At Slades & Parsons, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal defence, no matter their financial circumstances. As a preferred Victoria Legal Aid firm, we proudly provide expert criminal defence services to clients funded by Legal Aid, offering the same strategic, dedicated representation we give to all our clients.
Understanding Legal Aid and Eligibility
Legal Aid is a Victorian government-funded service that helps people who cannot afford legal representation, ensuring fair trials and protecting individual rights. Through a ‘grant of legal assistance’, Victoria Legal Aid covers your legal fees if you meet specific criteria.
To qualify, you must pass a merits test, which considers factors such as:
- Whether there are reasonable grounds to contest your charges or appeal a decision
- The likelihood of your case succeeding
- The potential for harm if funding is refused
- The broader public interest in your case
- Whether it is in the interests of justice to grant funding
You’ll also need to meet a means test to show that you genuinely cannot afford to pay for your own lawyer. Generally, Legal Aid is granted for criminal cases where there is a real risk of imprisonment.
Our Commitment to Legal Aid Clients
Slades & Parsons is a member of the Victoria Legal Aid Summary Crime Panel and Indictable Crime Panel, making us one of the state’s preferred criminal law firms. We are authorised to represent Legal Aid clients across all major Victorian courts, including the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal.
Our experienced team provides Legal Aid clients with the same level of care, expertise, and commitment as privately funded clients. We offer:
- Comprehensive legal advice tailored to your case
- Skilled courtroom advocacy
- Clear, compassionate communication throughout every stage
We regularly represent clients in a wide range of serious criminal matters, including drug offences, assault, sexual offences, property offences, traffic offences, bail applications, and appeals.
Contact Our Legal Aid Criminal Lawyers
If you’re facing serious criminal charges and believe you may qualify for Legal Aid, we can assist you in determining your eligibility and guide you through the application process. Contact Slades & Parsons today to discuss your situation confidentially, our team is ready to support you and protect your rights at every stage.