Criminal Lawyers Sydney
If you are facing criminal charges in New South Wales, the most important step is getting immediate professional representation to protect your rights and your liberty. Experienced criminal lawyers in Sydney can guide you through the court process, advise you on your plea, and prepare a strong defence strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Invictus Legal acts for clients across Sydney's courts, whether you are under investigation, have been asked to attend a police interview, or have already been charged.
Reviewed by Sam Saadat, Principal Lawyer, Invictus Legal. Last reviewed: 12 October 2026.
As criminal defence lawyers Sydney residents rely on, we know your reputation, career, relationships and freedom may be at stake. We give you clear, practical advice and strong advocacy at every stage, so that you are treated as an individual and your rights are protected.
What does it cost to hire an expert criminal lawyer 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)
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.
Why choose Invictus Legal as your criminal law firm in Sydney?
Choosing an experienced criminal law firm in Sydney means you are supported by lawyers who understand police procedure, the rules of evidence and how each court operates. We act in everything from summary offences and traffic matters to serious indictable charges. Read more about our criminal law services, the criminal offences we defend, and sentencing and penalties.
We communicate clearly, act with integrity and focus on achieving the best possible result. We scrutinise every piece of evidence, every witness statement and every available defence, and prepare your case thoroughly before each court date.
How can the best criminal lawyers in Sydney help with your case?
The best criminal lawyers in Sydney challenge weak prosecution evidence, negotiate with the prosecution where appropriate, and present a persuasive case on your behalf. We act at every stage, from the police station to sentence or trial, including bail applications if you or someone close to you is in custody.
If you plead not guilty, the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt (Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) s 141(1)). We have experience in defended hearings and jury trials, and we advise on the defences available to you. If you plead guilty, we prepare material to support the most lenient appropriate outcome. Not every conviction leads to imprisonment: depending on the offence and your circumstances, the court may dismiss the charge without conviction, or impose a conditional release order, a community correction order, an intensive correction order or a fine (Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) ss 7 to 10, 10A and 15).
What should you do if you are facing criminal charges in Sydney?
Get legal advice before you give police a statement or take part in an 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). Once you retain us, we deal with the police and the prosecution on your behalf.
We will also help you gather character references, medical reports and other supporting material early. Many people damage their own case by speaking to police before getting advice, believing that "cooperating" will help, when it can give the prosecution the evidence it needs.
Local Court and District Court criminal lawyer services
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. Whether your matter is a summary charge in the Local Court or an indictable offence in the District Court, we know the local practices and procedures and will prepare you for what to expect on the day. See also our criminal defence lawyers Sydney page.
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 are the immediate steps I should take if I am arrested in Sydney?
Stay calm, do not resist, and ask to speak to a lawyer. Do not make a statement or take part in an interview until you have legal advice. 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.
How does a criminal defence lawyer influence the outcome of a case?
A lawyer tests the prosecution evidence, negotiates to have charges withdrawn or reduced where appropriate, and presents strong mitigation to the court. Experienced representation ensures your case is presented clearly and in accordance with the law.
What is the difference between a plea of guilty and a plea of not guilty?
A plea of guilty accepts the charge, and the court proceeds to sentence. A plea of not guilty means the prosecution must prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt at a hearing or trial.
Will I have to go to jail if I am convicted of a criminal offence?
Not necessarily. Depending on the offence and your circumstances, the court may dismiss the charge without conviction or impose a conditional release order, community correction order, intensive correction order or fine instead of full-time imprisonment.
How do I choose the right criminal law firm for my specific charges?
Look for a firm with experience in your type of offence, clear communication and a transparent fee structure. We offer fixed fees for common criminal matters and free initial consultations.