About our Sydney Criminal Lawyers

Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney

NSW Australian of the Year, Deng Adut, co-founded Australian Criminal Law Group in 2014 with one of Sydney’s leading criminal lawyer Joseph Correy.  Creating a powerhouse firm of the best criminal and traffic lawyers, the goal was and still is to provide the best legal representation to all. 

Now, Australian Criminal Law Group is one of the most successful criminal law teams in NSW.  With offices of criminal lawyers in, Sydney, Parramatta and Blacktown our criminal law team represent clients across all NSW courts, consistently delivering their clients the best possible results.

We are the best reviewed law firm. You can check out some of our reviews here.

Our criminal defence team has also received many awards, including:

• The Law Society President’s Medal
• Human Rights Medal
• Pride of Australia Medal
• WSU Community Award
• Young Global Leaders Award

Our solicitors are involved in some of the most high profile cases across Sydney and represent clients for the most serious of crimes.   Yet we continue to offer affordable pricing, first free consultations and fixed-fee pricing for non-complex cases to ensure great legal ensuring great legal services accessible to all clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

• WHERE WILL I GO IF I AM ARRESTED BY THE POLICE? 

In most cases, you will be taken to a police station following an arrest. Usually, the police can detain you for up to six hours to interview you and conduct investigations. At the end of this time, they must charge you and release you on bail, release you with no charge, or bring you before the court as soon as possible. If you have been arrested, contact the Australian Criminal Law Group at 02 8815 8167. We are the best criminal lawyers in Parramatta and can assist you in the event of an arrest.

• WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? 

The police must inform you of your rights after an arrest. These rights include the right to contact a lawyer and have them present, the right to say nothing (exceptions apply), and the right to call a friend or relative. If necessary, you can also ask for an interpreter. If you need medical treatment, you have the right to have it. 

• WHY DO I NEED A LAWYER? 

The criminal law system protects people who have been accused or charged with certain rights, including due process on the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. Your lawyer is with you every step of the process to not only protect your rights but to explain your charge, any evidence against you, and what needs to be proven. He/she can communicate with the police on your behalf and guide you on a defence strategy.

• WHERE DO I FIND A LAWYER? 

You can use a search engine to find a lawyer or look in online or printed directories like the Yellow Pages. Make sure your lawyer is experienced in criminal law and has experience in the specific type of charge that applies to you. 

Australian Criminal Law Group is home to expert criminal lawyers based in  Parramatta. Contact us via phone at 02 8815 8167 or via email at info@aclawgroup.com.au.

• WHAT DO I DO IF THE POLICE REFER ME TO A LAWYER? 

You do not have to accept any lawyer referred to you and you have the right to choose who represents you. You may consider the lawyer referred to you by the police, or you can ask for a directory like the Yellow Pages to search for lawyers. Australian Criminal Law Group is the best criminal law firm in Parramatta. Contact us for a free first appointment 24/7 at 02 8815 8167 or via email at info@aclawgroup.com.au.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM CHARGED WITH DRINK DRIVING? 

With a drink driving charge, You could face immediate licence suspension, an on-the-spot fine, and a criminal charge. Your blood alcohol concentration and type of licence determine the level of your charge, which then impacts the potential maximum penalty, including licence suspension periods. It’s vital you contact a traffic lawyer as soon as possible, as you could make a licence suspension appeal. Australian Criminal Law Group are highly experienced traffic lawyers in Parramatta and you can contact us 24/7 at 02 8815 8167.

• WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE COURTS? 

When the police lay charges against the defendant, it’s then the role of the court to decide on the issue of guilt. If someone is found guilty, then the court also makes a decision about penalties, whether that’s imprisonment and/or a fine. In New South Wales, there are three levels of courts: the Local Court, the District Court, and the Supreme Court. 

• WHAT IS THE LOCAL COURT? 

All criminal law cases start in the Local Court, and most of these will be commenced by the New South Wales police. The Local Court has jurisdiction to hear most types of criminal charges. Summary offences, such as possession of drugs and assault are heard in the Local Court. Offences of a more serious nature will start in the Local Court where there will be a committal hearing (see below) and then be referred to a higher court. 

• WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT COURT AND SUPREME COURT? 

The District Court has jurisdiction to handle appeals from a lower court as well as any criminal offence except for piracy, murder, and treason. Only the Supreme Court can hear these matters. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and has two appellate courts that deal with appeals: the Court of Appeal and the Court of Criminal Appeal.

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COURT AND A TRIBUNAL? 

Tribunals usually handle specific topic areas whilst courts can hear a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Though their decisions are binding, tribunals are more informal and they aren’t bound by the rules of evidence. A tribunal can provide a more cost-effective and faster way to resolve a legal dispute. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, for example, can hear guardianship issues, consumer claims, and other claims. 

• WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT COURT?

