Criminal & Traffic · Bendigo & Loddon
10 criminal law firms in Bendigo & Loddon, Victoria, including Bendigo, Castlemaine.
10 firms
Echuca, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Joliman Lawyers provides legal services in Echuca, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Wills & Estates.
From the first interview to sentencing, a criminal lawyer protects your rights and gives you a realistic view of your options. They can negotiate with prosecutors to have charges withdrawn or reduced, run defended hearings and trials, and present the strongest case for a lenient sentence.
A conviction can affect employment, travel, visas and licences for years. The right early advice can change the result.
Criminal law is mostly state-based, with each state's crimes legislation and courts, while Commonwealth offences such as drug importation and fraud against the Commonwealth are prosecuted federally. Legal Aid and Aboriginal legal services help people who can't afford a lawyer.
Understand the next step
Provide the charge or police correspondence and explain the current stage. Ask about representation for the next event as well as longer-term case preparation.
A first consultation and acceptance of ongoing representation are separate; obtain clear confirmation about responsibility for the next appearance.
Bendigo and Castlemaine are the main centres listed for Bendigo & Loddon. Compare firms by the work you need: a sale contract, parenting arrangement, estate administration or business dispute will each require a different set of documents and questions.
For criminal law, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant VIC experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Bendigo & Loddon. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
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.
Ask what evidence is available and what must be obtained. Decisions about a plea or statement should follow advice on your own circumstances.
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.
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.
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.
In Victoria, the Magistrates' Court hears most criminal and minor civil matters, with the County Court and Supreme Court handling more serious cases. Residential tenancy, planning, building and discrimination disputes often go to VCAT. Lawyers are regulated by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner, which also handles complaints.
Good to know
You generally have the right to remain silent. Ask to speak to a lawyer before any interview.
Legal Aid, community legal centres and Aboriginal legal services may be able to help, depending on the charge and your circumstances.
Most matters start in the Magistrates' Court. More serious cases go to the County Court or the Supreme Court of Victoria. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Cohuna, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Joliman Lawyers provides legal services in Cohuna, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Wills & Estates.
Bendigo, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
JS Law & Associates provides legal services in Bendigo, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence & AVOs.
Maryborough, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Noonan & Sutherland provides legal services in Maryborough, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Family Law.
Maryborough, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Herring & McMillan Solicitors & Accountants provides legal services in Maryborough, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Wills & Estates.
Bendigo, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Pica Solicitors provides legal services in Bendigo, VIC. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law and Domestic Violence & AVOs.
Bendigo, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
TEAK Legal & Consulting provides legal services in Bendigo, VIC. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law.
Bendigo, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Cahills Solicitors Pty Ltd provides legal services in Bendigo, VIC. Listed practice areas include Business & Commercial Law, Family Law and Criminal Law.
Bendigo, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Cathryn Shiels Lawyers provides legal services in Bendigo, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law and Criminal Law.
Bendigo, VIC · Bendigo & Loddon
Swayn Legal provides legal services in Bendigo, VIC. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Bail Applications and General Practice (regional generalist).
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.
Practising certificates in Victoria are managed by the Victorian Legal Services Board. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.