Looking for a criminal lawyer in Melbourne? In this article, we share with you our list of the twelve best. The stakes in criminal matters are high and as such, it’s important that you find competent Melbourne criminal lawyers to represent you.
In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of criminal law specialists in Melbourne, that we feel will give you the best possible outcome for your criminal case. The lawyers on this list were selected using objective criteria that took into account their client feedback, track record as well as fee policies. Take a look.
What is a Criminal Lawyer?
A criminal lawyer specialises in criminal law and represents defendants in criminal cases. You hire them to either prosecute or defend someone accused of a criminal offense. When looking for criminal lawyers to work with, you need to find someone who acts impartially. That way, they uphold the legal rights of those prosecuted and make sure they receive fair treatment against the conduct of the law.
Criminal lawyers are in charge of several initiatives, including advocating for their client’s rights, investigating the circumstances of the case, and arguing the case for the defense in front of a judge and/or jury. They also help the defendant’s family plan and prepare for life after the charges.
When looking for criminal lawyers, you want to find ones with strong problem-solving skills, public speaking and presentation skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong critical thinking and research skills, and excellent decision-making skills. They also need to be able to work autonomously and with a team of attorneys.
Those types of lawyers are the exact ones you’ll find below. So let’s look at the top 12 criminal lawyers in Melbourne.
1. Doogue + George Criminal Lawyers
Doogue + George is one of Australia’s leading specialist criminal law firms.
The firm has a team of innovative and experienced criminal defence lawyers, including 8 Accredited Specialist Criminal Lawyers, who understand the law and how to help you defend your matter in court. They have the best criminal lawyers that have defended clients in hundreds of jury trials and thousands of matters in Victorian courts. These criminal law cases range from minor to serious matters defined by the legal system, but they are all important to their clients. The firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for all.
Doogue + George lawyers do not just go through the motions. An expert criminal lawyer will prepare a strategy with you and pursue it effectively. The most important part of a person’s defence matter is having a plan in place to defend or mitigate our client’s penalties.
Contact Doogue + George Criminal Lawyers for a consultation.
Address: Level 5, 221 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9670 5111
Website: criminal-lawyers.com.au
2. Papa Hughes Lawyers
Another popular firm, Papa Hughes won’t let you down. Consider the firm for your criminal law matter. The firm’s principal lawyers have been practising criminal law in Melbourne for more than twenty years. Over that time, they have built a strong reputation. The firm handles numerous matters within this branch of law. For a full list of the firm’s areas of specialty, visit its website. A link is included above. Use the contact information above to reach the firm’s team.
Address: 224 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9670 0688
Website: papahughes.com.au
3. Emma Turnbull Lawyers
Emma Turnbull Lawyers is a specialist criminal law firm that employs a large team of dedicated criminal defense attorneys who can assist you in defending yourself in criminal cases.
If you have not yet been charged or interviewed by police, we can assist you in attempting to avoid criminal charges from arising. With a team of highly skilled and experienced courtroom advocates, the team includes four Accredited Criminal Law Specialists who can represent you at all Courts in the Criminal Justice system.
Experienced in all manner of criminal defence from parking fines to murder to terrorism, the criminal lawyers also have expertise in the defence of drug and violent crimes.
The firm has offices in Melbourne and Ballarat and is the largest female led team of defence lawyers in the state. The firm has excellent feedback in their google reviews for client service and excellent results.
Address: Level 9, 552 Lonsdale St Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone number: (03) 9077 4834
Website: emmaturnbull.com.au
4. Pentana Stanton Lawyers
Pentana Stanton Laywers is another full-service law firm with an impeccable reputation and impressive record. Their criminal lawyers are highly skilled in negotiation, out-of-court settlements, litigation, and complex court trials. Some of the criminal cases that Pentana Stanton provides representation include traffic, summary, and indictable offences.
They also provide representation in cases such as:
- Minor damage to property,
- Drunk and/or disorderly behaviour,
- Some sexual offences,
- Offensive behaviour,
- Some assault charges, and
- Indecent assault,
- Drug trafficking offences,
- Aggravated burglary,
- Rape and some other sexual offences,
- Manslaughter,
- Murder,
- Treason, and
- Other matters.
The leading law firm has two practices: one in Melbourne CBD and another in Dandenong. Their team embodies a practical and empathetic approach and works hard to achieve swift and favourable outcomes for their clients. Their solicitors work with Victorians to make their voices heard in bail applications, sentencing hearings, and jury trials.
