What can we help you with?
Criminal Law
Criminal Law Offences
If you have been charged with a criminal offence then you need a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer to stand by your side and ensure the best possible outcome.
You are innocent until proven guilty, and our role is to advise you as to your rights and options and advocate for you to the fullest extent permitted by law.
We can advise you about:
• How to respond to questioning by Police or other agencies,
• Alternatives to receiving a conviction such as obtaining a Police diversion or discharge without conviction,
• Deciding whether to enter a guilty plea,
• Defending the charges against you, and
• Making submissions about sentencing.
Discharge without conviction
Usually, if a person is found guilty of an offence, they are convicted. However, the judge has the discretion not to convict. This is called a discharge without conviction. It means the defendant, although guilty, will have no criminal record.
To grant a discharge without conviction the judge must be satisfied on the evidence that the consequence of the conviction would be out of all proportion to the gravity of the offence.
The indirect consequences of a conviction may include loss of employment, inability to travel overseas for work or education, or loss of immigration status. Depending on your circumstances, these consequences may justify an application for a discharge without conviction.
Traffic offences
Our team have significant experience defending careless driving, dangerous driving and reckless driving charges.
Obtaining legal advice is essential to understand your options. The law recognises that not every motor vehicle accident is a crime. These charges can be successfully defended. The prosecution’s evidence is often not sufficient to prove the defendant is guilty of the offence they have been charged with.
Theft and Fraud
We provide advice about defending the full range of dishonesty offences ranging from simple theft to complex fraud and white-collar crime.
Accusations of dishonesty offences need to be addressed immediately. Your first step should be appointing the right legal representative to ensure the greatest chance of success.
Drink Driving
The consequences of a conviction for excess blood or breath alcohol are serious and can range from being fined and/or disqualified from holding a driver's licence to imprisonment.
We can provide advice about whether any defences are available, whether a discharge without conviction could be available, whether to enter a guilty plea, possible arguments in mitigation of any sentence, and about obtaining a limited licence.
Criminal Specialists
Derick Lotz
Derick is an Associate at Lawhub with extensive general criminal defence expertise. Derick also specialises in Commercial, Litigation and Family Law.
Read MoreAssociate - LLB, BCom
Philip McDonnell
Philip is an Associate at Lawhub with extensive general criminal defence expertise. Philip also specialises in Relationship Property, Matrimonial and Family Law.
Read MoreAssociate - LLB, BA
