Criminal solicitors give legal advice and representation to people facing criminal charges, including assault, drug offences, fraud, sexual offences and traffic matters. They can also assist with corporate criminal matters, including investigations by ASIC, bankruptcy and Corporations Act offences, and other tribunal matters. 

Generally, a criminal defence lawyer reviews the facts, checks the evidence and looks closely at the legal issues that may affect how the case moves forward. Because every matter has different details, they shape their advice around your situation, the charges and the possible outcomes. 

Criminal defence lawyers are in the ideal position to manage communication with police, prosecutors and other relevant parties so you stay updated and understand what is happening. As the case develops, they can advise you on navigating Court processes, prepare documents, gather supporting material and build a legal defence strategy that matches the facts.

With the right support from a criminal defence lawyer, you do not have to face the process alone. Armstrong Legal has Accredited Criminal Law Specialists on our team with the experience and expertise to advise you on a range of criminal law matters.

Criminal solicitors can provide legal advice before you speak with the police, and it is actually incredibly important that you speak to a lawyer before you make a decision about whether to do this. 

Typically, police will want to conduct an interview with you if you are suspected of committing a crime, with the main agenda being to get information from you that will assist them in prosecuting you. 

Generally, you do not have to participate in an interview (although there are some exceptions to this). This is why it is critical that you get advice from a criminal lawyer before you speak to the police to determine whether that is something that you are required to do, and if it is in your best interests. 

If police have contacted you or asked you to attend an interview, a defence solicitor can explain the investigation process in plain terms and give you advice about whether you are required to participate in the interview and if you, in fact, should.

Depending on the nature and status of the matter, speaking to a criminal lawyer early also gives you the opportunity to discuss what might happen next in terms of charges and any potential that you might be arrested and pose a possible bail application. Getting advice early allows you time to properly prepare for all that might be involved.

Additionally, a legal expert, whether they’re a sexual assault lawyer or drink driving lawyer, can provide support with communication, interview arrangements and procedural steps that take place out of sight. Their guidance can advise you regarding decisions that may make the situation more difficult.

By getting legal advice early, you can make sure your interests are best protected and that you have clearer information and a better understanding of how your choices may affect your future.

Once you’ve been charged, you should seek legal advice from a criminal lawyer. 

Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start or what to ask about. An experienced criminal lawyer will be able to guide you through everything you need to know without prompting. A criminal lawyer will be able to:

• Explain what you have been charged with and the elements for the offence/s;
• Explain what the maximum penalties are;
• Provide you with advice about the Court process;
• Advise you about pleading guilty or not guilty, or whether more information should be obtained before such advice can be given. 

It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible since early decisions can affect the case later. To that end, Armstrong Legal can provide clear, practical advice about approaching your charge with confidence and preparation.

A criminal lawyer should be experienced in applying for bail on behalf of clients and making bail variation applications. There are a variety of things that the Court considers in determining whether bail should be granted or refused, and your lawyer will be able to provide you with advice about what the relevant factors are and what can be done to try to address these concerns in Court. 

A bail application lawyer can help you prepare your application, gather stronger supporting material and give you advice about any appeal options that are available if a decision has already been made to refuse you bail. 

Criminal solicitors review your situation carefully and identify details that may show the Court you can follow bail conditions and return when required. This may include stable housing, regular work, caring duties or strong support from family. 

A solicitor can also advise you on your proposal for suitable bail conditions that respond to police concerns or any issues raised by the Court. Should the Court refuse bail, criminal solicitors can explain why the refusal happened and advise you about any options for an appeal. 

Armstrong Legal’s team of criminal law specialists can help you present your application in a structured, practical way while prioritising your interests.

The first Court mention usually serves as an administrative hearing where the Court checks the status of the matter and sets the next steps regarding your case, whether it’s an apprehended violence order or a different criminal matter.

What occurs at a first mention will depend on the kind of matter that you are before the Court for, but a criminal solicitor will be able to give you advice in the lead-up about what will happen, what will be expected, and anything that needs to be prepared in advance. 

For example, entering a plea may happen at the first hearing in some matters, but in other cases, you may need more time to make that decision, or it might not be required yet. Often, but not always, there is an ability to ask for an adjournment at the first mention without having to enter a plea if you need more time to get legal advice, but ideally, this should be arranged in advance.

Sometimes, you may receive a Court Attendance Notice with a very soon first court date, but you usually will have weeks to prepare. Do not leave it until days prior to the first Court date to get advice. 

Criminal solicitors also deal with Court directions, filing requirements and other procedural details that may feel confusing without legal support. 

With proper guidance, your first Court mention can feel clearer, less stressful and easier to manage. 

Whether you’re looking for sexual assault lawyers, advice regarding theft charges, or support for a different area of criminal law, contact us now for an assessment of your case.