Many thanks for all your hard work on this case. Your attention to detail was really impressive and was of real assistance to me in both trials. Thank you.
Counsel
Zoe Heron is a Senior Associate, Chartered Legal Executive Advocate, and Team Leader in the Private Crime East Team, bringing over a decade of experience in criminal defence law. As a qualified Police Station Representative and Magistrates Court advocate, Zoe provides expert legal representation at both the police station and in the Magistrates Court. She holds the duty solicitor qualification meaning she represents clients in a variety of criminal offences. Zoe also undertakes instructions with respect of military law matters with extensive experience handling complex court martial cases.
Known for her organisational skills, thorough approach, and diligence, Zoe handles all aspects of litigation and Magistrates advocacy with care and attention to detail. Zoe ensures her clients are kept fully informed throughout the process, providing clear and efficient updates.
In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules for motoring offences we confirm that Zoe Heron charges Level B hourly rates.
Awards and Memberships
- Chartered Legal Executive
- CILEx Lawyer of the Year – Finalist. International Women in Law Awards 2023.
- International Women in Law Awards 2023. CILEx Lawyer of the Year – Finalist.
TESTIMONIALS
Recent and notable cases
In addition to her extensive experience in criminal defence, Zoe has a proven track when dealing with Military Law matters. These include assisting military personnel facing disciplinary action known as AGAI 67 and representing clients facing court martial proceedings. Her dedication to her clients means she works tirelessly to ensure her clients receive the highest level of service.
R v G (2022)
Litigated on behalf of a solider facing two charges of sexual assault who was acquitted of both charges after a two day trial before Court Martial Bulford.
R v D (2022)
Litigated on behalf of a solider facing a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a colleague. Was acquitted after successfully raising self-defence after a two day trial before Court Martial Catterick.
R v C (2022)
Provided advice to a solider from the special forces with respect of a fraud investigation, following an interview with the royal military police the matter was NFA’d (no further action).
R v W (2022) –
Litigated on behalf of a solider charged with fighting under the Armed Forces Act 2006, after representations to the SPA (Service Prosecution Authority) the case was dropped one week before the trial was due to start.
R v H (2022) –
Litigated on behalf of a soldier charged with multiple frauds, after a lengthy letter of representations to the SPA, the proceedings were discontinued.
Zoe is a highly experienced private client lawyer specialising in defending individuals accused of sexual offences. With a focus on historic sexual offences, serious sexual allegations, and cases involving indecent images of children.
Zoe’s commitment to providing robust and strategic defence makes her a trusted advocate for individuals facing serious criminal charges.
An Example of Zoe’s Sexual Offence Work
R v LB (2024) – Successful Defence Against Sexual Assault Allegation Captured on CCTV.
Zoe Heron (litigator) and Lucy Tapper (advocate) successfully defended a client facing serious sexual assault allegations, with key evidence captured on CCTV. In this high-profile case, a conviction could have ended both his career and business. Our expert legal team demonstrated there was no sexual intention, leading to a complete acquittal after trial at Northampton Crown Court.
R v S (2024)
Zoe successfully secured a “No Further Action” outcome for her client in a sensitive revenge porn investigation. Initially accused of threatening to disclose a private image, her client had been represented by another firm during the interview. Zoe was instructed to review the case and expertly advised on drafting a comprehensive letter of representations to the police.
R v M (2022) – Zoe successfully litigated on behalf of a soldier facing serious allegations of sexual assault. Through expert legal representations made to the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), Zoe secured a discontinuation of the case, ensuring that the charges were dropped. Her strategic litigation and in-depth knowledge of military law led to a favourable outcome for the client.
R v G (2022) – Zoe successfully represented a soldier facing two charges of sexual assault in a high-profile Court Martial case tried at Court Martial Bulford. After a two-day trial, the client was acquitted of all charges.
R v F (2020) – Zoe successfully represented a client facing a four-count indictment for historic sexual abuse dating back to 2002. After a comprehensive five-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the client was acquitted of all charges. Her strategic approach and meticulous case preparation assisted counsel in securing the acquittals, highlighting her expertise in handling complex and sensitive criminal cases involving historical sexual abuse allegations.
Zoe has extensive experience representing individuals accused of a wide range of offences against the person, from Common Assault to Murder. Zoe has successfully achieved not guilty verdicts after trial in serious cases, including both Murder and Attempted Murder charges. Zoe is dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for her clients, regardless of the complexity or severity of the allegations.
An Example of Zoe’s Work Covering Offences Against the Person
R v W (2024) – Successful Defence for Serving Soldier in Assault Case
Zoe successfully litigated a case involving a serving soldier in a multi allegation domestic case against his ex-partner. After a rigorous trial at Oxford Crown Court, our client was acquitted of all charges. With expert legal strategy and detailed case preparation, we ensured a favourable outcome for our client, preserving his reputation and career.
