Criminal Defence Services

Citilawyers is a Sydney CBD law firm providing criminal defence representation for individuals facing police investigation or criminal charges in New South Wales. We appear in the Local Court, District Court, and Supreme Court of New South Wales across a broad range of criminal matters. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us immediately for urgent legal advice. We understand how stressful and confronting these situations can be, and we are committed to guiding you through the criminal legal process with professionalism.

For a detailed guide to how criminal proceedings work in NSW, from charge to trial, sentencing, and appeal, see our criminal litigation lawyers page.

When Should You Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer?

Contact our Sydney criminal defence lawyers immediately if any of the following apply:

You have been arrested or charged with a criminal offence in NSW
Police have asked you to attend an interview or provide a statement
You are under investigation and have not yet been charged
You need to make a bail application urgently
You have received a Court Attendance Notice
You are facing serious criminal charges, including assault, fraud, or drug offences
You have received a decision from the court that you believe is incorrect or unjust
A family member has been arrested, and you need urgent advice

Time is critical in criminal matters. The earlier you contact us, the more options you have and the stronger your defence will be. For an explanation of how self-defence operates as a complete defence to assault charges in NSW, see our article on self-defence as a criminal defence.

Criminal Matters We Handle

We act for individuals facing a broad range of criminal charges in NSW courts, including:

Bail applications
Murder and manslaughter
Drug offences
Assault and violence-related charges
Robbery and theft
Break and enter
Firearms and weapons offences
Fraud and white collar crime
Hindering a police investigation
Intentionally or recklessly damaging property
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO) and domestic violence matters
Traffic offences
Appeals against court decisions

Courts We Appear In

Our Sydney criminal defence lawyers appear in:

Local Court of New South Wales
District Court of New South Wales
Supreme Court of New South Wales
NSW Court of Criminal Appeal

We handle all aspects of your matter from the first police interview through to trial, sentencing, and appeal. For civil and criminal appeals advice, including grounds of appeal and procedure, see our Sydney litigation lawyers page.

From Investigation to Resolution

We act for clients at every stage of the criminal law process:

Before charges are laid, if police have contacted you or you believe you are under investigation, do not speak to police without legal advice. Contact us immediately, and we will advise you on your rights and how to protect yourself before any formal charges are made.

Bail applications. If you or a family member has been arrested, securing bail is often the priority. We act urgently on bail applications in the Local Court and the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Negotiations with the prosecution. In many criminal matters, early negotiation with the prosecution can result in charges being reduced or withdrawn. We assess every matter carefully to identify whether negotiation is in your best interests before proceedings commence.

Court representation We provide strong representation at every court appearance, from mention hearings through to defended hearings and trials. You will always know what to expect and where your matter stands.

Appeals: If you have received a decision from the court that you believe was incorrect or unjust, we can assist with lodging and preparing an appeal to have your criminal matter reviewed. For more information, visit our article on Appealing Court Decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the first court appearance?

At your first court appearance, the charge is read out, and you will either enter a plea or the matter will be adjourned. You do not need to plead at the first appearance, and in most cases it is advisable not to until your lawyer has reviewed the prosecution brief. Bail conditions may also be considered or varied at this stage if relevant. We advise clients on whether to plead guilty or not guilty only after a full review of the evidence against them.

Do I have to talk to the police?

No. You are required to provide your name and address if asked, but beyond that, you have the right to remain silent and are not obliged to answer questions or participate in an interview without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used as evidence, and an unrepresented interview is one of the most common ways people unintentionally damage their own case. If you are contacted by police or asked to attend an interview, get advice before you say anything further.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost?

Cost depends on the seriousness of the charge and which court it is heard in. A straightforward Local Court matter, including a guilty plea and sentencing submissions, is typically more cost-effective than a defended hearing or a matter proceeding to the District or Supreme Court, which involves significantly more preparation. We provide a clear cost estimate at the first consultation once we understand the charge and the evidence involved.

Will I go to jail?

This depends entirely on the offence, your prior record, and the circumstances of the matter. Many criminal charges, including first offences and less serious matters, do not result in a custodial sentence. Courts in NSW have a range of sentencing options below imprisonment, including fines, good behaviour bonds, Community Correction Orders, and Conditional Release Orders. We give clients an honest, realistic assessment of likely outcomes based on the specific facts of their case, not a generic answer.

Can a criminal conviction be removed from my record later?

Some convictions become eligible to be treated as “spent” after a set period, generally 10 years for adults, provided no further offences are recorded, and the matter did not result in a sentence above certain thresholds. Not all offences qualify, and serious offences are generally excluded. We can advise on whether a past conviction is or will become eligible to be spent, and on options like a Section 10 non-conviction order if your matter is still before the court.

What should I do immediately after being charged?

Avoid discussing the matter on social media, with witnesses, or with anyone involved in the case. Keep any documents you are given, including the Court Attendance Notice and any bail paperwork. Contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible; decisions made in the first days after a charge, including what you say to police and whether you attend a voluntary interview, can materially affect the outcome of your matter.

Contact Our Sydney Criminal Defence Lawyers

If you are facing criminal charges or are under police investigation in NSW, contact Citilawyers today for urgent advice. Our Sydney criminal defence lawyers are available for urgent matters.

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