Criminal Law - NSW

Looking for a Criminal Lawyer in Newcastle?

We are a team of local lawyers based in Newcastle who specialise in Criminal Law, and we're ready to help you. Every member of our experienced team regularly appears before Newcastle Local Court (and other Courts across NSW) and has a deep understanding of all Criminal Law matters.

We've been defending the people of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and the Hunter region since 1969 and have worked on thousands of criminal cases just like yours. We are used to dealing with the Police, and know all the 'ins and outs' of the Courts and Justice system. Scroll down below for more information or give Matt Carney a call now on 1800 994 279.

1. Why choose us?
2. What Criminal Law matters can we help with?
3. What courts in NSW do we appear before?
4. What is involved in going to court?
5. Which court will I have to go to?
6. Where is Newcastle Local Court?
7. Our Team
8. Know Your Rights (Fact Sheet)
9. Criminal Law Articles

Why choose us?

Our goal is to get the best result for you, as quickly as possible, with minimum fuss, and all at the right cost. We start by explaining your options in Plain English and then work hard to keep you informed every step of the way.

We understand every Criminal Law matter is different and treat each of them accordingly. We treat our clients like real people, not numbers, and always offer a tailored personalised strategy and approach to handling your matter.

Our team will give you a good idea of how much your legal costs will be up front, so you'll know exactly where you stand, allowing you to make an informed decision. Then, you can relax and let us take care of the situation. We'll even reccommend self-help activities to do that will save you a lot of time and money in the long run (depending on the Criminal Law matter).

When your future is at stake, it’s not the time to experiment or take risks. You need an experienced team of Criminal Lawyers to have your back, and that's exactly what we will do.

What Criminal Law matters can we help with?

Download the following documents for more information:

Drink Driving (PCA & DUI)		Making a False Statement / Perjury
Traffic Offences (All Types)		Penalty Notices (All Types)
Larceny / Stealing		Sexual Offences (All Types)
Drug Offences (All Types)		Murder and Manslaughter
Assault (All Types)		Resist / Hinder Police
Affray and Public Violence		Damage to Property (All Types)
AVOs (ADVO & APVO)		Computer Offences
Stalking and Intimidation		Firearm Offences (All Types)
Centrelink Fraud		Break and Enter Offences

For information related to Penalties & Sentences download this:
For information related to Appeals download this:
For information related to Committal Hearings download this:

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What courts in NSW do we appear before?

• Newcastle Local Court
• Belmont Local Court
• Toronto Local Court
• Wyong Local Court
• Raymond Terrace Local Court
• Maitland Local Court
• Kurri Kurri Local Court

What is involved in going to Court?

If you are going to court and would like to understand what's involved in the process download this document.

Which court will I have to go to?

The majority of offences are heard in the Local Court of NSW.  More serious, or indictable, offences are matters that will be heard in the District or Supreme Court of NSW, usually by way of jury trial. To learn more about Indictable Proceedings, and which court you will be required to proceed before, download this document.

Where is Newcastle Local Court?

Newcastle Local Court is located near the Police Station and Hospital in the heart of the CBD.

Address: The Corner of Church and Bolton Streets, Newcastle, NSW

For specific directions please contact a member of our Criminal Law team.

Our Criminal Law Team:

• Matthew Carney
• Rebecca Flick
• Jacqui Walker

Our Promise:

• Highly professional and friendly service at all times
• Highly qualified Criminal Law team, backed by years of experience
• Complete confidentiality at all times
• Fast, efficient and courteous service

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Know Your Rights - NSW

This is designed to provide general information only. If specific legal advice is required, the services of our Criminal Law team should be sought.

You Don't Have To

• Go with the Police to a Police Station (unless you've been arrersted and informed of the charge or have given a positive reading on a roadside breath test - RBT)
• Take part in a Police line-up or any recorded interview
• Provide a handwriting sample

If the Police have reasonable grounds to suspect that

• The vehicle in which you're travelling has been involved in a serious offence, they have the right to search the vehicle and request the name and address of the driver and any of the passengers.
• You have a dangerous implement, they have the right to search you.
• You've been involved in a serious offence, they have the right to request your name and address.

You Should Not

• Make any statement, say or sign anything (except in traffic matters), until you've spoken to your lawyer.

In Traffic Matters You Must

• Supply your name and address and the name of the driver
• Supply your licence and submit to a breath test if requested

In case of an accident you must also

• Stop and render assistance
• Supply brief particulars of the crash if asked by a Police officer

You Must

• Obey any reasonable direction the Police may give you if you're in or near a public place and the Police consider your behaviour intimidating, harassing, obstructive, or causing fear to another person.

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Criminal Law - Related Articles

1. Important Changes to Your Rights in Criminal Law Matters (2013)
2. Rego labels are no longer required in NSW
3. When are you actually "driving" a motor vehicle?
4. Changes to the NSW Road Rules & Traffic Laws (2012)
5. Have you been named as a defendant in an application for an AVO?
6. When can a police officer in NSW search you?
7. Will you still have a 'Right to Silence'?
8. Can You Be Found Guilty With No Conviction Recorded?
9. Traffic Law - Common Offences & Penalties
10. Do the police have a right to search my home?
11. Traffic Laws in NSW: 3 Strikes & You're Off the Road!
12. Interlock drive licence for PCA and DUI offenders