Murder & Manslaughter Lawyers Sydney
Charged with murder or manslaughter in NSW?
Speak directly with a criminal defence lawyer now.
Strategic criminal defence representation in murder and manslaughter matters across Sydney and NSW. Experienced in matters where experience matters.
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Why Clients Choose Our Criminal Defence Lawyers
Trusted by clients in homicide matters.
1,300+ 5-Star Google Reviews
Rated 5.0 by verified Google clients.
100% Criminal Defence Focus
Focused exclusively on criminal defence.
30+ Years of Combined Experience
Appearing daily in NSW criminal courts.
Free Initial Consultation
Advice on your charge and court date.
Fixed Fees. No Hidden Costs
Fees confirmed before any work begins.
Available 24/7
Nights, weekends and public holidays.
Recent Outcomes
Serious Charges. Experienced Representation.
Examples of matters handled by our firm. Each outcome depends on the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances of the case.
Trusted When It Matters Most
Criminal charges place your freedom, your reputation, and your future at risk. The decisions you make now can directly affect the outcome of your case.
General legal advice is rarely enough in criminal matters. Criminal Law Group practises exclusively in criminal and traffic law. With more than 30 years of combined experience, our lawyers appear daily across Sydney and NSW courts, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution case, challenging unlawful police conduct, and defending matters from charge through to finalisation.
This is where experienced criminal defence makes the difference.
Awards & Recognitions
Serious Criminal Charges We Defend
Murder and Manslaughter
Attempt Murder
Assault Causing Death
GBH and Wounding
Murder and Manslaughter Penalties NSW
Supreme Court Sentencing
Bail for Serious Charges
Criminal Appeals
Murder Charges NSW
Manslaughter Penalties NSW
Weapons and Firearms
Robbery and Theft
Free Initial Consultation
Discuss your charge, evidence and court date with a criminal defence lawyer.
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Available 24/7. Nights, weekends and public holidays.
Murder & Manslaughter Lawyers Sydney
Murder and manslaughter are the most serious charges in the criminal jurisdiction, both tried in the Supreme Court. A murder charge requires proof of intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, or reckless indifference to human life. The preparation of a defence requires experienced senior counsel and early instruction.
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You Have Been Charged: What Happens Next
1
You Have Been Charged
A murder or manslaughter charge results in a Court Attendance Notice listing your matter at the Local Court for committal. The brief of evidence is typically extensive and takes time to compile. Early instruction allows for a thorough review of the evidence and advice on available defences. A lawyer should be engaged without delay.
2
Committal and Indictment
Before the matter reaches the Supreme Court, it proceeds through committal in the Local Court. The full brief of evidence is served at this stage and we review every document before the committal is completed. Once committed, the matter is presented to the Supreme Court on indictment. The indictment formally sets out the charge on which the trial will proceed. Every aspect of the prosecution case is assessed at the committal stage and pre-trial strategy is determined from this point.
3
We Prepare the Defence
Supreme Court homicide trials require substantial preparation over an extended period. We review all forensic evidence, expert reports, witness statements and any admissions in full. We retain forensic and psychiatric experts where relevant. Applications to exclude evidence, challenge forensic analysis or address the admissibility of statements are identified and prepared well in advance of the trial. We brief experienced senior counsel with extensive homicide trial experience and work with them closely throughout.
4
We Advise on the Right Strategy
We advise on the strongest course available based on the evidence, the applicable legal tests and your specific circumstances. The distinction between murder and manslaughter, the availability of partial defences including substantial impairment and provocation, and the strength of any complete defence are all assessed against the evidence in the brief. Where a plea is appropriate, thorough sentencing preparation begins immediately with psychiatric assessment, subjective material and detailed written submissions.
5
We Represent You Throughout
We appear at every committal mention, bail application, directions hearing and trial. Senior counsel is briefed and prepared thoroughly for every appearance. The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused caused the death of the deceased with the requisite intent for murder, or by an unlawful and dangerous act for manslaughter. We challenge the prosecution case at every available point and present the defence case in the strongest possible form before the judge and jury.
6
Your Matter Is Finalised
The jury determines guilt or innocence at trial. At sentencing, the judge considers the objective seriousness of the offending, the circumstances of the killing, any victim impact and your personal circumstances in full. Our sentencing submissions address every available mitigating factor. Standard non-parole periods apply to murder and the court must give reasons for any departure from the applicable range. From charge to verdict, your defence is prepared and conducted at the highest level of criminal practice.
Speak To A Criminal Defence Lawyer Now
Charged? Speak to a lawyer before your first court date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a free initial consultation available?
Yes. Given the gravity of a murder or manslaughter charge, early legal advice is essential. You speak directly with a criminal defence lawyer about the charge, the procedure that applies in the Supreme Court and the steps that need to be taken immediately. Call 1300 274 652 now. This is the most serious situation in the criminal jurisdiction and time is critical from the moment of charge.
What happens if I call now?
You will speak directly with a criminal defence lawyer who will assess the specific charge, advise on bail, identify the immediate steps that need to be taken and begin preparation without delay. No statement should be made to police without legal advice. Early instruction allows the defence to begin preparation at the earliest stage, preserve evidence and confirm that your position is protected from the moment of charge.
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Murder requires proof that the accused intended to cause death or really serious bodily harm, or acted with reckless indifference to human life. Manslaughter does not require proof of that intent. It encompasses unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter and criminal negligence manslaughter. The distinction determines the applicable sentencing range and the available defences. Both offences are tried in the Supreme Court and both carry the potential for a substantial term of imprisonment.
Can I get bail on a murder charge?
Bail on a murder charge requires the accused to first satisfy the court that continued detention is not justified, which is a significant burden given the gravity of the charge. Bail applications in murder matters are made to the Supreme Court and require thorough preparation addressing the strength of the prosecution case, the proposed conditions of release and every circumstance specific to the accused that weighs in favour of release. We prepare and argue those applications at the highest level.
What happens if I am charged with manslaughter instead of murder?
Manslaughter is a serious indictable offence tried in the Supreme Court. The maximum penalty is twenty-five years imprisonment and the sentencing range is wide depending on the circumstances of the killing and the degree of culpability. Early legal advice is essential to properly understand the charge, the available defences and the likely sentencing range in your specific circumstances. A charge of manslaughter rather than murder is a significant distinction but the proceedings remain among the most serious in the jurisdiction.
How much will this cost?
Homicide matters involve extensive preparation and typically proceed to trial in the Supreme Court with senior counsel briefed. A detailed fee estimate is provided at the initial consultation having regard to the expected scope and complexity of the proceedings. All fees are agreed before work commences and are reviewed with you at each significant stage of the matter.
You have been charged. Speak with a criminal defence lawyer now.
Don't Face Court Alone
You have been charged. What you do next will affect the outcome of your case.
Waiting reduces your options. Early advice puts you in control of how your matter is handled.
Speak with a criminal defence lawyer before your court date.
🔒 Your details are 100% confidential and reviewed by our lawyers only.
Speak To A Criminal Defence Lawyer Now
🔒 Your details are 100% confidential and reviewed by our lawyers only.
Our Offices
Campbelltown
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CALL NOW 1300 274 652
1300 274 652
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