5 Best Criminal Lawyers in Sydney
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated criminal lawyers in Sydney, ranked by Google rating across 2,692 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Criminal charges from the Sydney CBD and inner suburbs usually start in the Local Court at the Downing Centre, Level 4, 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney. A lawyer can appear at the first mention, enter a plea or seek an adjournment to obtain the police brief.
Best criminal lawyers in Sydney
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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
Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia
4.98score -
5
Truth Lawyers
4.95score -
6
James & Jaramillo Lawyers
4.93score -
7
JB Corban Lawyers
4.92score -
8
Sydney Criminal Lawyers®
4.89score
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 sydney”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among criminal lawyers in Sydney
Highest weighted score
Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia: 5.0 stars from 825 reviews.
Most reviewed
Sydney Criminal Lawyers®: 1,101 Google reviews, rated 4.9.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia: 5.0 stars from 825 reviews.
Where are criminal matters heard in Sydney?
The Downing Centre Local Court deals with summary offences and most indictable offences that stay in the Local Court. Serious indictable matters are committed to the District Court, whose criminal registry is on Level 3 of the same building, and the most serious charges, such as murder, go to the Supreme Court of NSW. The District Court sits full time for criminal trials in the Sydney CBD.
What NSW-specific rules apply?
Most criminal offences in New South Wales are set out in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), and procedure, including which offences stay in the Local Court, is governed by the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW). Bail is decided under the Bail Act 2013 (NSW): the court asks whether there is an unacceptable risk, and for certain serious offences the accused must first show cause why detention is not justified. Under section 179 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), proceedings for a purely summary offence must generally be started within 6 months of the alleged offence.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Sydney?
Fees for criminal lawyers in Sydney 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 Sydney
Legal Aid NSW runs duty lawyer services at the Downing Centre and gives free criminal law advice through its Sydney offices. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Sydney criminal lawyer FAQs
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Sydney?
Criminal lawyer fees in Sydney vary with the charge, the plea and the court. A guilty plea in the Local Court is often quoted as a fixed fee, while a defended hearing or a District Court trial costs considerably more because of preparation and barrister fees. Ask for a written costs disclosure before you agree to act.
Is legal aid available for criminal charges in Sydney?
Yes, Legal Aid NSW provides duty lawyers at Sydney Local Courts and grants legal aid for criminal matters that meet its means and merit tests.
How long do police have to charge a summary offence in NSW?
Police generally have 6 months from the alleged offence to start proceedings for a summary offence under section 179 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW). Indictable offences have no general time limit.
Compare nearby and related
- Criminal Lawyers in Australia
- Law Firms in Sydney
- Criminal Lawyers in Wollongong
- Criminal Lawyers in Liverpool
- Criminal Lawyers in Parramatta
- Criminal Lawyers in Campbelltown
- Criminal Lawyers in Newcastle
- Criminal Lawyers in Penrith
- Criminal Lawyers in Blacktown
- Criminal Lawyers in Bankstown
