Criminal Matters

Facing an allegation of having committed a criminal offence can be a confusing or stressful and even traumatic experience. Without proper legal representation you could be faced with an outcome that could hurt your reputation, career and family. At Bell Lawyers, we offer discreet specialised advice on all criminal matters.

The following are just a few examples of the many areas of crime we advise on:

Types of offences

Stealing and related offences: Theft can include offences ranging from stealing to break, enter and steal. Theft and related offences are considered serious criminal offences. If you are charged with any theft related offence, you will need specialist criminal advice.
Drink driving: Drink-driving could have serious repercussions to your licence, career and reputation. A criminal expert can help clarify the seriousness of your case - explain and advise on any penalties.
Police and traffic offences: For specific information about traffic offences, please click here. This is a broad area of offences and may not always be related to crime. Speeding for instance is quite a common offence, but a lawyer will help argue your case in the event you have been wrongly accused.
Assault, drugs and robbery: If you have been charged with a drug offence, assault, or armed robbery, seek legal advice immediately. Serious offences require a criminal specialist to effectively protect your legal rights and provide the best possible representation in court.
Domestic violence and child abuse: The court and the community treats offences against women and children as serious matters. If you have been subjected to personal violence or need a restraining order, at Bell Lawyers, we provide understanding and timely advice on these sensitive and often emotional offences.

Arrest and police interviews:

“You are under arrest” – these words invariably raise a number of questions. The most pressing question when you are placed under arrest is “what are my rights?” The most important right you have is the right to have a lawyer present throughout any dealings with Police especially when you are arrested. A criminal specialist will assist you by providing advice such as:

Explain the nature of the crime and your rights and obligations.
Represent you from the onset of arrest through to trial.
Explain the court procedures and provide bail advice.
Ensure your rights are protected at all times.
Protect you from any intimidation during an interview with police.
Explain your rights whilst in custody.

Court process

The police are obliged to investigate allegations of a criminal offence. In investigating a matter police will gather evidence and if they believe they have enough evidence to charge you with an offence, you may be required to appear at a Local Court before a Magistrate.

The Court system is a complicated process. The type of charge laid will dictate the process to be undertaken. Generally, offences in New South Wales are classified as summary and indictable offences. These offences are dealt with in the Court as follows:-

Summary Offences: These are usually minor offences such as traffic offences. These matters are finalised in the Local Court.
Indictable Offences: These offences are of a more serious nature. Some offences may be finalised in the Local Court however the more serious matters, such as robbery, serious drug offences and murder are dealt with and finalised in the District and Supreme Court.

When you appear on the first occasion, you may be required to do certain things. The police may be required to undertake certain tasks. It is the complexity of the Court process which requires expert legal representation. At Bell Lawyers, we can defend your rights with vigilance and give you every opportunity to achieve a fair and just outcome.

All court appearances

We have Solicitors who specialise in criminal matters. Paul Blunt and Matthew Roberton are very experienced advocates with extensive experience in dealing with Police, the court system and appearing in court. Give yourself the best change of a fair and just outcome and call Paul on 0414 013 372 or Matthew on 4734 9333.

To learn more about Paul Blunt, a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, please click here.

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