DISCHARGE WITHOUT CONVICTION.
A conviction can have lasting consequences on your future opportunities. Pawson Law provides focused, strategic representation – helping you pursue a discharge without conviction and minimise long-term impact.
Protect Your Record – Protect Your Future
A conviction can have lasting consequences—affecting your employment, travel, professional licences, and reputation.
In appropriate cases, the Court has the discretion to grant a discharge without conviction, meaning you are found guilty, but no conviction is entered.
At Pawson Law, we specialise in discharge without conviction applications, providing strategic advice and strong advocacy to maximise your chances of success.
Director Eleanor Dyche leads this area of practice and is highly experienced in discharge without conviction applications. She regularly receives referrals for these applications and has achieved excellent results for clients across a wide range of cases, from traffic charges to serious violence and sexual offending.
Eleanor is known for:
- High-quality legal research and drafting
- Strong, persuasive written submissions
- Excellent feedback from the Court
- A professional and effective working relationship with prosecutors
These factors are critical in presenting a compelling application and achieving the best possible outcome.
We’re one of the few law firms in New Zealand specialising in both criminal and immigration law — a combination that makes a real difference for our clients.
We regularly help people apply for a discharge without conviction, particularly where a conviction could affect their ability to stay in New Zealand. We understand how high the stakes are, and we focus on protecting both your record and your future.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just deal with one part of the process. From your criminal case and sentencing, through to character waivers and visa applications, we guide you every step of the way.
Because we understand both systems inside out, we can anticipate issues early and put the best strategy in place from the start — giving you the strongest possible chance of a positive outcome.
A discharge without conviction may be available where:
- The consequences of a conviction would be out of all proportion to the seriousness of the offence
- There is strong evidence of personal, professional, or travel-related impact
- You have good character and limited or no prior offending
We will assess your situation honestly and advise whether you meet the threshold.
We take a strategic and thorough approach to every application, including:
- Early assessment of eligibility and prospects
- Gathering supporting evidence (employment, travel, licensing impacts)
- Preparing detailed affidavits
- Drafting high-quality legal submissions
- Advocacy in Court
Our goal is to present your case in the strongest possible way, addressing both the legal test and the practical consequences you face.
We regularly act on discharge without conviction applications arising from:
- Drink driving and traffic offences
- Minor drug offending
- Dishonesty offences
- Family violence allegations (where appropriate)
- Other criminal charges where consequences are significant
- Offending where deportation liability may arise
- Specialist expertise in discharge without conviction applications
- Proven results and strong success rate
- Experienced trial lawyers with Court advocacy experience
- Strategic approach tailored to your circumstances
- Strong professional relationships within the Court system
We offer competitive fixed fees for discharge without conviction applications.
Where a fixed fee is agreed:
- You will not be charged for routine calls, emails, or correspondence
- You receive full legal support from start to finish
- No hidden costs
Timing and preparation are critical. The earlier you obtain legal advice, the stronger your application is likely to be. Contact Pawson Law today to speak with one of our lawyers about your options.
GET IN TOUCH
CONTACT
PAWSON LAW
LOCATION
20 Park Street, Tauranga 3110
New Zealand