Communications Offences
Prosecution for cases involving comments made online, via messaging apps, or on social media are increasingly common, and Quentin has been at the forefront of defending some of the most high profile case of this sort.
Quentin has significant experience in defending allegations involving malicious communications, threats, or grossly offensive messages. Such prosecutions are often under the Communications Act 19 or the Malicious Communications Act 19. Such is the extent of his experience that Quentin is often asked to appear as a media commentator in respect of cases involving freedom of expression argument.
Quentin recognises that cases of this sort are often brought against persons with no previous convictions and any prosecution can have serious personal and professional consequences, even before a case reaches court. He therefore is careful to defend such cases with a sensitive and personal approach, whilst at the same time ensuring that representation is incisive and effective.
Quentin has extensive experience in defending communications offences, including high-profile cases involving Members of Parliament, Premier League footballers, businesspersons and other individuals in the public eye. These cases often attract media interest and require both careful handling behind the scenes and strong, principled advocacy in court.
Where appropriate, Quentin will forcefully advance freedom of expression arguments, drawing on the protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights and UK case law. Not every controversial or strongly-worded message is a criminal offence, and Quentin is experienced in arguing that a Court considers the context, intent, and public interest is taken into account when looking at allegations of this sort. Quentin works closely with clients to prepare a tailored and strategic defence, whether the allegation involves a tweet, private message, video, or online post.
If you are facing a communications-related allegation, particularly one where words or actions are taken out of context or misinterpreted, Quentin offers effective, expert advice and powerful representation whether at the pre-charge or Court stage of proceedings.
Quentin’s experience in communication offences
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no stage that is too early or too late to seek legal advice if you consider yourself to be in trouble. In fact, the earlier you get an experienced legal representative on board the more likely you are to avoid mistakes at the beginning of proceedings that can come back to haunt you later if the matter proceeds to litigation.
One of Quentin’s mottos is that ‘the best way to win a trial is not to have a trial at all’ and he is known for the drafting of effective pre-charge representations and the launching of powerful pre-trial legal arguments. His tactical and skilful drafting and presentation of arguments such as disclosure, abuse of process and dismissal applications can often defeat a prosecution case before it even gets to trial.
Quentin is also adept at accepting instructions at a late stage and is often approached to ‘rescue’ cases from ineffective publicly funded representatives.
Quentin is passionate about committing the necessary time and attention to detail to his cases and purposefully does not take on a huge client base. He is therefore does not accept instruction in Legal Aid or publicly funded cases.
If you have been accused of a criminal offence you have the right to seek justice by employing the best barrister to present your case. You can instruct leading criminal barrister Quentin Hunt to handle your criminal case directly – rather than having to go through a third-party solicitor. You can contact Quentin for a free, no obligation conversation about your case, he will talk you through the process personally.