Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne, VIC

3 criminal lawyers with offices in Melbourne are listed below, including Doogue + George Defence Lawyers, Galbally & O’Bryan Lawyers Dandenong, Gallant Law Carlton. Listings are compiled from public information; practices marked Claimed have confirmed their details with us. Before engaging anyone, confirm their current practising status with the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner.

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What a criminal lawyer in Melbourne can help with

Criminal defence lawyers represent people who have been charged with, or are being investigated for, an offence: from traffic and drink-driving matters in the local court through to serious indictable charges before a jury. Criminal law is mostly State and Territory law, so procedure, penalties and diversion options differ between Victoria and elsewhere.

  • Police interviews and what to say (and not say)
  • Bail applications and bail variations
  • Traffic and drink- or drug-driving charges, licence appeals
  • Assault, drug, dishonesty and public order charges
  • Domestic and family violence charges and protection orders
  • Pleas, sentencing submissions and diversion programs
  • Appeals against conviction or sentence

Criminal Law in Victoria: what is different

Charges are heard in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria. Costs disclosure obligations under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) apply before work starts.

Questions to ask before you instruct

  1. How often do you appear in the court where my matter is listed?
  2. Is a fixed fee available for a plea, and what changes if the matter becomes a defended hearing?
  3. What are the realistic outcomes, and what could I do now to improve them?
  4. Will you, or someone else in the firm, appear on the day?
  5. Am I eligible for Legal Aid or a duty lawyer?

Costs and funding

Many criminal lawyers quote fixed fees for a guilty plea and staged estimates for a defended hearing. Victoria Legal Aid runs duty lawyer services in the busiest courts and grants aid for more serious matters on a means and merits test. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services operate across Victoria. Lawyers must give you costs disclosure under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) before or as soon as practicable after starting work.

Guides from LawDirectory.au

Other practice areas in Melbourne

Criminal Lawyers elsewhere in Victoria

Browse all Criminal Law practices or every practice in Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Should I answer police questions?

You generally must give your name and address, but you are not obliged to take part in an interview. Get advice before you do: what is said in an interview is usually admissible and cannot be taken back.

Can I get bail?

That depends on the charge, your history and the risks the court must weigh. A lawyer can prepare a bail application with proposed conditions, sureties and supporting material, which significantly affects the outcome.

Will a conviction be recorded?

Courts in Victoria have discretion in some matters to deal with an offence without recording a conviction, or to use diversion. Eligibility depends on the offence, your record and the court; ask your lawyer early.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and inclusion in the directory is not a recommendation. See our disclaimer and how listings are compiled.

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