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Criminal law · Preston, Victoria

Criminal lawyers in Preston

If you have been charged, interviewed or bailed to appear, what you do in the first week matters more than anything that follows. We act for people from Preston and across Melbourne's inner north, and we appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court.

Criminal law · Melbourne's inner north

Charged with an offence in Preston?

Most matters from Preston start at the Magistrates' Court, where the difference between a conviction and a non-conviction is usually made on preparation rather than argument — character material, the plea, and how the facts are put. Serious indictable matters move to the County Court, and we run those too. You will be told plainly what you are facing before you decide anything.

People in Preston often come to us after being charged or arrested, or when they're concerned about a matter that might end up with police involvement. You might be facing a charge from a recent incident, or dealing with something that happened some time ago. Start by gathering any documents you have—police letters, court notices, emails, text messages, or anything else related to what happened. Write down a timeline of events as you remember them. If you've already spoken to police, note what was said. Bring all of this when you come in. We can go through it with you, explain what you're facing, and work out the best way forward.

Where a criminal law matter from Preston is heard: Summary charges arising in Preston are heard at the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court. We appear there in person. For many mentions we can also appear online, so you don't lose a day's work — but for a plea or a contested hearing we will tell you when being there in person is the better call.
We also act on criminal law matters in: Brunswick · Coburg · Fitzroy · Kingsbury · Northcote.  Appointments online across Victoria, or in person at our Reservoir office.
Common questions

Criminal law in Preston — FAQs

Do I need a lawyer for a first offence in Preston?
Not always — but the decision to plead guilty without advice is the one people most often regret, because a conviction can follow you into employment, travel and licensing for years. We will tell you honestly if your matter is one you can handle yourself.
Which court will my Preston matter go to?
For a summary charge arising in Preston, the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court. More serious indictable charges are committed to the County Court of Victoria. We appear at both.
Can I avoid a conviction?
Sometimes. The court can find a charge proven without recording a conviction, and diversion is available for some first-time matters. Whether either is realistic depends on the charge, your history and what is put to the court — we will give you a straight answer rather than an encouraging one.
What does it cost?
The first consultation is a fixed fee, quoted before you book. After that we quote the plea or hearing as a fixed fee wherever the matter allows it, so you are not exposed to an open-ended bill.
What should I do if police want to talk to me?
Write down what happened, as much as you can remember, and keep any messages or documents. Don't delay in getting legal advice—the sooner we look at your situation, the better we can guide you. We can explain your options and help you prepare for any conversation with police or court.

Speak to a criminal law lawyer about Preston

Tell us what you have been charged with. We'll explain the likely range of outcomes for a matter like yours, and what can still be changed.

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