Creanna Dodson

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Year of Call: 2023

Creanna is a talented advocate who has rapidly established a strong reputation across all areas of criminal law. She combines exceptional client care with confident and effective courtroom advocacy, earning the trust of both professional and lay clients alike.

Called to the Bar following an accomplished career in criminal justice and social care – she began her professional career as a Probation Officer in 2004, developing an in-depth understanding of offenders, sentencing and the wider criminal justice system, Creanna brings a wealth of real-world experience and insight to her practice, which enhances her skills and demonstrates a competence way beyond her year of call.

Creanna accepts instructions across the full spectrum of criminal work and regularly appears in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Court and Youth Court. She is instructed in matters including road traffic offences, public order and assault cases ,serious drug offences, fraud, sexual offences and serious violence. She is renowned for her meticulous preparation, practical approach and easy manner with clients.

As well as Criminal Law, Creanna practices Family Law drawing on her experience as a Social Worker and Children’s Guardian with Cafcass, representing and safeguarding the interests of vulnerable children and families in complex family proceedings. This background has equipped her with exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence and an ability to build rapport with clients from all walks of life.

Her mission is to achieve the best outcome for her client, whatever the case which makes her an extremely popular choice for instruction.

Notable Cases

  • R v MM

    Successfully persuaded the Court to not impose a custodial sentence on a client who pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis on a large scale.

  • R v JT

    Successful submission of no case to answer in respect to identification.

  • R v BC

    Client avoided custody after successful submissions made in relation to Possession of Class A with intent to supply.

  • R v NM

    Client acquitted after Crown offered no evidence in relation to Possession of Class A with intent to supply after successful representations made by counsel in relation to a NRM referral.

  • R v DH

    Client avoided being disqualified from driving after successful special reasons argument.

  • R v MB

    Client acquitted of dangerous driving after court found she had paid the due care and attention required.

  • Creanna is regularly instructed on behalf of parents in cases involving complex disputes about where children should live and the time they spend with non-resident parents. She has a busy practice in private law and is recently taking instructions in care work.

    Her background as a Social Worker and former Children’s Guardian provides valuable insight into welfare and safeguarding issues, while her criminal law experience equips her to offer robust advice in complex cases and cross-examination, making her particularly well-qualified for care work cases. Creanna is experienced in working with vulnerable clients and is skilled at explaining complex legal principles in clear, accessible terms.

    Recent instructions include:

    • Child Arrangements Orders
    • Contested Non-Molestation Orders
    • Contested Occupation Orders, including appeals
    • Fact-Finding Hearings
    • Final Hearings
    • Care Proceedings

Memberships

Inner Temple

Awards

Inner Temple Exhibition Award (2020)

Education

City Law School, BVS (2023) Very Competent
London South Bank University, GDL, (2020) - Commendation
London Metropolitan University, MSc Social Work (2012)
University of Hertfordshire, BSc Criminal Justice (2006)

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