The 12 Best Criminal Lawyers In Melbourne (Updated)

Looking for a criminal lawyer in Melbourne? In this article, we share with you our list of the twelve best. The stakes in criminal defense 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. 

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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

10 Common Criminal Cases that Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle

Criminal defense covers various areas. Here are the most common fields within criminal defense:

1) DUI/DWI Defense

DUI/DWI defense involves defending individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some issues in these cases include blood alcohol content (BAC) testing, field sobriety tests, and improper police procedures.

Attorneys in this field work to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution and help keep their clients’ rights protected throughout the legal process.

2) Drug Crimes

Drug crime defense represents clients accused of possessing, distributing, manufacturing, or trafficking illegal substances. Defense attorneys focus on scrutinising the evidence and procedures used by law enforcement to build a strong defense.

Some of the most common issues in these cases include search and seizure violations, determining possession versus intent to distribute, and handling charges related to drug paraphernalia.

3) Violent Crimes

Defending those charged with violent crimes involves handling cases related to assault, battery, domestic violence, and homicide. Some issues that criminal attorneys handle in these typse of cases include claims of self-defense, witness credibility, and forensic evidence.

Attorneys in this field work to present evidence and arguments that can mitigate the charges or lead to an acquittal.

4) Theft Crimes

Theft crime defense deals with cases involving theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, and embezzlement. Defense attorneys aim to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and provide alternative explanations for their clients’ actions.

Criminal lawyers can help you with determining the value of stolen property, intent to steal, and eyewitness testimony.

5) White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crime defense involves representing individuals accused of non-violent crimes typically committed in business or professional settings, such as fraud, insider trading, money laundering, and embezzlement.

6) Sex Crimes

Sex crime defense represents clients accused of sexual offenses, including rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and solicitation. Common issues in these cases include consent, DNA evidence, and the credibility of witnesses.

7) Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile crime defense involves defending minors charged with criminal offenses, ranging from minor infractions to serious felonies. These can include balancing rehabilitation versus punishment, navigating juvenile court procedures, and involving parents or guardians in the legal process. Attorneys aim to secure outcomes that prioritise the future well-being of the juvenile.

8) Federal Crimes

Defending individuals accused of federal crimes involves handling cases that violate federal law, such as terrorism, federal drug offenses, immigration violations, and mail fraud. Defense attorneys must be adept at managing the complexities of the federal legal system.

9) Cyber Crimes

Cyber crime defense represents clients accused of crimes involving computers and the internet, including hacking, identity theft, and online fraud. Attorneys in this field work to defend against charges related to increasingly sophisticated cyber activities.

Cyber crime cases might include handling digital evidence, jurisdictional questions, and keeping up with evolving laws and technology.

1) Property Crimes

Property crime defense deals with cases involving damage to or interference with another’s property, such as vandalism, arson, and trespassing. Defense attorneys can work to minimise the legal consequences for their clients while addressing the underlying issues.

5 Considerations When Hiring Criminal Defence 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)

What does a criminal lawyer do?

A criminal lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in defending individuals and organisations charged with criminal offences. If you’re facing any criminal charges, you’ll likely need to work with a criminal lawyer to tackle several legal hurdles.

Here’s a closer look at their key responsibilities:

1. Legal Representation

• Court Appearances – Criminal lawyers represent their clients in court, presenting their case, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments to defend against the charges.
• Negotiations – They negotiate with prosecutors to secure plea bargains, which can result in reduced charges or lighter sentences for their clients.

2. Legal Advice and Strategy

• Case Analysis – Criminal lawyers analyse the facts of the case, review evidence, and develop a defence strategy. They provide clients with advice on the best course of action based on their legal expertise.
• Legal Rights – They inform clients of their legal rights and options, ensuring they understand the implications of their decisions.

3. Investigation

• Gathering Evidence – Criminal lawyers conduct their own investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong defence.
• Challenging Evidence – They scrutinise the prosecution’s evidence, identifying any inconsistencies or violations of legal procedures that could weaken the case against their client.

4. Documentation and Filing

• Legal Documents – They prepare and file necessary legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and appeals, to support their client’s case.
• Compliance – Preparing all documentation that complies with court requirements and deadlines is a crucial part of their role.

5. Client Support

• Counselling – Criminal lawyers provide emotional support and guidance to clients throughout the legal process, helping them navigate the often stressful and complex criminal justice system.
• Updates – They keep clients informed about the progress of their cases and any new developments.

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.

What are the criminal prosecution steps in Australia?

The criminal prosecution process can be lengthy and complex. Given that the CDPP (Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions) is a national office, practices may vary due to the application of State and Territory laws.

But, generally, this is the process you will follow in a criminal prosecution:

1) Investigation

The CDPP prosecutes Commonwealth offences but has no investigative powers. Investigators take statements from witnesses and gather evidence for criminal prosecution, compiling this evidence into a brief.

Once a brief of evidence is referred to the CDPP and a prosecution commences, the investigator is known as the informant.

2) Brief Assessment/Decision to Charge

Prosecutors assess briefs referred to the CDPP according to the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.

A prosecution is instituted if there are reasonable prospects of securing a conviction and if the public interest requires it. If charges are laid without prior referral to the CDPP, the CDPP will decide whether to maintain the charge and how to proceed.

3) Charging or Commencing a Proceeding

If the CDPP decides charges should be laid, an initiating process, such as a summons, is sent to the defendant. Criminal matters start in the Local/Magistrates Court, dealing with less serious offences (summary offences).

The defendant can plead guilty, not guilty, or seek an adjournment for legal advice. A guilty plea results in sentencing, while a not guilty plea leads to a hearing or trial.

4) Committal Proceeding

In some jurisdictions, serious criminal matters require a committal hearing. A Magistrate decides if there is sufficient evidence for the defendant to be tried in a higher court. If there is sufficient evidence, the defendant is committed for trial. If not, they are discharged.

5) Hearing

A hearing occurs in the Magistrates/Local Court without a jury. The Magistrate hears evidence and decides the verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, a sentence is imposed or set for a later date. If found not guilty, the matter gets dismissed.

6) Trial

If committed for trial, the case proceeds in the County/District or Supreme Court. An indictment, prepared by the CDPP, lists the charges. During the trial, the prosecution presents witnesses and evidence, and the defence can also present evidence.

The jury has to unanimously decide if the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict results in discharge, while a guilty verdict leads to sentencing.

7) Sentencing

The court imposes a sentence appropriate to the offence’s circumstances. Sentences can include imprisonment, home detention, conditional release, fines, or community service orders. Reparation to the Commonwealth, public authority, or individuals for loss or expense due to the offence may also be ordered.

8) Appeals

Convicted individuals can appeal against their conviction and/or sentence. They may seek a review by a higher court if they believe the sentence or verdict was not in accordance with the law.

Final Thoughts

The criminal lawyers above are some of the most experienced in Melbourne. With any of the experienced lawyers above, we are certain that you’ll have the best result in court. That said, we are also aware that the list is not conclusive. We are therefore keen to hear from those who 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.