Melbourne CBD Address: Level 3, 552 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Dandenong Address: Suite 9 (Level 1) 50-54 Robinson Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
Phone: (03) 900 22 800
Email: reception@pstanton.com.au
Website: pentanastanton.com.au
5. Sher Lawyers
Sher Lawyers are leading Melbourne Criminal Lawyers with a specialist team, trusted expertise, and proven results. Located in both Melbourne CBD and Moorabbin, Sher Criminal Lawyers provide legal defence to Victoria-wide:
- Drinking and drug driving offences
- Driving and traffic offences
- Sexual offences
- Assault charges
- Drug-related offences
- Burglary, robbery and theft offences
- Family violence/intervention orders
- Fraud
- Murder and manslaughter
- Firearm offences
- Children’s Court
- Bail applications
- Appeal
Sher Lawyers focuses solely on criminal defence. With years of experience in all areas of criminal law, the team is highly skilled in negotiation, out-of-court settlements, litigation, and court trials. Sher Lawyers stand out from competitors by having:
- Free consultations
- No hidden fees
- Proven results
- Available 24/7
Being available 24/7, you can contact their criminal lawyer team for immediate advice or your free consultations.
Melbourne CBD Address: Level 40, 140 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000Moorabbin Address: 1/441 South Road, Moorabbin VIC, 3189
Phone: (03) 8676 9777
Email: enquiries@sherlawyers.com.au
Website: sherlawyers.com.au
6. Furstenberg Law
Furstenberg Law is a criminal law firm in Melbourne, Victoria. Their Melbourne criminal lawyers provide a wide range of legal services for criminal and traffic offences. Including sexual offences, rape, sexual harassment, drink driving, breach of intervention orders, criminal records, sex offender register matters, assault, drug offences, spent conviction orders, fraud, murder, manslaughter and more. Furstenberg Law offers 24/7 emergency criminal defence services in all Victorian courts.
This Melbourne criminal law firm was founded by Avi Furstenberg. Avi is a highly respected criminal lawyer in Melbourne. Furstenberg Law also has a fantastic team of experienced criminal defence lawyers. Need advice? Please call now to arrange an appointment.
Address: Level 7/533 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone Number: (03) 9131 2000 (Open 24/7)
Website: www.furstenberglaw.com.au
7. Michael J. Gleeson & Associates | Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
This Criminal law specialist firm is one of the most successful in Melbourne. Zara Garde Wilson is one of the most reliable criminal law specialists in the region having practised criminal law for more than twenty years. To find out more about her practice, contact her team using the contact details provided above.
Address: 5/600 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9670 3633
Website: gleesons.com.au
8. Capree Lawyers Melbourne
This boutique law firm is known for following the highest standards of excellence in service delivery. Consider it for your criminal law matter. The firm is a multispecialty practice with many areas of specialty including criminal law. We’ve featured it in our lists of the best defence firms in Melbourne. To learn more about the firm’s services, visit its website. A link is included above.
Address: Exchange Tower, Level 1/530 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000,
Phone Number: (03) 8456 6789
Website: capreelawyers.com.au
9. Armstrong Legal Criminal and Family Lawyers Melbourne
Another excellent multispecialty firm, Armstrong Legal’s reputation precedes it. Whether you’re looking for a family lawyer or a criminal lawyer, the firm has a specialist for you. To request the firm’s services, contact its team using the contact details above.
Address: Level 13/575 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9620 2777
Website: melbourne.armstronglegal.com.au
10. Anthony Isaacs
This practice has perfect reviews on google reviews. Based on client feedback, we are sure that you won’t go wrong with it.
Anthony Isaacs specialises in defending the following charges: drink driving (DUI), drug-related charges, theft, child exploitation, traffic offences, online offences and assault. For more information, visit the firm’s website.
Address: Ground Floor/530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone Number: (03) 9034 7351
Website: anthonyisaacs.com.au
11. Dribbin & Brown Criminal Lawyers
This accredited criminal law specialist firm is a great option if you’re looking for a criminal lawyer in Melbourne. Dribbin & Brown Criminal lawyers is a renowned victorian firm with offices not just in Melbourne but also in Dandenong, Ringwood, Frankston, Geelong, Moorabbin and Ballarat. The firm operates as a criminal offence and traffic law specialist firm and will handle all matters within the branch of law. To learn more about its service, visit the firm’s website. A link has been included above.
