Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne

There are four courts where criminal offences can be heard in Victoria: the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), the Magistrates’ Court, the County Court and the Supreme Court, as explained by Victims of Crime Victoria. Which court hears a case often depends on how serious the charge is. Several Melbourne defence firms have suburban offices as well as a base in the CBD.

A criminal lawyer can advise you before a police interview, apply for bail, negotiate the charges and represent you at a plea or a contested hearing. Some firms in this list do a lot of driving and summary work, while others are known for trials and appeals in the higher courts. Look for experience with the kind of charge you are facing.

Doogue + George
Level 5, 221 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9670 5111

Doogue + George is a criminal defence firm with its main office on Queen Street and suburban offices in Broadmeadows, Heidelberg, Moorabbin and Sunshine. Its lawyers defend charges including assault, drug offences, sex offences, theft and dishonesty, family violence and driving matters. The firm also handles bail applications and intervention orders, white collar and tax offences, plus appearances before bodies such as IBAC. Its website explains Victorian offences, the elements the prosecution must prove and the defences that may apply.

Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally
Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 8622 8200

Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally is a criminal law firm with its head office on Lonsdale Street and a second office in Ringwood. Its lawyers act at police interviews, bail applications, hearings and sentencing, in matters ranging from driving offences to homicide. Other work includes sexual offences, drug charges, fraud, family violence and intervention orders, Children’s Court matters and Commonwealth prosecutions. The team includes Accredited Criminal Law Specialists, and confidential advice is available around the clock.
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Tony Hargreaves & Partners Lawyers
Level 11, 533 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9605 3250

Tony Hargreaves & Partners Lawyers is a Melbourne criminal defence practice that runs major trials and appeals in Victoria’s superior courts. Its work includes murder and manslaughter, drug trafficking and serious fraud, along with sex and violence offences and culpable or dangerous driving. The firm also acts in bail applications and coronial inquests, as well as investigations by bodies such as IBAC and ASIC. Clients deal with the same experienced practitioners for the life of their matter.
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Leanne Warren & Associates
Level 7, 501 La Trobe Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9670 6066

Leanne Warren & Associates is a La Trobe Street practice of criminal law specialists, acting in matters from minor road offences through to the most serious charges. Its lawyers appear in courts ranging from the Children’s and Magistrates’ Courts up to the Court of Appeal and High Court. Practice areas include assault, drug and firearm offences, fraud and theft, sexual offences and homicide, along with bail applications and appeals. The firm also defends WorkSafe and EPA prosecutions.
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Dribbin & Brown Criminal Lawyers
4/271 William Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 8644 7320

Criminal defence is the core practice at Dribbin & Brown, which has a William Street office in the CBD and suburban offices including Frankston, Dandenong, Ringwood, Moorabbin, Werribee and Broadmeadows. The firm handles drink driving and traffic matters, drug offences, assault, theft and fraud, along with sex offences and domestic violence matters. It also acts on bail, appeals and infringement warrants, and runs a free consultation phone line seven days a week.
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Robinson Gill Lawyers
Level 3, 990 Whitehorse Road
Box Hill VIC 3128
Tel: (03) 9890 3321

Robinson Gill Lawyers has a Crime and Advocacy team working from its Box Hill head office, with a CBD office on Lonsdale Street available by appointment. The team acts in matters including assault, drug and driving offences, fraud, family violence, sexual offences and homicide. It also handles bail applications, local council prosecutions, WorkSafe and other regulatory matters, compulsory examinations and coronial inquests. The firm describes its approach as built on careful analysis and direct communication.
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Help from Victoria Legal Aid

Victoria Legal Aid has lawyers at most magistrates’ courts in Victoria who help people on the day of their hearing. Whether a duty lawyer can help you may depend on your circumstances and the charges you face. If your court date is 14 days or more away, you may qualify for its Help Before Court service.

A private criminal lawyer is an option if you do not qualify, or if you want one lawyer to handle the matter from start to finish.

Choosing a defence lawyer

Ask who will actually appear in court for you and whether the firm briefs barristers for hearings and trials. The Law Institute of Victoria recognises some lawyers as accredited specialists in criminal law, and several firms in this list say they have accredited specialists on their team.

Costs often vary with the court and the length of a hearing, so ask for a written estimate before you commit. Bring your charge sheet and any police paperwork to the first meeting. With that in hand, a lawyer can usually give you a clearer picture of the next steps.

Other practice areas in Melbourne

Looking outside Melbourne? Browse criminal lawyers in other cities.