Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

Overview of how bail works for young people in Victoria, including eligibility, Youth Justice involvement, bail conditions, and consequences of breaching bail.

Doli incapax is the legal presumption that a child aged between 12 and 14 is incapable of committing a criminal offence unless the prosecution proves the child understood the conduct was seriously wrong. Learn how doli incapax works in Victoria, including police interviews, Children’s Court matters and early legal advice.

Arrest, charge and conviction are often used interchangeably, but in Australian criminal law they have distinct meanings. This guide explains each stage of the criminal justice process, your rights when arrested, and what each outcome means in practice.

Cases of dangerous driving causing death are among the most serious and challenging in the County Court.

Public debate around bail often centres on risk and blame—but the reality is far more complex. This article explores how bail works in Victoria, why it exists, and how courts balance individual rights with community safety when making decisions.

The investigation of crime is not a game governed by a sportsman’s code of fair play.

Public confidence in the justice system is being steadily eroded by sensationalist media coverage, political attacks, and uneven scrutiny of institutions. This article examines how these forces shape perceptions of the judiciary, the imbalance between criticism of courts and policing, and the broader consequences for governance and democracy.

A police interview can significantly affect your case. Understanding your rights and getting early legal advice is critical before speaking to police.

Firearm offences in Victoria are governed by the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic), which regulates the possession, use, storage and acquisition of firearms.

A criminal record is a formal record of a person’s proven criminal history, including any findings of guilt or convictions.

In Victoria, criminal records are maintained by law enforcement authorities and may be accessed by authorised agencies for specific purposes, including employment screening, licensing, immigration, and travel-related assessments.

Understand bail applications in Victoria, including compelling reasons and exceptional circumstances tests under the Bail Act. Experienced criminal lawyers explain the process, risk assessment, and how bail is decided in Victorian courts.

Child abuse material offences in Victoria are extremely serious and often result in imprisonment and registration obligations. This article explains the law, penalties, and legal defences for possession and production charges.

Sex offender registration in Victoria applies to a wide range of sexual offences and carries strict reporting obligations. Understanding whether registration is mandatory or discretionary, and the consequences of breach, is critical.

White collar crime in Victoria covers a wide range of dishonesty and corporate offences, including fraud, theft, and financial advantage by deception. These matters are complex and often involve significant penalties, making early specialist legal advice essential.

WorkCover and TAC fraud prosecutions in Victoria involve serious allegations under workplace safety and transport accident laws. These matters can result in significant fines, imprisonment, and long-term consequences. Understanding the charges and seeking early legal advice is critical.

Children under 10 cannot be charged with a crime in Victoria, and special legal principles apply for young people under 14. Most youth matters are heard in the Children’s Court.

Property damage offences in Victoria involve intentionally or dishonestly damaging or destroying property, with penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment depending on severity.

The Criminal Justice Diversion Program allows eligible individuals in Victoria to avoid a criminal conviction by completing a court-approved diversion plan, subject to Magistrate approval.

Family violence in Victoria is governed by the Family Violence Protection Act and can result in intervention orders. Learn how FVIOs and PSIOs work, conditions, and legal defences.

Bail applications in the Supreme Court of Victoria determine whether an accused person is released from custody pending trial. Learn the process, legal tests, and key considerations involved.

Allegations of family violence are complex and sensitive in nature. Being accused of family violence offending can have profound legal and personal consequences.

Overview of how SORA reporting obligations operate in Victoria and the limited circumstances in which suspension or exemption from the Sex Offenders Register may be applied for.

Mandatory minimum sentences require courts to impose a set minimum penalty regardless of circumstances. This article explains how they operate in Australia, their impact on judicial discretion, and the High Court’s approach in Hurt v The King.

The High Court’s decision in DPP v Smith highlights the tension between ensuring a fair trial and supporting complainants in sexual offence proceedings, raising important questions about modern criminal court processes.

Understanding how long police have to investigate a crime is an important issue for anyone who is the subject of, or affected by, a criminal investigation in Victoria.

A common question is whether it is possible to regain a firearms licence after an IVO has been made. The answer depends on the type of order, whether it is final, and whether a person is classified as a “prohibited person” under the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic).

Being convicted or found guilty of a sexual offence in Victoria can result in a range of serious consequences beyond the sentence imposed by the court. In addition to sentencing, a person may be placed on the Sex Offenders Register under the Sex Offenders Registration Act.

Intervention Orders (IVOs) in Victoria are often misunderstood, particularly in relation to the role of the protected person. A common question is whether a protected person can breach an IVO if they initiate contact with the respondent.

For many people in Victoria, the idea of police entering and searching their home can be confronting and confusing. While police do have powers to conduct searches in certain circumstances, those powers are strictly regulated by law.

In most cases, individuals are entitled to seek legal advice before and during a police interview, and in appropriate circumstances, a criminal lawyer can attend the interview to provide assistance.