Criminal Lawyers Essendon and Melbourne CBD

We can provide you representation in Court and advocate on your behalf and our solicitors are specialists in all areas of criminal law including White Collar Crimes.

Criminal offences are categorised as either a summary offence or an indictable offence. These categories exist to determine how each case will proceed through the Courts.

As a general rule, summary offences are considered to be less serious. Examples of summary offences include: Traffic offences such as drunk driving or high-speed driving, Minor property damage, Offensive or indecent behaviour & Minor assault.

Indictable offences are more serious in nature. Examples of indictable offences include: Aggravated burglary, Murder, Manslaughter, Drug trafficking, Major assault & Sexual Assault.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, the charge sheet provided to you will state whether the offence or offences are summary or indictable. This will then tell you how the case will go through the Court. If you received a charge sheet or if you want to get legal advice, we urge you to contact your lawyer to defend your matter as you are considered innocent until proven guilty. In order to be found guilty of a criminal offence, a judicial officer must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence against the accused to confirm guilt, which will then lead to a sentence.