An 18-year-old client charged with affray and unlawful assault following a public altercation avoided prosecution entirely after detailed analysis of CCTV, witness statements, and interview material supported a viable self-defence argument. All charges were ultimately withdrawn, leaving the client with no criminal record.

A vulnerable woman with significant health issues and an extensive criminal history faced a serious risk of imprisonment after pleading guilty to shop theft charges. Through a detailed plea emphasising rehabilitation, stability, and medical vulnerability, the Court imposed a therapeutic community-based order instead of a custodial sentence.

Charged with grooming offences involving a child, our client faced a strong prosecution case and proceeded to a plea. By demonstrating a clear disparity in culpability between our client and a co-accused, we successfully secured a non-custodial sentence and avoided conviction.

Charged with cultivating almost three times the commercial quantity of cannabis, our client faced mandatory imprisonment and had a relevant criminal history. With limited sentencing options available, the focus shifted to presenting the personal circumstances underpinning the offending and securing the best possible sentence structure, including an extended parole period.

This case study demonstrates how a thorough review of evidence and strategic cross-examination led to the withdrawal of all charges against a client accused of a serious knife attack in Melbourne.

This case study highlights how a client, initially facing serious commercial drug trafficking charges and mandatory jail time, avoided conviction through a strategic defence approach.

This case study describes how early intervention, psychological treatment, and a targeted defence strategy helped a young client facing serious charges avoid prison. By demonstrating rehabilitation and leveraging the client’s positive background, the legal team secured a plea deal and a non-custodial outcome.

This case study examines a defence response to family violence allegations in Victoria. The client faced serious charges with significant legal and personal consequences. The defence strategy focused on challenging the credibility of the allegations, asserting self-defence where appropriate, and rigorously testing the prosecution’s evidence.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you may be eligible for the criminal justice diversion program. This pathway is available in the Magistrate's Court and provides a way to be ‘diverted’ away from the criminal jurisdiction.

Louise Conwell recently acted for a client charged with dangerous driving causing death. Our client was turning at an intersection when he struck a pedestrian and tragically killed her. The prosecution alleged that he failed to pay proper attention.

A Melbourne tax fraud case where our client avoided a criminal conviction after an ATO prosecution, receiving a section 19B good behaviour bond despite serious Commonwealth charges.

Andrew Halphen recently acted for a small business owner who was arrested at home shortly after the execution of a search warrant issued under the Drug Poisons and Controlled Substances Act.

The case involves our Client, who was convicted of the 1998 murders of two police officers. Still, after a series of appeals and the emergence of new evidence suggesting police misconduct, the Victorian Court of Appeal ultimately quashed his conviction, leading to a retrial where he was found not guilty.