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Criminal Offences in Australia


Being charged with a criminal offence can be one of the most confronting experiences a person can face. Criminal charges are brought by the State and can place your freedom, reputation, career, and future at serious risk. If you are facing charges, it is essential to seek legal advice as early as possible.

At Armstrong Legal, we provide clear, practical advice and strong representation for clients charged with criminal offences across Australia. Our experienced team appears in courts at all levels, delivering strategic defence and guidance from the outset of every matter.

When a person is charged, they may be arrested and granted bail, remanded in custody, or issued with a court summons. Each of these situations carries important legal obligations and potential consequences. Early advice from an experienced criminal defence lawyer can make a significant difference to how your matter progresses.

Criminal offences in Australia are generally categorised as summary, indictable, or strictly indictable offences. Summary offences are less serious and are typically finalised in the Magistrates or Children’s Court. Indictable offences are more serious and may be dealt with in the Magistrates Court or committed to higher courts such as the District, County, or Supreme Court. Strictly indictable offences are the most serious and must be determined in higher courts, often before a judge and jury. Armstrong Legal has extensive experience across all jurisdictions and court levels.

In this section you will find information about Criminal Offences in Australia, including:

  • Summary, indictable, and strictly indictable offences
  • Court processes and procedures
  • Bail, remand, and court attendance requirements
  • Pleading guilty versus not guilty
  • Sentencing considerations and possible penalties

How Armstrong Legal Can Help

Anyone charged with a criminal offence must decide whether to plead guilty or contest the charges. This is a critical decision that can have long-term consequences and should not be made without expert advice.

At Armstrong Legal, we:

  • Carefully analyse the evidence and charges
  • Explain your legal position and options in plain language
  • Develop a tailored strategy based on your circumstances
  • Identify potential defences or weaknesses in the prosecution case
  • Represent you in court with strong and strategic advocacy

If a matter proceeds to sentencing, effective legal submissions can significantly reduce penalties and, in some cases, help you avoid a criminal conviction.

Speak To a Lawyer Today

If you are facing a criminal offence anywhere in Australia, do not navigate the legal system alone. Contact Armstrong Legal today for trusted advice, strong representation, and a focused defence strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.

About Armstrong Legal

As a national law firm with more than 30 years of experience, Armstrong Legal assists Australians in navigating serious legal matters across different areas of law, such as criminal law, corporate crime and traffic law. Because our team includes a number of Accredited Criminal Law Specialists, you can be confident you are being looked after by experts in their field who have passed a rigorous assessment and been conferred with Specialist Accreditation by the Law Society.

All our lawyers appear in Court almost daily, regularly developing their real-world experience to give confident and informed representation. Additionally, our culturally aware team supports clients from diverse backgrounds and can explain a person's rights and options in plain language to clarify the likely path forward, whether they are searching for "lawyers for traffic offences", "personal restraining order" or "appeal court Victoria".

Our lawyers recognise that being charged with a criminal or traffic offence can be an incredibly stressful time, which is why we carefully consider how to guide you through the legal process. So, if you have questions about "work licence QLD application form", "traffic lawyers port macquarie" or "criminal lawyer Gold Coast", contact us at Armstrong Legal today.

Call 1300 038 223 Lawyers available 24/7 for criminal matters