Letitia Duffus is a criminal defence specialist with a focus on serious and complex crime, including murder, large-scale drug conspiracies and importation, robbery and fraud.
With a background as a solicitor and Higher Rights advocate before being called to the Bar, Letitia brings a wealth of experience and a strategic, client-focused approach to every case.
She is particularly known for her exceptional client care and her ability to support vulnerable defendants and those requiring additional assistance in navigating the criminal justice system. Letitia is committed to fearless advocacy and ensuring fair trial rights are upheld at every stage.
Criminal Defence
Overview
Letitia Duffus is a highly experienced criminal defence advocate specialising in serious and complex crime. Her practice spans the full spectrum of serious criminal matters, including murder, large-scale drug importation and conspiracies, weapon possession, robbery, fraud, and aggravated offences. Letitia has over 20 years of experience in criminal defence, having worked as a solicitor, solicitor-advocate, and now as a barrister. She is regularly instructed in multi-handed trials and high-stakes cases across the Crown Courts of England and Wales.
Letitia is particularly known for her exceptional client care and her ability to work effectively with vulnerable clients, including those with mental health conditions, learning difficulties and young defendants. She is adept at guiding clients through the criminal justice process with care and clarity.
Letitia is known for her meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and calm, persuasive advocacy. Letitia is sought after for her calm, strategic approach and fearless advocacy, which have earned her the trust of lay clients and solicitors alike. She is committed to ensuring that every client—regardless of background or means—receives robust, high-quality representation.
Notable Cases
Murder acquittal for 17-year-old defendant
R v CR – Croydon Crown Court (Jan–Mar 2025)
Led junior in a murder and attempted GBH case involving two teenage co-defendants. The case required the use of intermediaries and careful handling of vulnerable clients. Letitia’s client was unanimously acquitted by the jury after a 7-week trial.
Hospital order secured for vulnerable client
R v BA – Isleworth Crown Court (Jan 2025)
Represented a client with significant mental health issues charged with arson with intent. Letitia’s advocacy led to the imposition of a hospital order, ensuring appropriate care and treatment.
Drug importation acquittal in high-profile case
R v TE – Croydon Crown Court (Dec 2024)
Client accused of importing 2.5kg of liquid cocaine. Following a week long trial, the jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts. The client, an artist from a prominent Jamaican family, was fully acquitted.
Closure order reduced to protect livelihood
R v KS – Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court (Dec 2024)
Represented clients facing a closure order for alleged sale of counterfeit goods. Successfully reduced the closure period from three months to one, preserving the clients’ business.
Police interview prevented for vulnerable suspect
Police v RY – Lambeth Hospital (Nov 2024)
Successfully made representations under PACE to prevent police from interviewing a mentally unwell suspect, in relation to a manslaughter allegation.
Aggravated burglary trial with vulnerable client
R v JC – Snaresbrook Crown Court (Jul & Sep 2024)
Represented a vulnerable client requiring an intermediary throughout trial. Commended by the judge for advocacy skills in a case involving machete attack during a burglary.
Kidnap and s.18 charges discontinued
R v TP – Colchester Magistrates’ Court / Chelmsford Crown Court (Aug 2024)
Early representations at first appearance led to the Crown discontinuing serious charges of kidnap and s.18 GBH.
Domestic assault acquittal following cross-examination
R v VC – Stratford Magistrates’ Court (Jul 2024)
Client acquitted of domestic assault charges after Letitia’s cross-examination of a vulnerable complainant and presentation of defence evidence.
Multi-handed sentencing in commercial burglary
R v VT – Isleworth Crown Court (Jun 2024)
Represented lead defendant in a conspiracy to burgle high-value commercial premises. Sentence hearing spanned three days.
Court-appointed cross-examination in GBH case
R v RH – City of London Magistrates’ Court (Jun 2024)
Appointed under s.36/s.38 to cross-examine witnesses in a s.20 GBH case involving a suspicious and vulnerable client. Client expressed gratitude in a personal letter.
Exceptional hardship appeal success
R v HH – Kingston Crown Court (Jun 2024)
Successfully argued exceptional hardship to avoid driving disqualification on appeal.
Lead defendant in £15m HMRC fraud
R v JS – Southwark Crown Court (Nov–Dec 2023)
Second junior in a £15m gift aid fraud trial. Client convicted after four-week trial.
Conspiracy to supply cocaine – sentence reduced
R v JD – Truro Crown Court (Sep 2023)
Successfully argued for lesser role in 1kg cocaine conspiracy, reducing sentence from eight to four years.
Legal argument leads to discontinued weapons charges
R v C & O – Ipswich Magistrates’ Court (Sep 2023)
Challenged Crown’s classification of seized items as offensive weapons. Charges discontinued.
Aggravated burglary acquittal in multi-defendant trial
R v DD – Wood Green Crown Court (Aug 2023)
Client acquitted of aggravated burglary after eight-day trial involving serious violence.
Border Force seizure overturned
R v TS – Hove Crown Court (Jul 2023)
Successfully defended client in condemnation proceedings. Court ruled seizure unlawful and awarded compensation.
Street robbery trial involving complex ID evidence
R v MM – Wood Green Crown Court (May 2023)
Defended client in multi-count robbery trial involving surveillance, ANPR, and vulnerable witnesses.
Cannabis supply case – sentence significantly reduced
R v H & S – Carlisle Crown Court (Apr 2023)
Argued that seized cannabis was low-grade, reducing valuation and sentence to time served.
Youth client safeguarded from prosecution
R v Y – Highbury Corner Youth Court (Apr 2023)
Represented a trafficked youth. Persuasive representations led to CPS discontinuing all charges.
Drug importation acquittal
R v SG – Snaresbrook Crown Court (Mar 2023)
Client charged with a number of drug offences. Successful half time submission in relation to drug supply charges and fully acquitted by jury following trial of importation of substantial quantity of MDMA.
Contact Letitia
Youth Justice & Child Rights
Overview
Letitia’s work includes representing youth clients in serious criminal cases, and she has been instructed in murder cases involving youth defendants.
Letitia has also previously worked for charities, visiting Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and has carried out workshops with young people. Letitia has also contributed to a documentary focussing on youths, knife crime and joint enterprise.
