Adv Michelle Ives - Criminal Specialist (Pretoria)

Michelle Ives is a criminal defence specialist and Advocate of the High Court with 10 years of experience, delivering formidable representation in urgent 24/7 bail applications, serious Schedule 5 and 6 offences, and complex commercial crimes. Operating across Pretoria, Johannesburg, Sandton, Roodepoort, Fourways, Randburg and the broader Gauteng region, her practice is defined by three core principles: discreet, strategic, and formidable legal representation. She provides senior-level advocacy in both the Magistrates’ Courts and the High Court, ensuring that clients’ rights are asserted firmly from the moment of arrest through to trial, sentencing, and appeal.

A Dedicated Referral Practice
Operating exclusively as a criminal practice, Advocate Ives functions strictly as a referral advocate. She accepts briefs through an instructing attorney to ensure procedural excellence and strategic focus. Members of the public are welcome to make direct contact; if you do not have an attorney, she will refer you to a suitable professional to facilitate the brief, ensuring your defence is structured correctly from day one. All matters are handled in strict confidence.

Criminal Services

24/7 Urgent Bail Applications
When liberty is at stake, swift and decisive action is critical. Advocate Ives provides round-the-clock availability for urgent bail matters across Gauteng. Her expertise is heavily focused on highly complex Schedule 5 and 6 bail applications, including matters involving murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, corruption, and major fraud. Her bail services include:

• Urgent and opposed bail applications (after-hours and weekends).
• Strategic preparation for Schedule 5 and 6 bail hearings.
• High Court bail appeals.

Call 24/7 Bail Line: 081 026 5600

Commercial & White-Collar Crime Defence
Advocate Ives delivers meticulous, high-level defence for directors, business owners, and professionals facing serious economic charges. Navigating complex financial and statutory law requires precise strategy and absolute confidentiality. Her commercial crime practice covers:

• Fraud (including amounts over R500,000) and theft.
• Corruption and PRECCA (Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act) violations.
• Money laundering.
• Companies Act offences and SARS-related commercial matters.

Criminal Trials, Appeals & Sentencing
Applying a calm, prepared, and persistent approach to the courtroom, Advocate Ives handles every stage of the criminal litigation process. Her trial and appellate services include:

• Criminal trials in District, Regional, and High Courts.
• Plea and sentence agreements (Section 105A) and mitigation of sentence.
• Criminal appeals and reviews against conviction and sentence.
• Written and oral opinions on criminal law (on brief from an attorney).

 
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 08:00 AM - 16:30 PM