Criminal Law
Follow Leah for practical commentary and professional insight on criminal law.
← Back to contributors
Verified ContributorChronicle Law Member
Leah Hester
Senior Associate at LMP Legal
Criminal LawCriminal DefenceAdvocacy
Senior Associate at LMP Legal.
Heading the Northern division, Leah is a Senior Associate and Chartered Legal Executive with over 12 years’ experience in providing criminal defence representation across a diverse range of criminal matters, specialising in road traffic and motoring offences.
Representing clients detained in police custody and voluntary attendees at Police Stations throughout the UK, Leah has a wide experience in the preparation of criminal cases at all levels in the criminal justice system up to Crown Court trials. Leah also specialises in representing individuals with complex needs, particularly those with autism, autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD, some with pronounced challenges who require ongoing support.
Leah has a reputation for having a warm and attentive manner with an ability to put people instantly at ease and build trust. Dealing with clients who may be facing the potential loss of their liberty or career, Leah works tirelessly to ensure that every case is given the utmost attention, and guides her clients through what can be a difficult and stressful process.
Leah Hester’s profile brings together professional experience, specialist subjects and published Chronicle Law contributions.
Criminal Defence
Follow Leah for practical commentary and professional insight on criminal defence.
Advocacy
Follow Leah for practical commentary and professional insight on advocacy.
From Leah’s Chronicle Law profile.
CRIMINAL LAW · 5 MIN READ
When the Cause Isn’t Clear: Understanding Defences in Dangerous Driving Cases
When phone use, alcohol and drugs are ruled out, what turns competent driving into “dangerous” driving? This article explores human factors, perception limits, unforeseen hazards and expert evidence – and why early specialist defence can be decisive in serious driving cases.
Read the article →
INVESTIGATION · 4 MIN READ
What Really Happens When a Driver is Investigated After a Crash
A crash doesn’t end when the road reopens. Police can question drivers immediately, seize phones or vehicles, and later conduct detailed interviews and reviews of employer records. Early legal advice is crucial, as roadside comments or incomplete documents can trigger serious charges.
Read the article →
COURT APPEALS · 4 MIN READ
Exceptional Hardship Appeal
Exceptional hardship appeals offer motorists a final opportunity to avoid a driving ban under the totting-up system, but the threshold is deliberately high. While many applications fail due to weak evidence or poor presentation, a refusal in the Magistrates’ Court is not the end. Drivers have an automatic right to appeal to the Crown Court. With strict rules, tight deadlines, and a more demanding appeal process, expert legal representation is often essential to maximise the chances of success.
Read the article →
HEALTH AND SAFETY · 5 MIN READ
Why Grey Fleet Could Be Your Greatest Compliance Gap
Grey fleet vehicles – personal cars used for business travel – are one of the biggest hidden compliance risks for organisations. Although these vehicles don’t appear on the company fleet list, employers are still legally responsible for ensuring they are roadworthy, properly insured for business use, and driven by competent, licensed employees. With millions of grey fleet vehicles in the UK and many lacking adequate checks, training, or maintenance, businesses face significant legal and financial exposure. Effective grey fleet management requires clear standards, enforced checks, proper driver training, and ongoing documentation to meet duty-of-care obligations and avoid serious consequences in the event of an incident.
Read the article →
CRIMINAL LAW · 6 MIN READ
Motoring Offences and Special Reasons – Seeing the Bigger Picture
Motoring offences don’t always warrant standard penalties. Leah Hester of LMP Legal explores how “special reasons” arguments can protect drivers from disqualification, using real case examples to show how legal knowledge and preparation can influence outcomes in high-stakes situations.
Read the article →
CRIMINAL LAW · 5 MIN READ
Sentencing Careless Driving: The Latest Guidelines
In this article by Leah Hester of LMP Legal, she explores the Sentencing Council’s new guidelines for careless driving, highlighting key legal changes, increased penalties, and what they mean for individual drivers and commercial fleet operators alike.
Read the article →PUBLIC CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE
Expertise is public. Membership remains personal.
Contributor profiles display approved professional information and published work. Saved content, CPD records, benefits and account activity remain private within My Chronicle.