Partners of Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally

Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

Victoria’s most experienced and trusted criminal law firm features Accredited Criminal Law Specialists, including expertise in Children’s Law and a dedicated youth crime department. We represent clients in all Victorian courts for serious and complex cases involving youth crime, sexual offences, violent offences, corporate crime, and all types of criminal law matters.

Services

Best Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

First Tier Doyles Criminal Law 2022 award badge with gold laurel wreaths

Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally is a top tier criminal law firm in Victoria, providing experienced, strategic and results-driven legal representation across all areas of criminal law. Our experienced criminal defence lawyers regularly appear in all Victorian courts and include lawyers recognised by Doyle's Guide as preeminent, leading and recommended criminal lawyers in Melbourne and Victoria.

If you have been charged or are under investigation, getting advice early can make a significant difference. Our Melbourne criminal lawyers will guide you through every stage of the legal process, offering clear, practical advice and preparing you for court to achieve the best possible outcome.

We act in both high-profile and everyday cases, with a focus on tailored strategies for each client. As one of Victoria’s largest and most respected criminal law firms, we combine deep expertise with a supportive, client-focused approach – ensuring you are informed, prepared and supported at every step.

If you need trusted criminal lawyers in Melbourne, book a confidential consultation.

Comprehensive legal advice for complex cases.

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Experienced representation in all jurisdictions.

Strategic defence tailored to your needs.

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Clear guidance on your legal options.

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Dedicated advocacy for your best outcome.

Confidential support throughout every stage.

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Experienced Criminal Lawyers in
Melbourne Across All Offences

Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally practises exclusively in criminal law, providing expert representation across all criminal and traffic offences. Our experienced criminal lawyers in Melbourne deliver strategic advice and strong advocacy in matters ranging from homicide, Commonwealth offences, corporate crime, home invasion charges, and Children’s Court matters, to assault, drug offences, fraud, family violence, and drink and drug driving cases.

We also regularly appear in bail applications and contested hearings, guiding clients through every stage of the criminal justice process with clear advice, thorough preparation, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.

Charges involving possession, trafficking, cultivation, and manufacturing of illegal drugs.

Drug Offences

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Defence for allegations including sexual assault, indecent acts, and related offences.

Sexual offences

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Representation for assault, threats, and serious violent offence charges.

Assault & Property Damage

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Th eft & Fraud

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Offences involving dishonesty, including theft, deception, and fraud-related charges.

Applying for or defending intervention orders in domestic violence & assault matters.

Intervention Orders (IVO)

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Commonwealth & Federal Offence

Serious federal offences including fraud, people smuggling, and other Commonwealth charges.

Driving Offences (Drink & Drug Driving)

Drink driving, drug driving, and other serious traffic and licence offences.

Bail Applications

Urgent representation for bail applications, variations, and revocations in all courts.

Criminal law expertise. Clear answers.

Your questions on criminal law, answered.

