Criminal Lawyers In Burwood

Client was charged with mid-range drink driving after a work Christmas party, with a reading of 0.134. He chose to drive home and was stopped after failing to stop at a red light. We provided clear early advice on steps to improve his prospects, including completing the recommended courses and gathering the required supporting documents. With thorough preparation and focused submissions at sentence, the court ultimately imposed a non-conviction outcome. The client retained his driver licence and was able to continue his employment without interruption.

The client faced an assault charge after a shopping-centre carpark altercation. The prosecution relied on brief eyewitness accounts and limited CCTV. We reviewed the brief, identified inconsistencies in the complainant’s account, and highlighted the lack of evidence contradicting self-defence. At hearing, we cross-examined witnesses and submitted the response was proportionate. The prosecution could not exclude a reasonable possibility of self-defence. The Court dismissed the charge. The client was found not guilty, clearing his name.

Client charged with eight counts of driving while disqualified over six weeks, committed while already on a Community Correction Order for the same conduct, faced a real risk of full-time custody. We prepared detailed subjective material explaining the drivers of the offending, current stability, and clear rehabilitation steps. At sentence we argued that, despite the seriousness and frequency, a community-based outcome would better support rehabilitation than imprisonment. The Court agreed, imposed further Community Correction Orders, avoided jail, and set a total disqualification of six months across all eight offences. The outcome was no imprisonment, six-month total disqualification.

Fees depend on the charge, complexity, and preparation needed. Many pleas use fixed fees; defended hearings use staged pricing across mentions, conferences, and hearing days. Criminal lawyers Burwood confirm inclusions and likely disbursements such as subpoenas, interpreters, or expert reports at the outset. They also give written cost disclosures, explain when estimates might change, and help you prioritise work so time is spent on the steps that genuinely improve your position.

Explore Legal Aid NSW or duty lawyer help if eligible. Criminal lawyers Burwood assess criteria, discuss payment plans or limited-scope engagement, and focus on early steps that reduce risk and enhance efficiency. They may suggest using free services, such as community legal centres, for some tasks while the private lawyer handles key appearances or negotiations. This shared approach can keep you represented at crucial stages without committing to full ongoing private fees.

Legal Aid thresholds vary and depend on income, assets, and dependants, as well as the type of case. Criminal lawyers Burwood check current limits, prepare applications, and explain contributions or conditions that may attach to any approved grant. They clarify that Legal Aid policies are statewide, not suburb-specific, and outline review or appeal options if you are refused, along with realistic alternatives if you sit just outside eligibility.