David SonnDirector
David Sonn
I am a solicitor advocate: I'm just as at home in the High Court as I am in the Magistrates' Court.I have considerable experience in defending clients facing all manner of criminal prosecutions. I am recognised as an expert in white collar crime and road traffic prosecutions. I am a founding and executive member of the Association of Motor Offence Lawyers. I also lecture on road traffic law and appear in the news media.
I am often the solicitor of choice in relation to high profile cases where clients not only require the highest level of skill but also discretion. I was involved in the cash for peerages investigation and the investigation by the City of London Police in relation to corrupt practices in professional football. I represented Sean Hoare in the News of the World phone hacking investigation until his untimely death and I advised other suspects in the Metropolitan Police Elveden and Weeting investigations respectively into phone hacking and corrupt payments to public officials.
In the field of fraud, I have acted in a number of VAT carousel fraud cases, most recently R – v – W and another in which myclient was acquitted of cheating the revenue. My client in Operation Euripus (said by HM Revenue and Customs to have been the largest ever carousel prosecution) was discharged following a successful dismissal application. Following the dismissal application, the prosecution sought to obtain a voluntary bill of indictment in the High Court. That application was defeated.
Together with colleagues, I am currently representing a defendant in Operation Bulkhead – a prosecution of participants in what HM Revenue and Customs allege is a £125 million fraudulent tax avoidance film scheme. Read more
I also head the team representing a defendant in Operation Hornet – a prosecution by Thames Valley police concerning an alleged fraud on HBOS running to many tens of millions of pounds. Read more
I represented the former Chief Executive of Ujima Housing Association who was alleged to have conspired with others to defraud Ujima of more than £1 million. After a trial lasting over 3 months, my client and his co-defendants were unanimously acquitted.
In general crime, my client in an extremely grave sex crime case was unanimously acquitted in a matter of minutes following a 5 week trial at the Crown Court. Read more
In recent times, my clients have been acquitted in cases involving allegations of death by careless and/or dangerous driving at the Leeds, Wood Green, Exeter and Isleworth Crown Courts. I also undertake less serious road traffic cases, in which clients are frequently seeking to avoid disqualification. If appropriate, I will take the case all the way to the High Court. Read more
In addition to pure criminal practice, I have considerable experience in relation to cash seizure, confiscation and asset recovery proceedings.
I undertake inquest and regulatory work. I was one of a team of lawyers from Sonn Macmillan Walker who worked on the 7/7 bombings inquests.
What people are saying
“We are very happy dealing with David Sonn. Very professional and helpful, even when we call him at strange hours!” Client, 2023.
“Hi David, thank you so much for what you have done for me during the last 4 years. I am so grateful for your time, patience, advice and work that you and your team have invested in to assist me during the case. I will never forget what you have done for me. Please pass my gratitude and thanks to everyone involved. All the best for the future, you are a diamond.” Client, 2023.
“I want to start by thanking you for being so understanding and reassuring today. It was so calming to know that I was in such good hands.” – Client, 2023.
“Thank you so much for everything! I am crying right now I am so happy. I have been so stressed out about this trial. I appreciate everything you have done for me.” “You are an amazing lawyer!” Client, 2022
“I hope that I shall never have to use your services again, but if… I certainly know where to come, Your sharpness and spot-on questions were simply amazing.” Client’s brother, 2022.
“David Sonn – powerful personality and very effective in getting the right results for clients.” Legal 500, 2023 rankings.
“David Sonn has a complete mastery of the law and all the material in any given case.” Legal 500, 2023 rankings.
“As I said on the phone last night, you were absolutely brilliant. Thanks a billion for everything, my appreciation will always be appreciated forevermore.” Client, 2022.
“…Just wanted to personally thank you from the depth of my heart for the incredible work you have done behind scenes. The time, effort and genuine care you showed for our family is overwhelming …Thank you for your part in bringing our family together again!” Client, 2022.
“….David successfully represented my friend, against a criminal charge that would have adversely impacted both his personal and professional life. He eventually persuaded the District Judge to dismiss the case. Watching the masterful exercise of his craft was so inspiring, that one cannot help but (almost) wish to require his services again!” Friend of client, 2021.
“David Sonn is an excellent solicitor, in particular with regard to road traffic cases which is his particular speciality. There are few, if any, solicitors in London with his level of experience and skill in dealing with these cases.” Legal 500, 2022 rankings.
“Great team! David is an amazing person and great at what he does! Thank you for your assistance.” Client, 2021.
“On a personal note I wanted to thank you all for the handling of my case, I couldn’t have asked for a more competent, skillful firm to handle my affairs over a difficult pandemic period. You all really have allowed me to progress with a life changing opportunity and I will be eternally grateful.” Client, 2021.
Recent Cases
R v C (2023) The Judge directed not-guilty verdicts for our client in relation to exposure offences due to the poor quality of the identification evidence. Click here to read more.
R v M (2023) Our client was acquitted of £600k fraud at half-time. Click here to read more.
R v A (2022) Unanimous acquittals secured for a man accused of child sexual assault. Click here to read more.
R v L (2021) – Following written representations, the Crown offered no evidence against our client in relation to a charge of possession of an offensive weapon. Click here to read more.
