The criminal justice system can be complex and complicated – most people choose to be represented by an experienced criminal defence lawyer to provide expert legal advice and legal counsel to prevent their client (you) from receiving potentially life-altering sentences.
Good Canberra criminal defence lawyers can be hard to find if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for.
In this article, we will break down what is a criminal lawyer and why you would engage with one, how much does a criminal lawyer cost, the characteristics of good criminal lawyers and the best criminal lawyers in Canberra.
What is a criminal lawyer?
A criminal lawyer in Australia defends those with criminal offences and charges against them in a court of law. Criminal lawyers develop and build a client’s defence, case strategy, investigate & research relevant legislation and case law in preparation for representing their client in court.
Once the criminal matter is in court, the role of a criminal lawyer is to speak on behalf of their client and negotiate with the prosecution. Areas of offences that criminal law covers are the following:
- Traffic law, traffic offences & driving offences (such as drink driving and drug driving offences)
- Apprehended violence orders (AVOs)
- Murder & manslaughter
- Drug offences
- Assault offences (including sexual assault and other sexual offences)
- Fraud
- Property offences
- Theft & robbery (including armed robbery)
How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
In Australia, criminal lawyers operate differently across each law firm. A criminal lawyer generally charges on an hourly basis (depending on the case). Hourly rates can start from $200 to $1,000 per hour and depending on the level of experience the criminal lawyer has.
Some criminal law firms do offer fixed fee costs depending on the case, while some also offer “no win, no fee” agreements.
Each individual specialist law firm has their own pricing structure and is dependent on the complexity of the case, time required and what level of the federal courts (Magistrates Courts, Supreme Courts or High Courts) that the matter is expected to be dealt in.
Characteristics of good criminal lawyers Canberra
Experience in the legal system
While everyone needs to learn to obtain experience, you wouldn’t want to be putting your life in a criminal lawyer’s hands if they have never worked across criminal cases before. You want to make sure your legal matters are handled by someone with the relevant legal practice experience in the criminal courts system – you wouldn’t use a property law firm to manage your criminal case, for example.
Choosing the best criminal lawyers will help put your mind at ease and give you the best chance possible for your criminal defence in the Australian Capital Territory.
Excellent communication skills
Your criminal lawyer is there to communicate with the judge and the jury on your behalf and they need to communicate effectively. Though, they need to be a good listener as well, to follow through with the legal process. A criminal lawyer needs to listen to your account of events of your case to then decide the best strategies needed to defend you properly.
Criminal lawyers handle communicating with other lawyers and prosecutors involved in the criminal case by negotiating terms and conditions relating to release or court settlements.
Your chosen criminal lawyer should display a high level of confidence with you as well as in the court room. Their demeanour in this space is highly important as they need to convince the judge, prosecutors and jury without intimidation.
Quality legal services
There is a lot more involved in a criminal lawyers role than just representing their client for a court appearance and just hoping for the best. A good criminal lawyer must have great research and investigation skills.
Part of their role is to research into other legal cases of a similar nature. No case is exactly the same though and each should have a unique approach to your defence. During this research and investigation phase, a good criminal lawyer may find evidence that could have been overlooked in the past to point to innocence or a lesser charge.
Empathy and integrity
Criminal charges pose a stressful and scary scenario. You want to have a criminal lawyer that is understanding and empathetic to your situation. This can ease some of the emotional stresses surrounding the case.
A good criminal lawyer should have strong morals and think of your safety & well-being top of mind and understand the emotional impact this situation has on you and your family.
Best criminal lawyers in Canberra
Criminal charges is something that should not be taken lightly. If it goes wrong, it can have serious consequences in the future. Choosing a good lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive law firm is the best. It is important to do your own research before committing to one criminal law firm.
Andrew Byrnes Law Group
Located within the Nishi Building in New Acton. Andrew Byrnes Law Group are experienced criminal lawyers in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Wollongong, Yass, Cooma and Wagga Wagga.
Andrew Byrnes Law Group practice many different types of law within their firm though criminal law is their main source of expertise. Andrew Byrnes himself has dealt with many criminal prosecutions that are high profile. He is not afraid of a battle, big or small.
You can access a free online assessment on your criminal charges through the Andrew Byrnes Law Group website that is obligation free advice provided within 48 hours of completion.
Armstrong Legal
Armstrong Legal is a larger law firm that practices across multiple areas of law, with legal practitioners in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. They are located on University Avenue in the Canberra City West area.
To create peace of mind and clarity to their potential and existing clients, Armstrong Legal offers a service where the team is available to speak to you via their criminal law hotline, 7 days a week from 7 am to midnight.
Kamy Saeedi Law
Specialising in commercial, criminal and traffic law only, Kamy Saeedi Law is a dynamic boutique law firm that understand the intricacies and technicalities of criminal law. They vow to stand by their clients side, understand their client and their circumstances.
Kamy Saeedi Law is located on University Avenue, Canberra ACT 2601. Their first consultation with them is free, and they have an emergency after-hours hotline.
Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers
Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers are one of the oldest law firms in Australia. Having started in the early 1850’s, Baker Deane & Nutt is a community orientated law firm that specialises in many areas of law including criminal matters.
The legal team at Baker Deane & Nutt can assist you in criminal law matters across the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
Specialising in four main areas of criminal law, Baker Deane & Nutt can assist in cases of assault offences, theft, drug offences, and apprehended violence orders (AVOs).
Aulich
Located at Farrell Place in the Canberra City, Aulich offers legal services that specialise in criminal, civil and personal injury cases across all states and territories.
Aulich takes care of all criminal matters. They also handle prosecutions including the RSPCA, municipal prosecutions, Commonwealth Public Service Code of Conduct breaches, professional misconduct tribunals, taxation infringements, warrants and unpaid fines as well as student disciplinary matters.
Capital Lawyers
Capital Lawyers are ACT and NSW lawyers that specialise in personal injury, conveyancing, family law, commercial law and criminal law.
Capital Lawyers have a commitment to the Canberra community. Located in Deakin, they have expertise in all things criminal law and offer an obligation-free consultation.
Conclusion
Regardless if your legal matter is being held in the Magistrates Court, Supreme Court or the High Court, choosing the right criminal law specialists is imperative to the success of the case, while reputable criminal law firms will share their strategy to get the best outcome for your criminal offence charges.
If you’re interested in reading more articles like this, The Canberra Post has reported on the Canberra suburbs ranked by crime rates based on the AFP crime statistics.