I need a criminal lawyer urgently. What should I do?
If someone has been arrested, is being interviewed or is in custody, call 03 9602 3988 now. Do not answer police questions before getting legal advice. For a court date this week, a bail application or a police interview booked soon, book a priority consultation and we will respond the same business day where we can.
If something is happening now, call 03 9602 3988. If you need advice today or tomorrow, book a priority consultation and we will put your matter first.
Key points
- You have the right to remain silent in a police interview, apart from giving your name and address. Ask to speak to a lawyer first.
- If a family member has been arrested, call us. We can speak with police and, where needed, prepare for a bail hearing.
- If you are in court tomorrow, bring your charge sheet, court notice and any police summary to your consultation.
- A priority consultation is paid up front and we aim to speak with you within 1 business day of payment.
What is happening?
Police want to interview me
Do not agree to an interview time until you have had advice. Advice before a police interview is often the most valuable advice in the whole case. We explain your rights, what police are likely to ask, and whether answering questions is in your interest. See our guide Police interviews.
Someone I know has been arrested or is in custody
Call us with their full name, date of birth and the police station or court. We will tell you what happens next, whether a bail application is needed and what the family can do to help. See Bail applications.
I have been served with an intervention order
Read the conditions carefully and follow them from the moment you are served, even if you disagree. Breaching an order is a criminal offence. We can advise before the first court date. See Intervention orders.
I am in court tomorrow or this week
Book a priority consultation and send us your charge sheet and court notice. We will advise you on whether to seek an adjournment, how to plead, and what to bring. See Your first court date.
My licence has been suspended at the roadside
Drink and drug driving matters have strict time limits. See Drink and drug driving and book a consultation early.
How quickly we respond
- We aim to reply to every enquiry on the same business day.
- Urgent matters, such as someone in custody, a bail application or a police interview, are dealt with first.
- Priority consultations: we aim to speak with you within 1 business day of payment.
- Consultations are online by video, so you can speak with us from anywhere in Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get legal advice tonight or on the weekend?
Call 03 9602 3988. If we cannot take your call, leave a message with your name, number and what has happened, and book a priority consultation online.
Do I have to answer police questions?
Generally you must give your name and address when lawfully asked, but you do not have to answer other questions. Get advice before any interview.
Can you help in Mandarin?
Yes. Justin Chua advises in English and Mandarin. The court can arrange an interpreter for hearings.