Satya Chotalia
Satya’s practice consists of crime, fraud & financial crime and asset forfeiture & confiscation.
Appearing as junior alone or led junior, Satya has extensive experience in handling high-stakes, complex cases. His expertise in crime includes dealing with matters of serious violence, armed robbery, drug conspiracies and driving offenses.
In relation to fraud & financial crime he has represented individuals, corporates and government agencies, including the serious fraud office and CPS, in relation to money laundering, bribery & corruption and fraud.
Highly regarded for his thorough preparation and exceptional advocacy skills, Satya is trusted by those who instruct him. He is particularly valued for his ability to establish strong connections with his clients.
Prior to joining the Bar, Satya served in both the Officer Training Corps and the Air Training Corps. He has a strong interest in military law, courts martial, and international criminal law cases.
Cases
Asset Forfeiture & Confiscation
Multiple POCA applications and contested POCA hearings following conviction.
Criminal Defence
R v C – 2020 – Wood Green CC – led counsel in multi – handed trial indicted with conspiracy to supply class A drugs , conspiracy to keep a brothel for purposes of prostitution and large scale money laundering. Acquitted of brothel keeping and money laundering
R v SG – Lead junior in multi-handed gang rivalry case. Defendant’s accused of shooting, kidnap and stabbing.
R v P – D acquitted of kidnap and assault despite alleged confession during interview.
R v GC – Multi-handed armed robbery for the first defendant accused of gang membership.
R v RO – Possession of firearm and 300 rounds of live ammunition. Suspended sentence following plea in mitigation.
R v KR – Dangerous driving. Key defence witness passed away during trial. Hearsay application resulting in acquittal.
R v AM – Man of good character accused of sexual assault allegedly witness by 2 police officers. Acquitted.
R v KW – University student of good character. Burglary. Successful s.8 application for disclosure resulting in prosecution offering no evidence.
R v H – Student riots. Defendant accused of assaulting a police constable by throwing a missile. Allegedly witnessed by 5 officers. Acquitted following trial.
R v R – Prosecution application to rescind bail for a defendant charged with possession with intent to supply case. Represented the only defendant of 17 to be granted bail.
R v H – Defendant acquitted of possession of offensive weapon following successful submission of no case to answer.
Criminal Prosecution
R v S and others – Multi handed possession with intent to supply Class A.
R v ND – possession of a false identity document with intent.
R v G – causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Fraud & Financial Crime
Secondment at the Serious Fraud Office – gained experience in complex fraud investigations including the “LIBOR” prosecutions.
Disclosure junior – processed and analysed large volumes of digital evidence and dealt with issues of legal professional privilege on documents seized during the course of investigations.
Lead junior on a multi-handed money laundering trial.
R v DW – Instructed in conspiracy to defraud trial involving multiple defendants.
Professional Memberships
- Criminal Bar Association
- Association of Military Court Advocates
- International Bar Association
- Grade 3 CPS Counsel
Awards, Qualifications & Other
During pupillage Satya was awarded the Leonard Woodley Scholarship by the Inner Temple. Whilst studying he won a national mooting competition set in the Royal Courts of Justice and was invited to Kenya to represent the UK in the Commonwealth mooting competition.
- Bar Vocational Course (Very Competent)
- LL.B. with Honours (2:1)
- Leonard Woodley Scholarship (Inner Temple)