties and those facing complex personal and legal circumstances. She takes a sensitive and client-focused approach, recognising the particular challenges that vulnerable individuals may face when navigating the legal system.
She regularly works alongside independent psychologists and psychiatrists, carefully reviewing expert assessments and risk evaluations. Where appropriate, she challenges recommendations to ensure that her clients’ individual circumstances, needs and interests are properly considered.
She also has significant experience representing vulnerable prisoners and individuals who require additional support and advocacy. She takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances and is committed to ensuring that their concerns are heard and properly addressed throughout the legal process.
Her approach is practical, thoughtful and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for each client, while ensuring that they feel supported, listened to and fully informed throughout their case.
Beyond her legal practice, Antonia is actively involved in her community, delivering talks to businesses and educational institutions on topics such as law and legal compliance. She is also passionate about mentoring young people, regularly supporting local youth programmes. In addition, she serves on a stop-and-search panel, contributing to discussions on policing and justice.
Antonia’s passion, expertise, and client-first approach make her a formidable advocate in the criminal defence field.
NOTABLE CASES
Murder:
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R v CG: Multi-handed murder of elderly victim. Client acquitted at the Central Criminal Court
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R v CE – Central Criminal Court – Representing client for double shooting at the Central Criminal Court.
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R v G: Successfully resisting a double jeopardy application before the Court of appeal to retry a defendant acquitted of murder base upon Super Grass evidence.
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R v C: Southwark Crown Court, represented a defendant accused of killing best friend through stabbing outside London nightclub. Defendant acquitted despite extensive CCTV footage.
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R v CE: Represented defendant accused of assisting offender for murder following deadly gunfight resulting in murder and bloodshed at the Carnival, Bristol. Case involved complex ballistic evidence and extensive CCTV evidence.
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R v R & others: 4 Defendants charged with murder of a visitor outside Wandsworth Prison in 2009, widely reported in National Press and TV.
Attempted Murder:
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R v R & Others: Feud between two rivals escalates into a street fight, whereupon the Defendant pulls out firearm and shoots an innocent bystander.
Firearms Offences:
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R v TR – Snaresbrook Crown Court – Acquittal for Possession with Intent to Endanger Life and Possession of a Handgun: Contributed to the successful defence of a young man facing serious charges, resulting in an acquittal.
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R v JO – Croydon Crown Court – Drill rapper charged with possession with Intent to Endanger Life and Possession of Firearm. Acquitted of Possession with Intent to Endanger Life, client ran the defence of Duress
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R v AB – Inner London Crown Court – Inner London Crown Court – represented client semi-professional footballer charged with imitation firearm
Rape and other serious sexual offences
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R v KE & Others: Defendant acquitted of multiple defendant ‘gang rape.’ Involved lengthy cross examination on the issue of consent.
Drug Offences
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R v GK – Harrow Crown Court – client acquitted of possession with intent to supply Class A. Client ran the defence of modern slavery.
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R v RS – Cambridge Crown Court: Discontinuance of Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs: Assisted in securing the discontinuance of charges against an 18-year-old client who successfully raised a defence of modern slavery. Through numerous written representations to the CPS, the case was discontinued.
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R v IGB – Stafford Crown Court: Discontinuance of Conveying Prohibited Articles into a Prison: Supported a 44-year-old mother in her defence based on modern slavery, having been exploited from the age of 20. The case was discontinued after extensive written representation
Other serious crimes
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R v EA – Southwark Crown Court – Client acquitted of perverting the course of justice. The client was accused of arranging accommodation for her ex- partner after a murder had taken place.
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R v TH – Central Criminal Court – Client acquitted of violent disorder and robbery, alongside a co-defendant facing a murder charge. The client was acquitted after a thorough defence strategy.
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R v – KM – Kingston Crown Court - Acquittal for Burglary: Played a key role in challenging the identification evidence in a burglary case, leading to the client’s acquittal at trial.