Twanieka is an experienced junior barrister who defends exclusively in criminal law and appears in the Youth, Magistrates', Crown Courts and Court of Appeal. Twanieka accepts instructions on both a private and public basis.
She is known for her outstanding work-ethic and willingness to fight fearlessly for her clients, even where the odds appear stacked against them. Her down-to-earth nature enables her to build a rapport with clients from all backgrounds, and she is noted by Judges and clients alike for her ability to present complex evidence and legal terminology in a jury-friendly manner.
Criminal Defence
Overview
Twanieka’s criminal law practice has particular emphasis in youth and vulnerable clients, drugs (including county lines), and knife-crime and weapon offences. Twanieka has represented clients in a variety of matters in the Police Station, Youth/ Magistrates Court and Crown Court and has built a reputation of being professional, relatable and empathetic, particularly with vulnerable and youth clients.
Notable Cases
- Rex v TS [2024] – Murder (multi-handed) (Operation Wheelstep), led junior (acquitted)
- Rex v JW [2023] – Convey list A and B articles into prison
- Rex v MS [2023] – GBH with intent
- Rex v LE [2023] – Possession with intent to supply drugs
- R v JN [2022] - GBH with intent (acquitted)
- R v DM [2022] - Possession of an offensive weapon in private (case dismissed)
- R v IS [2022] - Dangerous Driving - high speed police chase (acquitted)
- R v GO [2022] - Possession of a bladed article in public (acquitted)
- R v M [2022] - Conspiracy to defraud (multi-handed) multi-million-pound ticketing fraud, led junior
- DP v R [2022] - Appeal against Sentence (Appeal allowed)
- R v LC [2021] - Assault against an emergency worker (acquitted)
- R v NC [2021]- Breach of restraining order (acquitted)
- R v CO [2021] - Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (county lines)
- R v TM [2021] - Burglary
- Y (disclosure to MPS) [2021] EWFC B33
- R v WA [2021] - Kidnap, false imprisonment, assault, and blackmail
- R v ZP [2021] - Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (acquitted)
- R v NC [2021] - Breach of restraining order
- R v EA [2020] - Multi-handed knife-crime Murder
- R v AJ [2020] - Multi-handed Gang Related Murder involving firearms, led junior
- R v ER [2019] - Multi-handed Murder, GBH, Arson with intent to endanger life, led junior
- R v RT [2019] - Possession of indecent child images
- R v TK [2019] - Racially Aggravated GBH
- R v KS [2019] - Possession of offensive weapons with intent to endanger life
- R v OA [2018] - Multi-handed GBH trial involving a stabbing and firearms
- R v TC [2017] - Possession of offensive weapons
- R v TJ [2016] - Conspiracy to supply class A drugs, county lines.
Contact Twanieka
Road Traffic Incidents
Overview
In addition to her general criminal law practice, Twanieka frequently represents clients in road traffic and driving offences.
Notable Cases
- R v YB [2020] - Carried in a motor vehicle TWOC (acquitted)
- R v AM [2019] – Permitting another to use a motor vehicle without insurance (acquitted).
- R v KS [2019] – Failing to provide specimen, and driving whilst unfit through drugs (acquitted).
- R v JH [2019] - Failure to stop, report an accident, and driving without due care and attention (acquitted).
