Criminal law in Australia – how to find the right criminal lawyer

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If you are searching for a criminal lawyer in Australia or a criminal defence lawyer near me, it usually means you are facing police involvement or criminal charges. Criminal law matters move quickly, and the decisions made early can affect the outcome of your case.

Understanding how criminal law works in Australia can help you take the right first step. This includes whether you are searching for:

  • A criminal lawyer in Sydney
  • A criminal defence lawyer in Brisbane
  • A defence lawyer for criminal charges in Melbourne
  • A criminal defence lawyer in Perth
  • A criminal lawyer for court matters in Adelaide
  • A criminal defence lawyer in Canberra

How criminal law works in Australia

Criminal law is primarily governed by state and territory legislation. This means the process and offences can differ depending on where in Australia the charge is laid.

Criminal matters are usually heard in:

  • Magistrates Court
  • District Court
  • Supreme Court

Charges are prosecuted by the state or Commonwealth, and strict rules apply to police investigations, evidence, and court procedure.

When do you need a criminal defence lawyer?

People commonly search for criminal lawyers when they are dealing with:

  • Police charges or investigations
  • Bail applications
  • Court appearances
  • Sentencing or plea negotiations

Early legal advice can influence whether charges proceed, how evidence is challenged, and how a matter is resolved. Not all criminal lawyers handle the same types of offences, so it is important to find one who regularly practises in the area relevant to your charge.

Choosing the right criminal lawyer

When searching online, clients often ask:

  • Do I need a lawyer for a criminal charge?
  • How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
  • What experience does the lawyer have with my offence?
  • Should I plead guilty or not guilty?
  • Will I get a criminal record or conviction?
  • What happens if I plead guilty in court?
  • Can a charge be withdrawn or dismissed?
  • How do I avoid a conviction being recorded?
  • Will I go to jail for this offence?
  • What happens at my first court appearance?
  • How long will a criminal case take to finish?
  • The right criminal lawyer should have clear experience in criminal defence, understand court processes, and be able to explain your options early.

Finding a criminal lawyer in Australia through Advisent

Advisent helps connect you with the best criminal lawyers in Australia, whether you are looking for a criminal defence lawyer in Qld, NSW, ACT, VIC, WA or NT.

You can search by area of law and location, browse criminal defence lawyers in Australia, and book your first meeting at a fixed fee.

Advisent is not a directory, but is a network of the best lawyers in Australia. All lawyers on Advisent are admitted to practice in Australia, fully insured, and with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in their practice area.

Browse our network of leading criminal defence lawyers now, to take the first steps in protecting your liberty, rights, and future.

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About the Author

Amy Soong L.L.B (Hons), L.L.M, BBus (Accy), GradDipLP (QUT) is the Legal Practice Director of Ashworth Lawyers, a leading Brisbane criminal defence law firm founded in 2014. She has been exclusively practising as a criminal defence lawyer in Brisbane for over 16 years. Amy leads a team of the best Brisbane criminal lawyers for all serious and complex crimes in Qld.

This includes extensive experience in successfully defending rape and sexual violence, drugs, fraud, assaults and choking, murder, arson, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, human trafficking, tax, and aviation offences.

Amy is admitted in the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia. She is a Council member of the Society of Notaries in Qld and is a member of the Qld Law Society Wellbeing Working Group. She has achieved numerous recognitions including as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards and under her leadership, Ashworth Lawyers is also recognised as Criminal Law Firm of the Year Qld (APAC Insider Australian Made Awards 2025) and Client Service Excellence Award (APAC Insider Australian Made Awards 2025).