If you are interviewed by police without first obtaining legal advice, you should:
- Provide your name, address and date of birth
- Otherwise answer “no comment” to all questions
You are not required to answer police questions. Anything you say may be used as evidence against you.
If you have been charged, you should seek advice from an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Melbourne as soon as possible.
If you have been contacted by police, asked to attend an interview or have been arrested, you should obtain legal advice from an experienced criminal lawyer in Melbourne before participating in any interview.
What you say to police can be recorded and used as evidence in court. In many cases, it is in your interests to exercise your right to silence. Whether you should answer questions or provide an account depends on the circumstances of your case and should be considered carefully after receiving legal advice.
Obtaining advice at an early stage can affect how your matter proceeds, including whether you are charged and how your case is prosecuted.
You should contact a criminal lawyer as soon as you become aware that police wish to speak with you, or immediately after you have been arrested or charged.
The decisions you make at an early stage — particularly in relation to a police interview — can affect how your case is defended. Obtaining advice at that stage will assist you to make informed decisions.
Yes. You are entitled to obtain legal advice before participating in a police interview.
If you have been asked to attend a police station or are in custody, we can provide urgent advice. Call us 24/7 on (03) 8622 8200.
If you are charged, your matter will proceed through the court process.
We will:
- Explain the charges and the applicable law
- Advise you on your options
- Prepare your case
- Appear on your behalf in court
Our role is to ensure your case is properly prepared and presented, and to achieve the best possible outcome in the circumstances.
Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally practises exclusively in criminal law and provides advice and representation in all criminal and traffic matters.
Our lawyers can advise you:
- Whether to participate in a police interview or exercise your right to silence
- On the nature of the allegations and the evidence
- On your options and the likely outcomes in your case
Our team includes Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Criminal Law Specialists and experienced advocates who appear regularly in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts.
Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally is one of Victoria’s most experienced criminal law firms.
- Team of accredited criminal law specialists
- Extensive experience across all criminal and traffic matters
- Offices across Melbourne, including the CBD
- Regularly appears in all Victorian courts
We provide clear, practical advice and strong representation at all stages of a criminal matter.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Respected by Clients. Recognised for Results.

Discover why our Melbourne criminal defence lawyers are trusted to deliver results across a wide range of criminal matters.

First time l have ever used Stary Norton Halphen. I dealt with Nick Jane and from the word go he was very professional and efficient. He assisted from start to finish and l got the result l wanted. Would highly recommend Nick.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Charles Coleiro, Google Review
Great team of people who care about your legal problems. Very professional service. Will recommend to others.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
J, Google Review
I had the opportunity to engage with Stary Norton during a very difficult time. Sam Norton and his partner Andrew Halphen provided not just vast experience of the legal system but managed to bring perspective through a consultative approach to navigate the process ahead of me while being patient with me, explaining each step of the way and legal jargon where needed. At all times, Sam communicated clearly throughout the process together and provided confidence to me that I had chosen the right firm to represent me.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
David Buckley-Bolt, Google Review
Brilliant service. My solicitor achieved a result for me that I didn’t think was possible. The entire law firm was available to assist, including senior partners, who shared their insight and experience. My solicitor worked hard and quickly. She knew exactly what to do, she always told me every possible outcome for every possible decision. She also supported how I wanted to approach my charge. There was no way I could have achieved the result alone that me and my solicitor achieved together. I strongly recommend Stary Norton Halphen for anyone who is facing the criminal legal system. They will help you.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Caroline Tuohy, Google Review
So professional and friendly firm with down to earth people that understand your needs and get the job done
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Google Review
Couldn’t be happier with the experience I had with Stary Norton Halphen. The professionalism and approach was outstanding throughout the whole process. The correspondence was comprehensive, timely and easy to understand. The advocacy from Louise Conwell and Jim McGarvie were second to none and I can’t recommend more highly their services!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Richard Cherry, Google Review

ARTICLES

Criminal law
advice & articles

Articles

Doli Incapax in Victoria

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.

Understanding the difference between being Arrested, Charged, and Convicted

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.

Dangerous Driving Causing Death: Skilled Advocacy in Complex Cases

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

Bail – Balancing Community Protection and the Rights of the Accused

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.

Police Deception and the Right to Silence

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

Trust in Australia’s Justice System: Causes & Consequences

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.

What to Do When Police Want to Interview You in Victoria

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

Understanding Firearm Offences in Victoria: Charges, Penalties and Legal Advice

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

What a Criminal Record Means in Victoria

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.

Bail Applications in Victoria

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 Charges in Victoria: Laws, Penalties and Legal Defences

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: Reporting Obligations, Categories and Legal Consequences

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.

Corporate, White Collar Crime and Dishonesty Offences in Victoria: Fraud, Theft and Financial Crime Explained

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 in Victoria: Prosecutions, Penalties and Legal Advice

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’s Court Crime in Victoria: Can a Child Be Charged?

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.