Julian Hunt

Criminal Law
Julian acts in a wide range of criminal matters, both prosecuting and defending. His experience includes:

• General criminal defence and prosecution work, including serious and regulatory offences

• Complex trials, including murder, fraud and money laundering

• Advocacy in Magistrates’ and Crown Courts

• Appeals, mitigation, evidence challenges and expert instructions

Road Traffic and Motoring Offences
Julian has a nationally recognised motoring practice, advising and defending in:

• Drink driving, speeding, dangerous driving and careless driving cases

• “Totting up” disqualification appeals and exceptional hardship arguments

• Procedural challenges around police evidence, breath samples and roadside testing

• Appeals against driving bans and licence revocations

• Mitigation hearings and strategic case preparation

Housing, Licensing and Property Regulation
Alongside his criminal practice, Julian has developed significant expertise in housing and regulatory matters, particularly involving landlords and property owners. His work includes:

• HMO licensing prosecutions and regulatory enforcement

• Housing Act and local authority prosecutions

• Property offences, environmental health issues and landlord regulation

• Appeals before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and Magistrates’ Court

• Council tax and valuation tribunal disputes, drafting statements and evidence

• Advising landlords and property owners on compliance and defence strategy

Regulatory and Tribunal Work

• Council tax disputes and valuation tribunal hearings

• Appeals and mitigation before tribunals and higher courts

• Coordinating expert evidence, cross-examination and strategic legal arguments

Julian began his career as a Senior Crown Prosecutor, giving him unique insight into how cases are built and prosecuted. He now maintains a mixed practice defending and prosecuting criminal cases, with particular emphasis on serious offences and motoring law.

In his motoring work, Julian frequently handles drink-driving, speeding and disqualification cases, including appeals and evidence-based challenges. His deep understanding of police procedure, forensic testing and evidential rules makes him a sought-after advocate in these matters.

His housing and licensing practice has grown rapidly over the years. He regularly represents landlords and individuals in regulatory prosecutions, housing enforcement actions, and tribunal appeals. His ability to navigate both criminal and civil regulatory frameworks allows him to offer comprehensive support in property-related cases.

Julian’s profile includes high-profile work: he has defended in murder trials, led in serious violent crime, acted in complex fraud and POCA matters, and appeared in lengthy Crown Court proceedings. He also handles appeals and mitigation hearings, and is well-versed in tribunal procedure.

Julian has received national recognition for his expertise. He was named Motoring Barrister of the Year (2014) and Road Transportation Lawyer of the Year (2015) by Acquisition International. He has appeared on BBC and Radio 4, sharing insights on motoring law.

Notable Case Work

• Defended in a three-handed murder trial at Wood Green Crown Court (7 weeks)

• Led in a double-stabbing murder case in Hove

• Defended a complex credit card fraud case at the Old Bailey

• Acted in a major money laundering case involving Proceeds of Crime Act applications

• Represented clients in serious criminal and regulatory trials, including appeals against driving disqualifications

Called to the Bar in 2005