Criminal Defence Lawyers Sydney
Criminal defence lawyers protect your rights from the moment police become involved. As experienced criminal defence lawyers Sydney residents trust, we provide dedicated advocacy across all levels of the justice system. We advise you on the charge and the evidence, help you decide how to plead, and represent you in court, whether that means a sentence hearing, a defended hearing, a jury trial, a bail application or an appeal. Invictus Legal acts for people charged with criminal offences across Sydney and NSW.
Reviewed by Sam Saadat, Principal Lawyer, Invictus Legal. Last reviewed: 12 October 2026.
Why choose Invictus Legal as your criminal defence solicitors in Sydney?
Early, careful advice can change the course of a criminal matter. We review the police facts and brief of evidence closely, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case, and give you a frank assessment of your options. We appear regularly in the Local Courts at Downing Centre, Bankstown, Parramatta, Newtown, Burwood, Waverley, Manly, Liverpool and Campbelltown, the District Courts at Sydney, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Newcastle, and the Supreme Court in Sydney.
Our urgent line, 0410 600 230, is answered 24/7 for urgent matters, including arrests, police detention and bail applications, because those situations do not wait for business hours.
How can the best criminal defence lawyers in Sydney help your case?
When you work with an expert criminal lawyer in Sydney, you get clear, plain-English advice at every stage:
Advising you before a police interview. In general, no adverse inference can be drawn in court from your silence during police questioning (Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) s 89), although an exception can apply to serious indictable offences where a special caution has been given (s 89A).
Assessing the evidence and whether the prosecution can prove each element of the charge. The prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt (Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) s 141(1)).
Negotiating with police or the prosecution about the charges and the facts.
Preparing your sentence hearing, including character references and other material that supports a lenient outcome.
Representing you at a defended hearing or trial and, if needed, on appeal.
What criminal offences do we defend?
We act in matters under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and other NSW and Commonwealth laws, including assault and other offences against the person, drug possession and supply, fraud and dishonesty offences, firearms and weapons offences, apprehended violence orders, and traffic offences. See our criminal offences, defences and sentencing and penalties pages, and our Traffic Law page.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Sydney?
We offer fixed fees for common criminal and traffic matters in Sydney, so you know the cost from the start:
Local Court guilty plea: from $2,200 incl. GST
Local Court defended hearing: from $5,500 incl. GST
Severity appeal to the District Court: from $3,300 incl. GST ($4,400 incl. GST if the sentence is full-time imprisonment)
Driver licence appeal: from $2,200 incl. GST, plus the court filing fee
Local Court or District Court bail application: from $3,300 incl. GST
Supreme Court bail application: from $5,500 incl. GST
Section 14 mental health application: from $5,500 incl. GST
Police station attendance: $660 incl. GST (Sydney) or $1,210 incl. GST (outside Sydney)
Fixed fees are solicitor fees only and exclude Counsel fees and other disbursements. Every client receives a written costs agreement before we commence any work, in accordance with the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW). Prison conferences are charged at $990 to $1,980 incl. GST. We offer a free 15-minute Express Consultation and a free 30-minute Initial Consultation, in person at our Marrickville office or by video.
What is the process for a defended hearing or jury trial?
If you plead not guilty, the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Less serious matters are heard by a magistrate in the Local Court at a defended hearing. More serious matters can proceed to the District Court or Supreme Court, where a trial is usually before a judge and jury. We prepare by obtaining and testing the evidence, preparing cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, and presenting your defence. Read more about defended hearings and jury trials and appeals.
How do top criminal lawyers in Sydney manage bail applications?
Under the Bail Act 2013 (NSW), the court assesses any bail concerns: that the accused person, if released, will fail to appear, commit a serious offence, endanger the safety of victims, individuals or the community, or interfere with witnesses or evidence (s 17). For certain serious offences, the accused must first show cause why detention is not justified (s 16A). We prepare a bail plan that addresses those concerns, which may include proposed conditions such as reporting, residence, a surety or surrendering a passport.
We appear in bail applications in the Local, District and Supreme Courts. See our bail page for more information.
Call our office on 02 8553 0500 or book online. For urgent matters, such as an arrest, a bail application or urgent injunctive relief, call our 24/7 urgent line on 0410 600 230.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Contact Invictus Legal to discuss your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if police contact me?
Stay calm, be polite, and do not make a statement or take part in an interview until you have spoken to a lawyer. In general, no adverse inference can be drawn from your silence during police questioning, although exceptions apply. Call our 24/7 urgent line on 0410 600 230 if you have been arrested or are being held.
How does a criminal defence lawyer prepare a defence?
We analyse the police brief of evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case, obtain supporting evidence, and advise you on the strength of your defence before any hearing or trial.
Which court will my matter be in?
Most criminal matters start in the Local Court, such as the Downing Centre, Parramatta or Burwood. More serious matters can be committed to the District Court or Supreme Court for trial or sentence.
What is the difference between pleading guilty and not guilty?
A guilty plea means you accept the charge and the matter proceeds to sentence, where we present material to support the most lenient appropriate outcome. A not guilty plea means the prosecution must prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt at a hearing or trial.
Can a criminal lawyer help me get bail?
Yes. We prepare the application and a bail plan that addresses the court's bail concerns under the Bail Act 2013 (NSW), and represent you in the Local, District or Supreme Court. Our bail applications are fixed fee from $3,300 incl. GST in the Local or District Court and from $5,500 incl. GST in the Supreme Court.