Should I talk to police without a lawyer?

You generally have the right to remain silent. Ask to speak to a lawyer before any interview.

What if I can't afford a lawyer?

Legal Aid, community legal centres and Aboriginal legal services may be able to help, depending on the charge and your circumstances.

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whether the police followed proper procedure, whether a defence is available, and whether the charges can be reduced or withdrawn before you enter any plea.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.

Criminal lawyers in Australia | Lawyers Directory Australia

What to discuss at the first meeting

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.

How the engagement may progress

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.

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 law adviser

Can you advise before the next required step?
Who will appear and what preparation is included?
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?

Criminal lawyers

Why criminal law matters

The Australian context

Criminal lawyers near you

1,114 criminal law firms

Baily Family Law

Banditt & Blaine Lawyers

Mildura Conveyancing Services

Penrith Criminal Law Centre

Transitional Legal

Australian Law Group

Brisbane Criminal Lawyers

DLH Solicitors

Ressan Lawyers

TASC Legal and Social Justice Service

David Cole Barrister

Liberato Defence Lawyers

Rep-Revive Criminal Lawyers

IMS Lawyers Australia

Stewart Burr and Mayr Lawyers Caboolture

Gateway Law & Migration Australia Pty Ltd

Narooma Law

Buckley Lawyers Pty Ltd

Joshua Blom Lawyers

McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers

Paula Sutherland & Associates Lawyers

Trio Lawyers

Porter Scudds

Purcell Taylor Lawyers

A practical guide to criminal law

What to discuss at the first meeting

How the engagement may progress

Fees and the scope of work

Dates to raise at first contact

Questions to ask a criminal law adviser

Frequently asked questions

More in Criminal & Traffic

Other areas of law