Understand your position in Victoria
Police procedure and court rules in Victoria shape what happens next. Most charges start in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria (e.g., Melbourne, Dandenong, Ringwood, Sunshine, Broadmeadows, Heidelberg, Frankston). Serious indictable matters may go to the County Court of Victoria or the Supreme Court of Victoria.
A local criminal lawyer Melbourne can assess the police brief, advise on pleas, negotiate with prosecutors and plan for sentencing or contest. If you have an interview, bail concerns or a court date, act now—what is said or filed early can affect the outcome.
To get organised fast, see the criminal law checklist and how criminal matters work guides.
Important: This page is general information about Victoria. It is not legal advice. Get advice about your specific facts and court location before deciding on a plea or next steps.
Compare criminal lawyer options in Melbourne
What to look for
- LIV Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law (Law Institute of Victoria)
- Local court experience (Magistrates’, County, Supreme)
- Charge-specific expertise (e.g., family violence, drug, assault, driving)
- Availability for urgent bail and after-hours police station advice
- Clear fee structure (fixed fees vs hourly; brief-out costs for barristers)
- Communication style and strategy (negotiation vs contest readiness)
Private, legal aid or duty lawyer?
Private firms offer speed, continuity and broader strategy; many provide fixed-fee pleas and payment plans. Victoria Legal Aid can fund eligible matters (means and merit tests apply). Duty lawyers can assist at court on the day for certain matters.
Discuss scope, timing and likely outcomes at the first call. Ask for a written costs estimate and the next three action steps.
Criminal lawyer Melbourne costs
Fees vary with complexity, urgency, court, and whether a barrister is briefed. The figures below are indicative for Melbourne and Greater Melbourne courts.
- Initial consult: Free to $330 (some firms offer complimentary 15–30 min triage)
- Police interview attendance: $550–$1,800+ (fixed or capped)
- Guilty plea (Magistrates’ Court): $900–$2,500+ fixed, depending on material and preparation
- Contested hearing (Magistrates’ Court): $2,500–$6,500+ excluding barrister
- Barrister fees: $1,500–$6,000+ per day (experience dependent)
- Disbursements: reports, subpoenas, experts and transcript as required
Tip: Ask for a written scope (what’s included), likely disbursements and whether a fixed fee is available for your stage of matter. If eligible, discuss Victoria Legal Aid funding and what it covers.
Free criminal law help in Melbourne
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, explore these options:
- Victoria Legal Aid (VLA): Grants of aid for eligible cases; duty lawyers at many Magistrates’ Courts
- Community Legal Centres (CLCs): Suburban and specialist centres providing advice and limited representation
- Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS): Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Youthlaw: Assistance for young people
- Court Network and duty services: Practical support and on-the-day assistance at court
Even if you qualify for free help, you can still compare private fixed-fee options for speed or continuity.
What to prepare for your first consult
Having the right material ready saves time and legal costs. Bring or upload:
- Charge sheets, bail undertaking and any court attendance notice
- Police interview time, location and any communications
- Brief of evidence (if served) or a list of what exists (CCTV, body-worn camera, phone data, witnesses)
- Character references and relevant medical or counselling notes
- Timeline of events and key contact details
- Any intervention orders (FVIO/PSIO) and alleged breach details
For more, see criminal law documentation and the preparation checklist.
Victoria criminal process: what usually happens
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Police contact | Interview request or charge. Get advice before speaking. Consider a lawyer attending the interview. |
| First mention (Magistrates’ Court) | Plea indicated or adjournment sought. Lawyer requests brief, raises case conferencing, and addresses bail if needed. |
| Case conference | Negotiation with prosecutors on charges, facts and plea. Diversion may be explored in suitable matters. |
| Plea or contest | Plea with submissions and references, or a contested hearing with witnesses and cross‑examination. |
| Appeal or review | Some decisions may be appealed to the County Court (de novo) or reviewed on points of law. |
Courts commonly used by Melbourne clients include: Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, Dandenong, Ringwood, Sunshine, Heidelberg, Broadmeadows, Frankston, and the Children’s Court for youth matters.
Criminal Lawyer Melbourne FAQ
Do I need a lawyer for my first mention?
Yes—early advice can shape bail, disclosure and plea options. A lawyer can request the brief, negotiate with prosecutors and manage adjournments at the Magistrates’ Court.
How much will it cost?
Expect fixed fees for simple guilty pleas ($900–$2,500+) and higher fees for contested hearings ($2,500–$6,500+). Hourly rates range from about $330–$880+. Ask for a written scope.
Can I get legal aid?
Victoria Legal Aid supports eligible matters under means and merit tests. Duty lawyers are available at many Magistrates’ Courts for on-the-day assistance.
Which court will hear my case?
Most start in the Magistrates’ Court (e.g., Melbourne, Dandenong, Ringwood, Sunshine). Serious indictable matters may proceed to the County or Supreme Court of Victoria.
Will I have a record?
If convicted, a record is likely. In some cases the court can impose a fine without conviction. Get advice on prospects and the impact on work and travel.
Get help from a criminal lawyer in Melbourne
Use this form to request a quick call about costs, availability and next steps for your matter in Melbourne or Greater Melbourne. We respond promptly.