About Us

Charles Bean – Director of Bean Law. Charles is a specialist criminal advocate. He was formerly a Crown Prosecutor in Rotorua and Hamilton, then shifted to the Criminal Defence Bar in 2008.

Charles is passionate about defending the rights of those accused. He conducts work both privately and through legal aid. Charles has categorisation for 1,2,3,4 offences categories (theft through to murder) and Appeal work in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Charles has extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law from simple diversion cases through to large scale multi accused Jury trials. Charles has conducted well over 250 Jury trials as lead counsel and conducted trials both for the Prosecution and the Defence. Charles has also conducted trials in the Environment Court, District Court and High Court of New Zealand.

Charles has run Jury trial cases in Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland and as far afield as Christchurch. Primarily focused on the Waikato Bay of Plenty region. He prides himself in trying to obtain the best results possible for each client.

Amanda is a Director of Bean Law and works along side Charles to ensure you have the best representation available. After years of scientific research culminating in a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of Waikato, Amanda embarked on a legal career with the aim of specialising in the use of scientific evidence in criminal trials, including physics, chemistry and biology.

What is Forensic Science and Forensic Evidence?

Forensic science is the application of science to matters of law and due to the rapid advances in science and technology, provides a vital role in the criminal justice system. Scientifically based information is generated through the analysis of physical evidence collected at a crime scene, or from a person. That scientific information is examined and presented in Court as evidence.

Forensic evidence can play a large role in determining the outcome of a criminal trial. It is essential that this evidence is not overstated by the prosecution, but rather, presented to your best advantage.

If you are facing drug related, aggravated burglary or sex related charges, it is likely that forensic evidence will form a substantial part of the evidence against you.

With a broad scientific background, Amanda is able to interpret and detect inconsistencies in forensic evidence so that it can be presented accurately and fairly, or dismissed completely.