Address: 13/200 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 8644 7320
Website: criminalsolicitorsmelbourne.com.au
12. Slades and Parsons Criminal Law
Slades & Parsons is a firm headquartered in Melbourne’s CBD. The firm provides a 24-hour emergency advice service to people in need of urgent expert legal advice. The practice’s lawyers can provide legal representation for any client in front of the children’s court, the court of appeals, county court, high court, and the supreme court of Victoria. For anyone in need of bail applications, intervention orders, or simply to ask for legal advice on criminal matters, Slades and Parsons is more than ready to help.
Some of the firm’s specialisations include:
- Drug offences
- Property offences and Fraud
- Homicide
- Terrorism
- Sex offences
- Intervention orders
- Bail applications
- Drink driving
- Family violence
- Traffic offences
Address: Level 1/224 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9602 3000
Website: sladesparsons.com.au
5 Considerations When Hiring Criminal Lawyers
When hiring a criminal lawyer, some considerations should guide your decision-making. This way, you’re more confident that you have competent representation. Here are five key considerations to keep in mind:
1) Experience and Specialization
First, you want to choose a lawyer who has experience in criminal law and specialises in the type of charges you are facing. For example, some lawyers might specialize in DUIs, while others might have extensive experience in white-collar crime or violent offenses. A criminal defence lawyer’s specialisation and experience can greatly impact the strategy and outcomes of your case.
2) Reputation and Reviews
Research a criminal lawyer’s reputation within the legal community and among past clients. Check online reviews, testimonials, and ratings. These can provide a lot of insight into the lawyer’s effectiveness and client satisfaction. Moreover, a lawyer who is respected by peers and judges can have an advantageous position during court proceedings.
3) Communication Skills
Having a lawyer with effective communication matters greatly, especially when you need representation. Your lawyer should be able to explain the complexities of the law and the details of your case in a way that is easy to understand.
Choose a criminal lawyer that’s approachable and willing to answer your questions. Their ability to articulate case strategies and developments clearly also affect your comfort and confidence level throughout the legal process.
4) Availability and Resources
Assess whether the lawyer has the time to dedicate to your case. Also check whether they have the support and resources necessary to handle your case effectively. This includes having adequate staff, such as paralegals and investigators, and accessibility when you need updates or consultations.
5) Fees and Billing Structure
Understand how the lawyer bills their clients. Some criminal lawyers charge by the hour, while others may offer flat-rate fees for certain types of cases. Be clear about what is included in their fees and ask about potential additional costs (like court fees, administrative costs, and charges for additional consultations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a criminal lawyer to represent me in a case?
In Australia, especially in Melbourne, people who face criminal charges have the right to be legally represented.
But it’s also not a requirement to have a lawyer in court. You can appear in court without representation. However, we truly believe that it’s to your advantage if you have a criminal lawyer represent you because criminal charges are serious and convictions can result in harsh sentences.
How much does a criminal lawyer in Melbourne charge?
The cost of a criminal lawyer in Melbourne greatly depends on the case’s complexity, the type of charge, and the quality of legal representation. For instance, you can hire a criminal lawyer to represent you for a straightforward, non-complex hearing or sentence in the local court for $2,200–$3,300 for one court date.
In the District Court, a non-complex hearing or sentence could cost you between $3,300–$6,600 for one day. For Magistrates Court representation involving non-complex plea hearings or sentence hearings, the flat fee ranges from $1,800 to $3,300.
Final Thoughts
The criminal defence lawyers above are some of the most experienced in Melbourne. With any of the lawyers above, we are certain that you’ll have the best outcome in court. That said, we are also aware that the list is not conclusive. We are therefore keen to hear from those that have a positive experience with lawyers not included in this article. Feel free to contact us.
Looking for a list of criminal lawyers who specialise in traffic law? Check out this list of the best traffic lawyers in Melbourne next.
3 Comments
Great post!
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have a case one- day contested Summary Hearing at Frankston Magistrate Court. One of my clients is looking forward to booking a counsel. Husband assaulted wife over a family dispute; daughter and son-in-law involved in rescuing mother. Are you available on 26/04/2023? If available, how much would your fee be, including reading times and the total for a one-day hearing?
informative contents , thank for sharing