Serious charges deserve a defence team assembled for the case. We manage the matter closely and brief barristers, including senior counsel where warranted, with the experience the charge demands.
Key points
- Indictable charges start in the Magistrates’ Court; the most serious go to the County or Supreme Court after committal.
- For category 1 offences, adult offenders must receive a custodial order; for category 2 offences, one is required unless a narrow exception applies.
- Charges and the summary of facts can often be narrowed through early negotiation with the prosecution.
- An experienced barrister is briefed for the stage the case is at.
Matters we handle
- Serious violence, including causing serious injury and armed robbery
- Large-scale drug trafficking and importation-related state charges
- Sexual offence allegations
- Serious fraud and dishonesty
- Dangerous or culpable driving causing death or serious injury
The pathway
Indictable matters usually begin in the Magistrates’ Court and proceed through the committal stream, where the prosecution case is disclosed and can be tested, before moving to the County Court or Supreme Court for plea or trial. Each stage is an opportunity to narrow the charges, and each is quoted separately so you can plan.
How we help
- Early engagement with the prosecution to resolve or narrow charges
- Analysis of the brief and of forensic, phone and surveillance evidence
- Experts where the case calls for them
- Thorough preparation for plea hearings or trial
In-depth guides
Drug Trafficking Charges in Victoria
How drug trafficking is charged and sentenced in Victoria: traffickable, commercial and large commercial quantities, the court process, penalties and defences.
Money Laundering & Proceeds of Crime
Dealing with proceeds of crime under Victorian and Commonwealth law: the offences, frozen accounts and confiscation, the court process and penalties.
Fraud & Deception Charges
Obtaining property or a financial advantage by deception and Commonwealth fraud (Centrelink, ATO, Medicare): the law, the process, penalties and outcomes.
Culpable & Dangerous Driving
Culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving causing death or serious injury in Victoria: the law, the court process, sentencing and licence loss.