5 Best Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated criminal lawyers in Melbourne, ranked by Google rating across 1,832 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Criminal charges from Melbourne are usually first listed at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, 233 William Street, Melbourne. A lawyer can appear at the first mention, obtain the brief and advise whether to plead or contest.
Best criminal lawyers in Melbourne
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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
Markotich Lawyers
4.94score -
5
Josh Smith Legal
4.94score -
6
Hofman Carroll Criminal Law
4.93score -
7
Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers
4.88score -
8
William Archer Defence Lawyers
4.88score
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 melbourne”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among criminal lawyers in Melbourne
Highest weighted score
Markotich Lawyers: 5.0 stars from 284 reviews.
Most reviewed
Balot Reilly Criminal Lawyers: 960 Google reviews, rated 4.9.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Markotich Lawyers: 5.0 stars from 284 reviews.
Where are criminal matters heard in Melbourne?
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court hears summary offences and indictable offences that can be heard summarily. More serious indictable offences are committed to the County Court of Victoria at 250 William Street, and the most serious, such as murder, are tried in 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 Melbourne?
Fees for criminal lawyers in Melbourne 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 Melbourne
Victoria Legal Aid gives free criminal law advice and runs duty lawyer services at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Melbourne criminal lawyer FAQs
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Melbourne?
Criminal lawyer costs in Melbourne depend on the charge, the plea and the court. A Magistrates' Court plea is often quoted as a fixed fee, while County Court trials cost much more because of preparation and barrister fees. A written estimate lets you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.
Where is the County Court in Melbourne?
The County Court of Victoria is at 250 William Street, Melbourne, close to the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Its Criminal Division hears indictable offences and appeals from the Magistrates' Court.
How long do police have to charge a summary offence in Victoria?
Police generally have 12 months from the alleged offence to file a summary charge under section 7 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic).
Compare nearby and related
- Criminal Lawyers in Australia
- Law Firms in Melbourne
- Criminal Lawyers in Ballarat
- Criminal Lawyers in Dandenong
- Criminal Lawyers in Frankston
