Criminal law covers offences that carry penalties under the law, ranging from traffic infringements to serious criminal charges. These matters are inherently stressful, making prompt legal intervention crucial for protecting your legal rights.
At Hall Payne Lawyers, we provide substantive recommendations, transparent explanations, and personalised strategies to help you understand your options and work towards the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, you’re probably feeling a mix of fear, uncertainty, and pressure as the court date looms. Whether you are facing a minor traffic offence or a serious criminal allegation, the decisions made right now are the most critical, shaping not just the outcome of your case but the lasting consequences for your life and future.
Hall Payne Lawyers provides comprehensive criminal law advice for people who need experienced defence and clear direction. Our criminal lawyers act for private clients across a wide range of matters, helping them understand their rights, prepare their case properly and work towards the best possible outcome.
Find answers to common questions about our practice and how we work.
Criminal law deals with offences against the state or community, such as traffic offences, assault, theft and fraud. Criminal charges can result in penalties including fines, licence disqualification, convictions or imprisonment.
Criminal law involves charges brought by the state and focuses on punishment or deterrence. Civil law involves disputes between individuals or organisations, usually relating to compensation or enforcement of rights.
While imprisonment is a potential penalty for serious offences, it is one of many possible outcomes. Our primary focus is strategic advocacy to pursue alternative sentencing, such as community correction orders, intensive corrections orders, or non-custodial penalties, aimed at keeping you out of jail while meeting regulatory requirements.
We routinely assist clients facing traffic offences, including serious matters that carry mandatory licence disqualification. We focus on preparing compelling applications to the court for restricted work licenses where applicable or presenting strong arguments to minimise the period of disqualification, acknowledging that your licence is essential to your livelihood.
The most immediate step is taking control of communication with the police or prosecution. We halt any direct questioning of you, clarify the exact charges and evidence against you, and provide urgent advice on how to conduct yourself until the court date. This immediately reduces your stress and ensures all future actions are legally strategic.
Our criminal defence lawyers assist with a broad range of criminal law matters, including:
Advice and representation for drink and drug driving, licence suspensions, dangerous driving, and other traffic-related charges, with a focus on minimising penalties and protecting your licence where possible.
Legal support for possession, supply, cultivation, and drug-related offences, including guidance on diversion options, sentencing outcomes, and court processes.
Representation in matters involving fraud, deception, identity offences, and other dishonesty charges, including cases with financial, professional, or reputational consequences.
Advice and defence for charges relating to theft, unlawful entry, and property damage, with an emphasis on proportional outcomes and early resolution where appropriate.
That moment you receive a charge can feel like a pause button on your life. If this is your first time dealing with the court system, the feeling is overwhelming. Our goal is to shift that feeling of panic to control. By clearly explaining the process ahead and outlining your legal rights, we immediately reduce the stress and arm you with the knowledge necessary to navigate this challenging time without making crucial errors.
While you are entitled to represent yourself, criminal charges carry serious risks. A criminal lawyer can assess the evidence, explain your options, identify available defences, and advise on sentencing outcomes if required. Proper legal representation can make a meaningful difference to how your matter is resolved.
You have important legal rights when dealing with police and the courts. These include the right to remain silent, with the exception of providing basic identification, the right to legal advice, and the right to a fair process. Our criminal lawyers ensure you understand these rights and how to exercise them appropriately.
n most situations, it is best to seek legal advice before speaking with police. Statements made early can be used as evidence later. We can advise you on what you are required to say, what you are not required to say, and how to communicate your need for legal representation.
If you’re facing a criminal matter, our blog shares practical insights to help you feel more informed and prepared. We aim to reduce uncertainty by explaining what to expect and how criminal cases are typically handled.
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