5 Best Criminal Lawyers in Ballarat
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated criminal lawyers in Ballarat, ranked by Google rating across 283 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Criminal charges from Ballarat and the Central Highlands are listed at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court, 100 Grenville Street South, Ballarat. The County Court also sits at Ballarat on circuit, so many trials and pleas can be heard locally.
Best criminal lawyers in Ballarat
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1
Hugo Law Group Editor's pick
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2
Doogue + George Editor's pick
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3
Angus Cameron Partners Editor's pick
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4
MNG Lawyers
4.78score -
5
McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers
4.77score -
6
Olympus Lawyers
4.75score -
7
Yanner Mann Dobson Law
4.73score -
8
Chambers Criminal Lawyers
4.67score
Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “criminal lawyer ballarat”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among criminal lawyers in Ballarat
Highest weighted score
MNG Lawyers: 4.9 stars from 98 reviews.
Most reviewed
MNG Lawyers: 98 Google reviews, rated 4.9.
Where are criminal matters heard in Ballarat?
Ballarat Magistrates' Court deals with summary offences and indictable offences heard summarily. The County Court of Victoria's Criminal Division sits at Ballarat as one of its regional circuit locations, and the most serious offences are dealt with by the Supreme Court of Victoria.
What Victorian rules apply?
Most serious offences in Victoria are in the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), with many lesser offences in the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic). Court procedure is governed by the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic), which requires a summary offence charge to be filed within 12 months of the alleged offence unless an exception applies. Bail is decided under the Bail Act 1977 (Vic), which applies an unacceptable risk test and stricter tests for certain serious offences.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Ballarat?
Fees for criminal lawyers in Ballarat depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.
Free and low-cost legal help in Ballarat
Victoria Legal Aid has an office at 106 Market Street, Ballarat. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Ballarat criminal lawyer FAQs
Does the County Court sit in Ballarat?
Yes. Ballarat is one of the County Court of Victoria's regional circuit locations for criminal trials and pleas.
Is legal aid available in Ballarat?
Yes. Victoria Legal Aid has an office at 106 Market Street, Ballarat, and duty lawyers attend the Magistrates' Court.
How long does a Magistrates' Court criminal case take in Victoria?
A guilty plea can be finalised at an early hearing. A contested hearing usually takes several months to be listed, depending on the court's workload.
Compare nearby and related
- Criminal Lawyers in Australia
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- Criminal Lawyers in Dandenong
- Criminal Lawyers in Frankston
