A directions hearing helps manage a criminal case before it proceeds. Learn what happens, whether you need to attend and how a lawyer can help.

Refusing a roadside drug test in Victoria is a serious offence that can result in fines, licence loss and court proceedings. Learn the penalties and legal options. 

Learn how criminal appeals work in Victoria, including conviction appeals, sentence appeals, time limits, appeal grounds and the courts involved.

Learn what happens at your first court appearance in Victoria, including mention hearings, bail, pleas, diversion, adjournments and next steps. 

Can criminal charges be withdrawn in Victoria? Learn who decides whether charges continue, why charges may be withdrawn, and what happens when they are.

Committal hearings in Victoria are a preliminary stage in the criminal justice process for indictable offences. They take place in the Magistrates’ Court and are used to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for a matter to proceed to trial in the County Court or Supreme Court.

Overview of how bail works for young people in Victoria, including eligibility, Youth Justice involvement, bail conditions, and consequences of breaching bail.

Doli incapax is the legal presumption that a child aged between 12 and 14 is incapable of committing a criminal offence unless the prosecution proves the child understood the conduct was seriously wrong. Learn how doli incapax works in Victoria, including police interviews, Children’s Court matters and early legal advice.

Arrest, charge and conviction are often used interchangeably, but in Australian criminal law they have distinct meanings. This guide explains each stage of the criminal justice process, your rights when arrested, and what each outcome means in practice.

Cases of dangerous driving causing death are among the most serious and challenging in the County Court.

Public debate around bail often centres on risk and blame—but the reality is far more complex. This article explores how bail works in Victoria, why it exists, and how courts balance individual rights with community safety when making decisions.

The investigation of crime is not a game governed by a sportsman’s code of fair play.

Public confidence in the justice system is being steadily eroded by sensationalist media coverage, political attacks, and uneven scrutiny of institutions. This article examines how these forces shape perceptions of the judiciary, the imbalance between criticism of courts and policing, and the broader consequences for governance and democracy.

A police interview can significantly affect your case. Understanding your rights and getting early legal advice is critical before speaking to police.

Firearm offences in Victoria are governed by the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic), which regulates the possession, use, storage and acquisition of firearms.

A criminal record is a formal record of a person’s proven criminal history, including any findings of guilt or convictions.

In Victoria, criminal records are maintained by law enforcement authorities and may be accessed by authorised agencies for specific purposes, including employment screening, licensing, immigration, and travel-related assessments.

Understand bail applications in Victoria, including compelling reasons and exceptional circumstances tests under the Bail Act. Experienced criminal lawyers explain the process, risk assessment, and how bail is decided in Victorian courts.

Child abuse material offences in Victoria are extremely serious and often result in imprisonment and registration obligations. This article explains the law, penalties, and legal defences for possession and production charges.

Sex offender registration in Victoria applies to a wide range of sexual offences and carries strict reporting obligations. Understanding whether registration is mandatory or discretionary, and the consequences of breach, is critical.

White collar crime in Victoria covers a wide range of dishonesty and corporate offences, including fraud, theft, and financial advantage by deception. These matters are complex and often involve significant penalties, making early specialist legal advice essential.