If you have legal representation, you might meet the lawyer at his/her office or outside the court. Courts usually schedule all cases for that day for the same time.  Therefore, you should expect a wait before the court calls your matter. In terms of etiquette, refrain from eating or drinking and turn off your phone before entering the court.

• WHAT IS A MENTION?

A Mention happens on the first day you go to court for an offence. It is a short hearing for the court to find out how you are pleading (guilty or not guilty) and to inform the judge or magistrate about what will happen next in the matter. You could attend multiple mentions within the course of a trial. 

• WHAT IS BAIL? 

A judge or magistrate can make an order that allows you to stay in the community before your matter is finalised in court. This is known as bail, and it usually has certain conditions, such as reporting to the police on a regular basis. If you have been refused bail, you can apply for bail in a higher court. Australian Criminal Law Group has extensive experience in bail applications, so contact us at 02 8815 8167 or via email at info@aclawgroup.com.au.

• CAN I APPEAL IF I AM UNHAPPY WITH THE COURT’S DECISION? 

In some instances, you may be able to appeal a sentence. You will need to do so within any applicable time limits. Australian Criminal Law Group is home to award-winning criminal lawyers based in Parramatta, and we can provide honest, trustworthy advice about your prospects in an appeal. Contact us at 02 8815 8167 or via email at info@aclawgroup.com.au for a free first consultation.

• WHAT IS A ‘COMMITTAL HEARING’? 

Prior to April 2018, committal hearings in NSW enabled any individual charged with a serious criminal offence to have the evidence reviewed by a Magistrate to decide whether there was enough evidence to go to trial. Today, the committal process involves charge certification by a senior prosecutor and case conferencing between prosecutors and the defence team.

• WHAT IS A SIMPLE OFFENCE? 

A simple offence is a summary offence in NSW and is a less serious offence in contrast to an indictable offence. Summary offences can be heard in the Local Court. Many summary offences attract only a fine but some can come with a maximum penalty of two years where imprisonment applies. Examples of these offences include traffic offences, drink drinking, and failing to vote.

• WHAT IS AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE? 

An indictable offence is a serious criminal offence,  Therefore, the Local Court cannot hear these matters.  Instead, only the District Court or Supreme Court can hear these offences.  Examples of indictable offences are stealing (larceny), fraud, murder, sexual assault (rape), robbery, and burglary.  However, the Local Court can hear and finalise minor indictable offences.  

• WHAT IS THE STANDARD OF PROOF? 

The standard of proof is the evidentiary standard the prosecution has to meet to convict someone charged with a crime. For criminal charges, the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. In practice, this means the prosecution must convince the jury of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  If the Jury has any reasonable doubt, they must make a finding of acquittal or not guilty.

• WHAT HAPPENS AT THE TRIAL? 

At the start of a criminal trial, the defendant goes to the dock when the bailiff calls. The judge then enters the court; everyone stands until the judge is seated. The judge’s associate reads out the charge and the defendant is asked to enter a plea. The defendant or his/her lawyer then stands and enters a plea. A plea of not guilty will result in a jury selection process before the trial proceeds. If it is a guilty plea, the trial won’t be decided by a jury but by the judge. 

• WHAT HAPPENS IF I PLEAD GUILTY? 

If you enter a guilty plea, the judge rather than a jury will make a finding on the question of guilt. The judge will consider the submissions and evidence from both the prosecution and defence and then make a decision immediately or set a further date for a sentencing hearing. 

• WHAT HAPPENS IF I PLEAD NOT GUILTY? 

If you plead not guilty, then the case will proceed to jury selection.  For this, 12 jury members are chosen by drawing numbers from a box.  The judge will then explain things about the trial to the jury.

Following this, the prosecution makes its opening statement.  Your lawyer will also choose whether to make a statement at this time.   At a jury trial, witnesses are called to give evidence, cross-examined, and re-examined.  The accused can choose to give evidence for the defence.  Both sides will make final closing statements.  Then the judge will then sum up the evidence.  Following this, the jury members deliberate in order to then provide the verdict. 

• WHAT HAPPENS AT AN APPEAL? 

If you are found guilty in the Local Court you may be eligible to make an appeal.  If so, you will usually appeal to the District Court.   Appeals for matters heard in the District or Supreme Courts go to the Court of Appeal.

The court will use the evidence given in the lower court when appeals are made to the District Court.  Therefore, the court will not usually call witnesses.   

Strict time limits apply to appeals.  Therefore, you should seek immediate advice from a qualified criminal lawyer should you wish to appeal.  

Australian Criminal Law Group lawyers are award-winning criminal lawyers based in Parramatta and other areas of Sydney. If you want the best legal guidance on making an appeal, contact us 24/7 by phone at 02 8815 8167 or email at info@aclawgroup.com.au

No criminal lawyers in Parramatta can compete with our powerhouse team of defence solicitors.  Australian Criminal Law Group is home to the best criminal lawyers in Parramatta.