Sam Norton has over 20 years of experience in criminal law having been admitted to practice in 2001. He has been an accredited criminal law specialist since 2008 and a partner of Stary Norton Halphen since 2010. Sam has been recognised by Doyles Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer for consecutive years and a Leading Criminal Lawyer in Australia
Throughout his career, Sam has handled thousands of serious cases. His decision making and advocacy are his primary areas of expertise. The majority of his work is for clients that are pleading not guilty, and Sam draws upon his skills as both a solicitor and advocate to defend people in contested hearings in the Magistrates’ Court, or before a Judge and Jury in the Supreme Court or County Court. He appears in trials and plea hearings for people charged with the full range of serious crimes including; murder and manslaughter, culpable and dangerous driving, drug importation and trafficking and serious sexual matters. He has significant experience in representing people accused of white collar crime including having acted in multiple foreign bribery cases and many fraud related matters.
Sam is a mentor to many lawyers, both at Stary Norton Halphen and in the broader criminal law.
Sam’s Reflections:
Practicing Criminal Law provides an opportunity to assist people when coming up against the exercise of power by the state. It is vital that all people in our community are afforded quality legal representation, and that is never more important than in Criminal Law.
This area of law gives me exposure to the broadest possible cross section of our community and a chance to help members across that spectrum. That is something that no other area of practice can offer, and of which I am grateful.
Email: samn@starylaw.com
I had the occasion to support a friend who was arrested on what at the time appeared to be contestable charges. He chose to use Sam Norton of Stary Norton Halphen. The case involved 16,000 pages of evidence and involved complex matters. Early in the piece I attended a meeting at which Mr Norton outlined a strategy. My friend was so traumatised by the case that he was struggling to comprehend the plan that was put to him. At the Committal Hearing in the Magistrates Court the most serious charges were knocked out. Part two of the strategy was to negotiate a plea deal with the OPP. Every case is different but I can testify that Sam Norton proved a life saver for my friend and kept him a free man to get on with his life after 3 years of hell. Thank you Sam.
Can’t thank Sam and Louise enough your caring and honesty. You helped my family so much, going above and beyond. If I could give ten stars I would. Words cannot thankyou enough, I highly recommend these guys wouldn’t put my trust in anyone else. If anyone needs helps these are your people thankyou again.
Sam helped steer us through an extremely difficult situation. He is without doubt a first class operator and I was blown away by his preparation and attention to detail. Needless to say the outcome was in our favour and we're now able to get on with our lives. Not only would I recommend Sam but I wouldn't hesitate to call him should the need arise.
They are extremely conscientious and smart and are excellent trial lawyers.
In addition to his legal work, Sam is also a member of the executive committee of Liberty Victoria, an organisation engaged in the advancement of human rights. In that role, Sam advocates for the rights of individuals facing human rights violations in Australia and internationally. Sam is a former Co-Chair of the Criminal Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV). In 2015 he received a Service Award from the Law Institute in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the LIV and to the profession. Sam has also previously been a Volunteer at the Inner Melbourne Legal Service.
Sam believes that practising criminal law provides an opportunity to assist people when coming up against the exercise of power by the state. It is vital that all people in our community are afforded quality legal representation, and that is never more important than in Criminal Law. This area of law gives him exposure to the broadest possible cross section of our community and a chance to help members across that spectrum.
Despite the intensity of his work as a criminal lawyer, Sam is deeply motivated by every single case he is involved in, and brings his experience and skill to each task in order to achieve the best outcome.
To make an appointment with Sam, call our Melbourne office on 8622 8200
Sam’s Reflections:
Practicing Criminal Law provides an opportunity to assist people when coming up against the exercise of power by the state. It is vital that all people in our community are afforded quality legal representation, and that is never more important than in Criminal Law.
This area of law gives me exposure to the broadest possible cross section of our community and a chance to help members across that spectrum. That is something that no other area of practice can offer, and of which I am grateful.
Email: samn@starylaw.com
Advice from a competent and experienced criminal lawyer before you are interviewed can and often does have a meaningful impact on the outcome of your case and in some instances, is the difference between whether your matter proceeds to court or not.
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Doyle's Guide First Tier Criminal Law firm (2020, 2021 and 2022).
