Daniel Higgins
Introduction
Daniel is a criminal barrister with a formidable reputation, whether he's defending or prosecuting serious offences.
Daniel’s analytical approach to cases, along with his approachable manner, together instil confidence in his clients. He has an engaging courtroom style – and his handling of witnesses, particularly experts or those with vulnerabilities, is exceptional.
When defending, Daniel appears in the most serious of cases, instructed in his own right in allegations of attempted murder, rape and other serious sexual offences (often committed against children), large scale drugs conspiracies and financial crimes. He is also led in allegations of murder and other serious offences.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE
Daniel is a Grade 3 level prosecutor on the CPS Advocates Panel. He is regularly instructed by the Special Casework Unit, and prosecutes multi-handed cases concerning financial crime, wide-ranging and complex drugs conspiracies, serious violence and sexual offences.
Daniel often appears in cases concerning allegations of serious and complex fraud, money laundering and other financial crimes. The evidence in these cases is often voluminous, but he is able to focus on issues and present evidence and arguments clearly and concisely.
Read more about background and experience
Notable cases
Led junior in high profile six week trial involving the double attempted murder of wife, and endangerment of children, by means of (a) tampering with the domestic gas supply, and (b) tampering with the wife’s parachute. Daniel had to undertake detailed and extensive cross examination of experts in gas fittings and tool-marks. Winchester Crown Court
News story here
Successfully defended in trial involving allegations that the Defendant had carried out serious sexual offences against the younger sister of his (ex) partner. Daniel had to deal with extensive evidence against the defendant, which came from various witnesses of fact as well as electronic evidence, and he was praised by the Judge for his sensitive handling of the case. St Albans Crown Court
Two week prosecution of defendant accused of an offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, on the basis that a police officer’s leg was broken when it was alleged that the defendant was resisting arrest. Complex legal argument was engaged relating to issues which included the legality of arrest, causation, and recklessness. St Albans Crown Court.
Prosecuted, as junior alone, two defendants accused of attempted murder of a victim who was seeking to assist with the removal of one of the defendant’s possessions from a flat. He was struck over the head with a bottle and stabbed a number of times. St Albans Crown Court.
News story here
Read more Notable cases
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS
- Daniel is a governor at his local primary school, and captains a cricket 1st XI side in the Surrey Championship
Professional Commentary and Attribution
"An extremely able and affable advocate" (Legal 500 - 2018)
Daniel Higgins, as an unled junior, prosecuted numerous defendants in a case concerning hooliganism at a South London derby match in the 2015-16 League Cup in which, a Charlton Athletic supporter punched Kayla, Crystal Palace’s eagle mascot. (Legal 500, 2018)
PROFILE: Daniel Higgins
"Incisive in his cross-examination and fearless in his approach to judges"
Legal 500, 2020
Year called
2003
Specialisms
Crime
Confiscation / POCA
Cybercrime
Financial Crime
Fraud, Bribery & Corruption
Serious Crime
Sexual offences
Disciplinary
Regulatory / Disciplinary
Road Traffic
Road traffic
Direct access
Yes
Contact
020 7489 2727
Education
St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, 1998–2001
BPP Law School, 2002–03
Memberships
CBA
Appointments
CPS Panel (Grade 3)
Recognition

