Frequently asked questions criminal law

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY CHOOSE US

Our Sydney criminal defence lawyers specialise solely in criminal defence law. Our approach is centred around analysing your situation meticulously to secure the best possible outcome for you. This often involves conducting in-depth analyses and, if appropriate, negotiating with the prosecution. We take pride in consistently achieving excellent results for our clients, boasting a high success rate in contested matters.

Compassionate and assertive in the court room, we will go the extra mile for you to ensure we are equipped with a strong defence to place you in the best position to preserve your liberty, livelihood, reputation and status.

I WISH TO DEFEND THE MATTER (District or Supreme Court trials)

If you wish to contest the charges against you, we’ll assess whether you have a viable defence and provide you with tailored and transparent legal advice. This may involve interviewing supportive witnesses and issuing subpoenas for documents to bolster your defence.

Our firm provides tailored representation, recognising the uniqueness of each case. Our connections with some of the best barristers in New South Wales enable us to determine the most appropriate barrister for each individual case.

I can’t risk getting a criminal record, what are my options

Depending on the nature of the charge, the Court may have the discretion not to record a conviction. However, this discretion may not apply in certain cases. We’ll evaluate your individual circumstances, including the charge/s you’re facing and we will advise you on the likelihood of avoiding a conviction.

What is the difference between Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court?

All criminal charges commence in the Local Court and are usually resolved there. More serious matters progress to the District or Supreme Court. For instance, cases involving murder are finalised in the Supreme Court of NSW.

Your lawyer will clarify the category your charge falls under and discuss procedural matters related to the legal process.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO PAY FOR MY LEGAL CASE?

Free Initial Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Take the first step with confidence, knowing you’re in experienced hands.

We offer the following fixed fees:

Local Court Matters

  • Licence Appeals
    • One court date in a metropolitan court: $1,500 + GST
  • Guilty Plea
    • One court date in a metropolitan court: Starting from $2,000 + GST
  • Mental Health Diversion Applications
    • For state offences under Section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 or Federal offences under Section 20BQ of the Crimes Act 1914, including two court dates in a metropolitan court: $3,500 + GST
    • Note: These applications require a forensic psychologist report. Costs range from $1,500 + GST for a basic report to $3,500 + GST for a comprehensive report and Treatment Plan, including third-party liaising. This service also covers the work associated with a guilty plea.
  • Local Court Hearings
    • One-day hearing in a metropolitan court: Starting from $4,000 + GST

Bail Applications

  • Local Court Bail Applications
    • Including the Children’s Local Court: $2,500 + GST
  • Supreme Court Bail Applications
    • $4,500 + GST

Gaol Conferences

Arranging and attending conferences with individuals in custody, including obtaining police materials beforehand and updating the person who retained the service afterward.

  • Audio/Visual Link: $300 + GST
  • In-Person (Metropolitan Gaols): $600 + GST
    • Gaols include MRRC, Long Bay, Parklea, John Morony, Mulawa (Silverwater)
  • Within 400km of Sydney: $1,000 + GST
    • Gaols include Bathurst, Wellington, Dubbo, Junee, Goulburn, Cooma, Berrima, Cessnock, St Heliers Correctional Centre (Muswellbrook), Kariong
  • Other NSW Prisons: $1,500 + GST (plus travel disbursements if required)
    • Gaols include Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Clarence, Broken Hill

District Court Severity Appeals

  • In a Metropolitan Court: $2,500 + GST

Other Matters

For the following matters, fees will be estimated and discussed during your initial consultation:

  • District Court Sentences
  • All Grounds Appeals in the District Court
  • Conviction Appeals in the District Court
  • District or Supreme Court Trials
  • Appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal (Supreme Court)