James Hartson

James Hartson

Called to bar: 
2010
Inner Temple
01792 464623
Conducts cases in both English and Welsh

James joined Chambers in 2010, following a 20-year first career as a police officer in London and Cardiff, including many years as a Special Branch officer and detective at New Scotland Yard.

James has a first class honours degree in law and was awarded an outstanding grade in his Bar course. He is an Inner Temple and Bristol Law school prize-winner.

Practice areas

Criminal law

James acts for the prosecution and defence in all proceedings in the Crown Court and is also able to do so in the Welsh language where necessary. He has also appeared at the criminal division of the Court of Appeal in appeals against conviction and sentence. He has been instructed as junior counsel for a number of defendants charged with murder.

James is appointed to the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) panel of specialist prosecutors. 

James has represented the defence in a wide spectrum of criminal allegations, including kidnap, robbery, firearms and drug trafficking offences. He also acts in serious offences of fraud and dishonesty including conspiracy to defraud, blackmail, money laundering and perverting the course of justice. James also represents parties in cases of serious sexual offences, including those which involve historic allegations.

James has prosecuted fraud and consumer protection offences investigated by Trading Standards officers. He regularly represents the police and members of the public in appeals against revocations of firearms certificates. He has also appeared before the Parole Board to represent prisoners recalled by the Secretary of State and he has also represented police officers in disciplinary and misconduct tribunals.

Memberships 
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • Wales and Chester Circuit
Education 
  • LLB (First Class Hons)
  • BVC (Graded Outstanding)