Bail is now becoming a highly complex area of the criminal law and recent years have seen many changes in the legislation that affect bail applications.
There are different categories of drug offences, depending on the substance and the quantity. In some cases, the difference between a charge of possession and the far more serious charge of trafficking depends on the skill of your lawyer.
In Victoria, the Magistrates, Children’s and County Courts each have a specialised list for sexual offence proceedings. Penalties for sexual offences can be severe, and are increasing as time goes on.
Police may ask you to attend a police station for an interview about criminal allegations. Generally this is not an arrest but a “taking into custody”. Under the Crimes Act (Vic), police must satisfy certain criteria before they can question you.
Slades & Parsons represent a diversity of clients charged with criminal offences from the relatively minor (shop thefts, minor traffic offences) to the most serious (homicide, rape and sexual assault offences, drug offences, sex offences and people smuggling). With extensive experience in dealing with major fraud and Commonwealth cases as well as younger clients in the Children’s Court, Slades & Parsons lawyers have a strong record of success in the running of contested hearings and trials in all courts.
Being charged with a criminal offence is a confronting experience that can have serious consequences for your future employment, career and relationships. We ensure you are kept fully informed about the case against you as we explore possible defences and seek a realistic, timely and affordable resolution of the matter.
We will discuss a realistic fee structure with you that optimises the best possible outcome of any matter. In order to prepare the best possible case and to get the optimal outcome, which might include sentencing, we work closely with other professionals, including: psychiatrists, medical practitioners, family and violence counsellors, psychologists and drug treatment specialists.
Client confidentiality is important and we understand some clients might want as little media exposure as possible. At Slades & Parsons our specialist criminal lawyers and solicitors offer clients confidential and professional advice, ensuring a high degree of professionalism. We work closely with members of the Bar and will always look for the most experienced and appropriate barrister to represent you, if a trial is required. Ensuring we are acting on the client’s instructions, we provide an accurate ongoing assessment of the strength of a prosecution case and available defences.
Slades & Parsons lawyers take on both private and legal aid cases and can help support you in applying for legal aid if you are eligible. To find out more on legal aid call our hotline on 03 9602 3000.
