Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

Having the advice of an experienced criminal defence lawyer at the earliest opportunity gives your case the best possible chance of success. Your lawyer can advise you on how to deal with police before charges are even finalised, ensuring you do not inadvertently harm your own defence.

A specialist criminal solicitor can ensure you understand the charges against you, explain what defences may be available, and represent you in any application for bail – significantly enhancing your chances of being granted release. It is important to have legal representatives who specialise in criminal defence from the outset, not only after charges have been laid.

Early advice also allows your lawyer to review the strength of the prosecution’s case before any decisions are made. The earlier you engage legal representation, the more options remain available to you.

For a variety of reasons, pleading guilty to the charges against you may sometimes be the best course of action. An experienced criminal defence lawyer can advise you about your individual circumstances and, where appropriate, negotiate on your behalf with the prosecution – whether that means pleading guilty to one charge in return for others being dropped, or accepting a reduced charge.

If you choose to plead guilty, a skilled criminal lawyer can assist you during the sentencing process. The court provides for variations in the circumstances of offending, and your lawyer can present your personal circumstances and mitigating factors to the Magistrate or Judge to influence the severity of your sentence.

Properly presenting mitigating circumstances, providing appropriate material such as expert reports or character references, and making submissions on relevant points of law can all result in a meaningful reduction of penalty. Effective preparation and presentation at the sentencing stage is just as important as the defence itself.

Our client was remanded into custody after being charged with breaching a family violence order, found in the company of the protected person. The circumstances were that she had invited him into her home – they were in a consensual relationship and wished to marry.

Slades & Parsons Director Anthony Brand presented the court with these circumstances, advising that the protected person had recently applied to have the non-contact provisions removed. He made submissions on the accused’s work history and the steps he had taken to address a longstanding problem with alcohol, including engaging in rehabilitation and counselling.

The Magistrate sentenced the accused to the 15 days he had already served on remand – allowing our client to walk free from the courtroom. The Magistrate noted that had it not been for the guilty plea, a finding of guilt at trial would have resulted in a three-month custodial sentence.

Appearing in court can be a confronting experience. A lawyer who specialises in criminal law can guide you through the process and look after your interests at every stage. In most circumstances, when you plead not guilty it is up to the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt – and an experienced criminal lawyer is able to identify where that burden has not been met.

Your lawyer may also identify that a specific defence is available to you under the law, and can assist in obtaining the evidence needed to support it – including witness statements, expert testimony, and forensic testing.

Whether you require assistance with bail applications, advice before a police interview, representation at a contested hearing, or support through sentencing, Slades & Parsons are here to help. Contact us on (03) 9602 3000 – we are available to take your call 24 hours a day.