Criminal Law

Criminal Law

Our criminal law specialists help people charged with offences who are required to appear before the Local Court, Children’s Court, District Court, and Supreme Court.

The experience of being charged or even suspected of a criminal offence can be stressful and daunting. Criminal offences can carry hefty fines and/or terms of imprisonment, and therefore is essential that you receive specialist and practical advice as early as possible after the police make contact with you.

Our emphasis is on listening to your concerns and providing accurate legal advice so that you can make informed decisions regarding your case.

Where possible, we will negotiate with the Police on your behalf in seeking to avoid being charged or to reduce the number and/or severity of the charges.

If is necessary to fight the matter, we will provide you with experienced and effective representation at Court. If you require the services of a Barrister, we can recommend and brief specialist criminal law Barrister’s, looking after your best interests throughout the process.

Experienced Criminal Lawyers Wagga Wagga – Protecting Your Rights

When facing criminal charges in Wagga Wagga or throughout regional New South Wales, having experienced criminal lawyers on your side can make the difference between conviction and acquittal. At Walsh & Blair Lawyers, our criminal law team have successfully defended clients across all levels of criminal charges for over 130 years.

Our criminal defence team understands that being charged with a criminal offense can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life, often being the first time people are encountering the justice system. That’s why we provide immediate, confidential legal advice and develop strong defence strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.

As your trusted criminal lawyers in Wagga Wagga, and surrounds we handle everything from minor traffic infractions to serious indictable offenses, always with the same commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Traffic Law

In NSW, traffic offences are considered seriously. Most traffic offences carry a mandatory licence disqualification or loss of demerit points. A loss of licence can have a devastating impact on a person and their family, especially for people living in country areas.

It is important to get competent legal advice as early as possible, whether you have received a penalty notice, had your licence suspended or been charged with a serious traffic offence.

The traffic law specialists at Walsh & Blair Lawyers get exceptional results by guiding your through the complex road and traffic laws in NSW. We will provide you with advice regarding the best strategy to either keep your license or to reduce the time you must spend off the road. If the matter goes to Court, we understand that the best result is always achieved by thorough and careful preparation, and experienced representation.

Local Expertise in Wagga Wagga Criminal Courts

Our criminal law practice combines deep local knowledge with extensive courtroom experience. As established criminal lawyers, Wagga residents trust, we have appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court, District Court, and Supreme Court countless times, building strong relationships within the local legal community that benefit our clients.

What Sets Our Criminal Defence Apart:

• Local Court Experience: Having practiced criminal law in Wagga for decades, we understand the preferences and procedures of local magistrates and judges. This insight helps us develop more effective case strategies.
• Comprehensive Defence Preparation: We leave nothing to chance. Our meticulous approach to case preparation includes thorough evidence review, witness interviews, and expert consultation when necessary.
• Transparent Communication: Throughout your case, we maintain clear communication about your options, potential outcomes, and legal strategy. You’ll never be left wondering about your case status.

The criminal and traffic law specialists at Walsh & Blair Lawyers provide expert advice in all criminal law and road traffic matters including:

Comprehensive Criminal Law Coverage Across Regional NSW

Drink Driving and Traffic Offenses

As experienced drink driving lawyers , we understand the devastating impact that license loss can have on families, especially in regional areas, such as Wagga and Cootamundra where driving is essential for work and daily life. Our team has successfully helped hundreds of clients in traffic matters minimise penalties and, where possible, retain their driving privileges.

Our traffic law expertise includes challenging breath test procedures, arguing exceptional hardship applications, and negotiating reduced charges. We understand that each traffic matter is unique and requires a tailored approach to achieve the best outcome.

Assault and Violence Charges

Assault charges can carry serious consequences including imprisonment and criminal records that affect future employment and travel opportunities. Our criminal lawyers based in Wagga provides robust defence for all levels of assault charges, from common assault to grievous bodily harm.

We thoroughly investigate every aspect of assault allegations, including self-defense claims, provocation, and challenging witness reliability. Our goal is always to achieve dismissal or the most lenient outcome possible.

Drug-Related Offenses

Drug charges require specialised knowledge of police powers, search and seizure laws, and sentencing alternatives. Our criminal defence team stays current with evolving drug laws and diversion programs that may allow clients to avoid conviction.

From simple possession to serious supply charges, we provide strategic defence that considers both immediate consequences and long-term impacts on your future.

Apprehended Domestic/Personal Violence Orders and Domestic Violence Matters

Our experienced team routinely deal with ADVO Applications and Domestic Violence matters. Domestic Violence has become increasingly prevalent over the past years, increasing the number of cases brought before the Court. They are a unique class of matters in that the Court has specific procedures to help expedite them through the system, with the goal of having them listed for Hearing within 6 months of charges being laid.

Because of the expediated manner of these matters, and the fact that Orders in relation to police ADVOs are immediately enforceable, we recommend that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you understand your obligations. We can then explore the different avenues going forward, and the effects that any Orders may have on you and your family.

Weapons/Firearms Matters

Being a firearms owner comes with obligations in relation to their storage and handling, it is important to know all your obligations, as any charges can be serious and have lasting consequences including losing that privilege.

It is also important that you are aware of what weapons and/or firearms you are permitted to have in your possession in accordance with your licence, as possession any prohibited weapons may also impact your entitlement to own a firearm.

Our team have experience weapons and firearms charges, as well as appeals licencing in the event of rejection, suspension or cancellation, and understand the need for firearms particularly in rural and regional areas such as Wagga and Cootamundra.

Understanding Your Criminal Law Journey

Immediate Steps After Being Charged:

1. Contact our criminal lawyers Wagga immediately – Early legal advice can prevent mistakes that harm your case
2. Exercise your right to silence – Anything you say to police may be used against you
3. Understand your charges – We explain each charge and potential penalties in plain English
4. Develop action plan – Together, we discuss the strongest possible defence and advise you on the best way forward for your circumstances.

Court Preparation and Representation:

Our team handles all aspects of court preparation, from gathering evidence to briefing expert witnesses. We ensure you understand court procedures in the different jurisdictions and feel confident about your representation.

Plea Negotiation:

Where appropriate, our experienced criminal defence lawyer wagga team can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or achieve favourable plea agreements. We only recommend plea agreements that serve your best interests.

Criminal Law Support When You Need It Most

While based in Wagga Wagga, our criminal law wagga practice serves clients throughout the New South Wales  but in particular the Riverina, Albury, Griffith, Young, Tumut, and surrounding areas.

We travel to regional courts as needed to provide consistent representation.

We frequently utilise AVL facilities, for conferences, and court appearance where appropriate. This allows us to service clients regardless of the current location.

Getting Help:

If you’re facing criminal charges or have been contacted by police, don’t delay seeking legal advice. Contact our criminal defence lawyers immediately on (02) 69 268 268 for confidential consultation.