Criminal and traffic lawyers defend people charged with offences, from drink driving and licence matters to serious indictable crimes.
firms
1,273
specialisations
11
regions
66
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If you've been charged, speak to a criminal lawyer before your first court date. They can tell you whether the charge can be defended, whether the evidence is strong, and what penalty is realistic if you plead guilty. Many criminal lawyers offer a free first conversation and fixed fees for common matters such as drink driving and traffic offences. For serious charges they handle bail applications, negotiations with the prosecution, trials and appeals. Legal Aid and Aboriginal legal services can help if you can't afford a private lawyer.
Why criminal law matters
A criminal charge can affect liberty, employment and travel. Early advice often changes the outcome.
The Australian context
Criminal law is mostly state-based, with Commonwealth offences prosecuted federally, and each state has its own courts, bail laws and sentencing options.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Liverpool, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(1,107)Google rating from 1,107 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Criminal Law Group provides legal services in Liverpool, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Domestic Violence & AVOs.
Criminal Law+7 moreTraffic Offences · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Assault & Violent Offences · Drink & Drug Driving · Fraud & White Collar Crime · Bail Applications · Building & ConstructionFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(826)Google rating from 826 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Sydney Criminal Defence Lawyers provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Assault & Violent Offences and Traffic Offences.
Criminal Law+7 moreAssault & Violent Offences · Traffic Offences · Firearms & Licensing Matters · Drug Offences · Bail Applications · Fraud & White Collar Crime · Drink & Drug DrivingFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Bankstown, NSW · Southern Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(712)Google rating from 712 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Abbas & Co Lawyers provides legal services in Bankstown, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Family Law and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Criminal Law+3 moreFamily Law · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Assault & Violent OffencesFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Harris Park, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(582)Google rating from 582 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Oxford Legal Solicitors & Attorneys provides legal services in Harris Park, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Bail Applications.
Criminal Law+5 moreTraffic Offences · Bail Applications · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Assault & Violent Offences · Business & Commercial LawFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
St Kilda, VIC · South East Melbourne
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(327)Google rating from 327 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
MK Law Criminal Lawyers provides legal services in St Kilda, VIC. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Fraud & White Collar Crime and Drug Offences.
Criminal Law+7 moreFraud & White Collar Crime · Drug Offences · Bail Applications · Drink & Drug Driving · Assault & Violent Offences · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Centrelink & Social SecurityFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Leederville, WA · Perth CBD
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(266)Google rating from 266 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
WA Criminal Lawyers provides legal services in Leederville, WA. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Assault & Violent Offences.
Criminal Law+4 moreTraffic Offences · Assault & Violent Offences · Fraud & White Collar Crime · Skilled & Business VisasFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Subiaco, WA · Perth CBD
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(257)Google rating from 257 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Stevenson Legal provides legal services in Subiaco, WA. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Drink & Drug Driving and Business & Commercial Law.
Criminal Law+5 moreDrink & Drug Driving · Business & Commercial Law · Assault & Violent Offences · Partner & Family Visas · Traffic Offences
Understand the next step
A practical guide to criminal & traffic
Choosing the right kind of assistance
Criminal and traffic advice begins with the actual allegation and stage of the case. Say whether police want an interview, charges have been laid, bail conditions apply or a decision has been made. An enquiry is not confirmation that a lawyer has accepted responsibility for a forthcoming appearance.
How the engagement may progress
01
Send the charge, summons, bail paperwork and hearing dates through the method requested by the lawyer. Identify whether you are enquiring for yourself or someone else.
02
Ask what evidence is available and what must be obtained. Decisions about a plea or statement should follow advice on your own circumstances.
03
Confirm who will attend the next event, where to meet and what preparation is included. Ask how changes in the case would affect the estimate.
Fees and the scope of work
One mention, a contested hearing and an appeal are different scopes of work. Ask about preparation, barrister fees and additional appearances.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Make hearing dates and bail conditions clear at first contact. If the firm cannot assist in time, ask about an available practitioner or the relevant legal-aid service.
Questions to ask a criminal & traffic adviser
Can you act before the next interview or hearing?
Who will appear and is that included in the quote?
What should I do if police contact me again?
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Should I plead guilty?
Get advice first. A lawyer can check whether the police followed proper procedure, whether a defence is available, and whether the charges can be reduced or withdrawn before you enter any plea.
Can I keep my licence after a drink driving charge?
It depends on the reading, your record and your state's laws. In some cases a lawyer can argue for a reduced disqualification period or a work licence where one is available.
What happens at a bail hearing?
The court decides whether you can stay in the community while the case runs, and on what conditions. A lawyer presents your circumstances and proposes conditions that address the court's concerns.