R v K (2024) – Made successful representations to the police in an assault by beating case, where a community order resolution had initially been offered. By highlighting the lack of evidence and demonstrating that the case was not eligible for such a resolution, Zoe secured the dismissal of the case, resulting in no further action being taken.
R v D (2022) – Successfully litigated a case involving a soldier facing a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a colleague. After a two-day trial at Court Martial Catterick, the client was acquitted after successfully raising self-defence.
R v W (2022) – Expertly represented a soldier charged with fighting under the Armed Forces Act 2006. Through strategic representations to the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), Zoe secured the dismissal of the case just one week before the trial was set to begin.
R v T (2021) – Successfully litigated on behalf of a client facing a three-count indictment, including charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, and grievous bodily harm without intent. After a nine-day trial at Luton Crown Court, Zoe, along with counsel, achieved a full acquittal on all counts, securing a favorable outcome for her client.
R v S (2019) – Successfully litigated a high-profile case at Oxford Crown Court, defending a client charged with murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, and burglary. Through expert legal strategy, Zoe, along with junior counsel and Queens Counsel secured a full acquittal on all charges, ensuring a favorable outcome for her client.
Zoe has a keen expertise in cross-examination and delivering compelling closing speeches, she effectively presents her client’s case with clarity and conviction. Zoe is also highly respected for her strategic legal arguments, particularly in cases involving “no case to answer” submissions, where her persuasive representations can lead to favourable outcomes.
R v D (2022) – Zoe successfully represented a client charged with driving without insurance at High Wycombe Magistrates Court. The client was facing a driving disqualification due to totting up penalty points. Zoe skilfully argued exceptional hardship, highlighting the impact of a disqualification on the client’s livelihood and family. As a result of her persuasive legal representation, the court decided not to impose a driving disqualification, allowing the client to retain their driving license.
R v C (2022) – Zoe successfully submitted an abuse of process legal argument for a client charged with drug driving at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court. Through her expert legal strategy, Zoe demonstrated significant flaws in the prosecution’s case, leading to the prosecution offering no evidence. This resulted in the charge being dropped, showcasing Zoe’s skill in challenging legal processes and securing favourable outcomes for her clients in complex motoring offence cases, including drug driving charges.
Testimonials
Just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for us, we are all so pleased with today’s outcome, like you say it was the best we could of hoped for. At one point we were scared it would be adjourned, but thanks to your experience and expertise it happened. I know [client] is relieved and I can see he is lifted already! He knows it will still impact his life but can at least now move forward and get his life back, and start to live life in the real world rather than online. I know he has learnt a lot from this awful nightmare. Can’t tell you how relieved we are!
Client
Zoe was compassionate to us, but willing to fight our corner. Ultimately she saved a Soldier's career - we couldn't have asked for more.
Client
Thank you, thank you, thank you! As you can imagine, we talk about nothing else in our house, we were so ready to strap in and do Court Martial if we needed to as although we had heeded your warnings. When we came to you last year, we were completely without hope and your words to me were “there is always a fight to be had”, I cannot tell you how much those words were what I needed to hear at that time and knowing we have had you in our corner has really given us the hope we have needed to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Everything changed for us when you got involved, and for me, it felt like I had someone to share a load that was drowning us. We shall never forget it and we will never hesitate to recommend you in future. I am really grateful to you for always being happy to treat us both as the client, I know it was unconventional but it kept us both sane, for your honesty and for always having a go for us. An intolerable 9 months, but we are so ready to live our quiet, happy life again. It’s been emotional
Client
You guys were amazing. You’ve been reassuring to my bonkers anxiety throughout this ordeal, it has made a massive difference, thank you. I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done.
Client
Thank you very much. After 24 years serving in the Army, I was looking forward to having a quiet, normal life and now that’s possible. Thank you so much.
Client
I am over the moon also with the result and more the fact that it’s all finally over and not in the back of my mind. I have to say Zoe I don't know where I would be without you and I have valued your help long the way, even going beyond your job to reassure me was so refreshing in the chaos of it all.
Client
We want to express our deep gratefulness for helping our son with his trial. We can’t properly express how relieved we are to hear that he’s been found innocent! It's been a terrible weight on our minds and hearts, we now have new hope, and you've given that to us.
Client's Mother
I just want to email to say a massive thank you to you and Sarah for everything. I really appreciate it. The outcome was exactly what we wanted and due to that outcome it has allowed me more time in my current post to spend time with my children and not have to go away somewhere else. I honestly cant put in to words how appreciative I am for everything you have done for me and how much you have helped me through the process. Everything from communication with you and the information was extremely professional and efficient.
Client
I also just want to say a very big thank you to yourself, Abi and Kiara for your help, support and guidance through the whole situation. I will definitely leave a review and recommend you to anyone in the future if needs to be.
Client