When can police in Victoria legally search a mobile phone, when a warrant is required, and what your rights are if police request access to your device.

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.

In Victoria, the court can issue intervention orders to protect individuals from harm or the threat of harm. While these orders can provide the necessary protection, they can also significantly impact a person's life, including limiting their movements and activities. 

If you have been contacted or questioned by police in Melbourne or Victoria, it is critical that you get legal advice immediately. Anything you say to police can be used as evidence against you, even before you are formally charged. Speaking to an experienced criminal lawyer early can protect your rights and help you avoid serious mistakes.

Facing a criminal accusation can be daunting. Consulting an experienced criminal lawyer is essential to understand your charges, the legal process, and your options, especially in sensitive sexual offence cases. In such situations, a considerate and discreet defence lawyer is invaluable.

The key difference between assault and domestic violence is that assault is a specific criminal offence, whereas domestic or family violence refers to harmful behaviour that occurs within certain personal relationships. 

When a person is charged with a serious criminal offence that must ultimately be determined in the County Court or Supreme Court, the case will begin in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria which is where the committal hearing will take place.   

Sexual assault lawyers represent people who are accused of sexual offences and assist them to understand the investigation process, respond to police inquiries, and navigate the court proceedings that may follow. 

When a person is charged with a criminal offence in Victoria, the question of bail arises if the person is not released from custody after being charged. 

In Victoria it is unlawful not only to possess, traffick or cultivate a drug of dependence, but also to use a drug of dependence. 

Under section 75 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981(Vic) (“the Act”), a person commits an offence if they use or attempt to use a drug of dependence. 

Many people charged with drink driving in Victoria are first-time offenders who have never previously been in trouble with the law. A common question in these circumstances is whether the court will treat a first offence more leniently. 

Choosing the right criminal defence lawyer can make a significant difference to how your case progresses and the outcome that is ultimately achieved. If you are facing criminal charges in Victoria, it is important to seek legal advice from a lawyer with relevant experience and a clear understanding of the Victorian criminal justice system. 

If you are facing criminal charges in Victoria, you are likely to hear the terms solicitor and barrister used frequently. While both are lawyers, they often perform different roles within the legal system. Understanding the distinction can help you feel more confident about how your case will be handled. 

Drug offences vary in type and seriousness. If you have been charged with a drug offence, it is important to understand the process involved, whether you have a defence and the potential penalties you may be facing.  

Criminal law that governs children and young offenders is about to undergo a significant change in Victoria. There will be a new law, likely formally beginning in 2025, called the Youth Justice Act which will replace the current law overseeing criminal law for children.