We run criminal matters the way we would want our own handled: a clear plan from the start, close work on the evidence, honest advice about the likely outcome, and an advocate chosen for your particular case.
Who we act for
We act for people who need a private criminal lawyer, most often because they are not eligible for legal aid. Legal aid is means-tested, and for most Magistrates’ Court charges it is generally limited to cases where imprisonment is likely. That leaves out most people with a job, savings or property, and most first-offence, drink driving and traffic matters, even though a conviction, a licence loss or an intervention order can still affect their work, travel, visa or family.
These are the matters we focus on: cases where a good outcome turns on careful preparation and where you want a fixed price for each stage rather than an open-ended bill.
One solicitor, start to finish
Your matter is run by our principal solicitor, Justin Chua, who takes your first call, obtains the police brief, tests the evidence, negotiates with the prosecution and stays with the case until it is finalised. You will not be passed between junior staff, and you will always know who to call.
Experienced barristers, at negotiated rates
When your matter goes to court, it is presented by a barrister. We choose counsel carefully, for their reliability and their skill and experience in courtroom advocacy in the court and type of charge involved, and we work alongside them on the preparation.
Your barrister is briefed for your matter and is with you for the whole day at court. Their attention is on your case, without pressure to finish early to get to other matters, and they can wait for your case to be called and see it through properly.
We work with a wide pool of barristers, so if a court date moves or counsel becomes unavailable at the last minute, we can arrange experienced cover at short notice.
Because we brief barristers regularly, we negotiate cost-effective rates with them. Those rates are built into the fixed fee we quote, so you get experienced counsel without paying for every hour on a timesheet.
Justin Chua, Principal Solicitor
Justin was admitted to practice in 2020 and holds a principal practising certificate. He is a second-generation lawyer at Chua Tan Associates, which has practised in Melbourne since 1990.
Justin is a Nationally Accredited Mediator and sits on mediation panels including those of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, the Land Court of Queensland and legal aid mediation panels. That work shapes how he negotiates with police and prosecutors: identifying what each side needs so that charges can be withdrawn, amended or resolved before a contested hearing.
Before law, Justin worked in finance in Hong Kong and ran businesses of his own. That background is useful in fraud and dishonesty matters, where the evidence is often bank records, invoices and accounts. He holds a law degree from RMIT University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Melbourne.
Justin speaks English and Mandarin, and has studied and worked across Australia and Asia.
How we work
Before advising you to plead guilty or to contest, we test the prosecution case. See how we test the prosecution case.
What clients say
Chua Tan Associates is rated 4.9 out of 5 from 202 Google reviews. Read reviews from clients in criminal, traffic and intervention order matters.
What we stand for
- Candour. We tell you what we think will happen, including when the news is not what you hoped.
- Preparation. Good outcomes are usually won before the hearing day, through the evidence, negotiation and material.
- Certainty on cost. A written fixed fee for each stage, so you can make decisions without watching a clock.
- Discretion. Everything you tell us is confidential and protected by legal professional privilege.
Languages
We can take instructions in English and Mandarin, and arrange accredited interpreters for other languages, including at court.
Visa holders
A criminal charge or conviction can affect a visa or a citizenship application. Where that risk exists, we work with accredited immigration specialists so that your criminal strategy and your migration position are considered together.