70+ Years of Criminal Defence Experience


Our long-established law firm comprises some of the most experienced and respected criminal defence lawyers in the nation, with combined specialist experience of over 70 years.

This ensures you receive the highest quality legal representation, whatever your criminal or traffic law case may be.

Accredited Criminal Law Specialists


Our highly-respected team of experienced criminal defence lawyers is spearheaded by lawyers who have been certified by the Law Society of New South Wales as Accredited Criminal Law Specialists.

Only a very small percentage of lawyers achieve this status, which is the legal profession’s recognition of excellence in the field.

We have
Accredited Specialists
in Criminal Law

Outstanding Track Record


Our law firm has long and consistent track record of securing exceptional results for our clients, frequently achieving not guilty verdicts and non-conviction orders in circumstances where clients have been advised by other firms that these outcomes are unattainable.

Going to court? Take advantage of our free first conference to see what sets us apart. We offer fixed fees for many of our services and realistic cost estimates for serious and complex criminal cases.

Our Awards

Our outstanding track record of results and exceptional level of client service has been recognised by several respected professional organisations over many years.
All Awards
  • TV Channel Ten
  • TV Channel Nine
  • news.com.au
  • TV Channel Seven
  • ABC TV
  • BBC TV
  • 2GB Radio
  • SBS TV
  • Dynamic Business
  • The Sydney Morning Herald
  • Lawyers Weekly
  • Law Society Journal
  • Triple J Radio
  • Aljazeera
  • CNN
  • NBC News
  • The Washington Post
  • The Guardian
  • NHK - Japan Broadcasting Corporation
  • Foxtel
  • The Courier Mail
  • HuffPost
  • Vice
  • EuroNews

What Our Clients Say

Our firm more positive client reviews than any other law firm in Australia. Here are some of the reviews left by our valued clients:
3 weeks ago by Michael B.
Incredible experience and highly professional team
★★★★★

Incredible experience and highly professional team at SCL - I was privileged to have been represented by Yusuf Assaad. From the initial consultation he was… read more
4 weeks ago by Isaiah H.
His expertise and commitment to achieving the best outcome truly made a difference
★★★★★

I had the pleasure of being represented by Yusuf Assaad, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. Yusuf demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication… read more
4 weeks ago by Joshua S.
For my case, a positive outcome was obtained
★★★★★

Rachel and the team were very helpful at explaining everything throughout the legal proceedings to assist in full understanding of what will happen and ensuring… read more
4 weeks ago by Sudeep K C.
They provided clear, straightforward advice at every step
★★★★★

I had an exceptional experience with Sydney Criminal Lawyers. From the moment I contacted them, the team was incredibly professional, responsive, and supportive. Their expertise… read more
4 weeks ago by James M.
He negotiated very well for me and I am happy with the outcome
★★★★★

After previously hiring lawyers that have not had my best interest at heart, Jayden from Sydney Criminal Lawyers was a breath of fresh air, he… read more
1 month ago by Tamara N.
He saved my career
★★★★★

Today not only did Yusuf get the result I wanted but he saved my career. Yusuf was quick, attentive to detail and made me believe… read more
1 month ago by Benjamin W.
Outstanding result achieved
★★★★★

Worked with Jayden Murdoch on a traffic matter. Outstanding result achieved and thoroughly proffessional approach. read more
2 months ago by Andrew M.
They have listened patiently and fully explain everything, really making a difference
★★★★★

I am really indebted to Arvind and Sydney Criminal Lawyers for their invaluable help throughout such a tough time. From the moment I stepped inside… read more

Our Defence Lawyers

Our defence team comprises some of the most experienced and highly respected specialist criminal and traffic defence lawyers in the nation.

Ugur Nedim

Principal Criminal Defence Lawyer

Vinny Vijay

Senior Associate Criminal Defence Lawyer

Mariecar Capili

Senior Associate Criminal Defence Lawyer

Rachel Martin

Senior Associate Criminal Lawyer

Robert Hanson

Senior Associate Criminal Lawyer

Patrick O’Sullivan

Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer

Tandy Machisa

Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer

Ashoorina Anoya

Criminal Defence Lawyer

Yusuf Assaad

Criminal Defence Lawyer

David Harradine

Criminal Defence Lawyer
All Lawyers

Success Stories

An unparalleled track record of success in a wide range of criminal and traffic law cases.

Lawyer Granted Bail After Being Charged With Choking and Multiple Counts of Sexual Assault

Our client is a lawyer from the eastern suburbs of Sydney. He is charged with 11 criminal offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, using… read more

Jury Finds Client Not Guilty of Sexual Assault Despite Partial Admissions to Police

Our client is a 19-year old man from south-western Sydney. Shortly after his 18th birthday, he was invited to participate in a police interview.  He voluntarily… read more

No Criminal Record, Licence Disqualification or Fine for High Range Drink Driving

Our client is a successful businessman, environmentalist and family man. He was charged by police with High Range Drink driving, having returned a positive breath… read more

Not Guilty of Sexual Assault and Legal Costs Awarded

Our client is a 28--year old officer of the Australian Navy. He was originally charged with aggravated sexual assault in company, against a woman his… read more

All Stories

Latest Articles

News, views and interviews about criminal and traffic law, your rights and legal issues impacting on the Australian legal landscape.
Nuclear safety bill
by Paul Gregoire

Making “Australia a Global Nuclear Waste Dump”: Senator Shoebridge on Labor’s Latest Betrayal

In passing the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill 2024 on Thursday last week, the Albanese government quietly got a proposition over the line in this country that had been resisted for decades and that was in the passing of... continue

Barrister holding wig
by Emma Starr

NSW Bar Association Reports Dramatic Spike in Complaints Against Barristers

The New South Wales Bar Association’s annual report for the 2023 – 2024 year was released last week, revealing that the number of complaints against barristers referred by the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC) to the Association had... continue

Domestic orders
by Ugur Nedim

Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders in New South Wales

On 24 September 2024, the Crimes (Domestic ad Personal Violence) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 was passed by both Houses of the New South Wales Parliament, amending the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (‘the Act’) to, among other... continue

October 7th for Palestine
by Paul Gregoire

“Killed, and for What End?”: Tasnim Sammak on Marking October 7th for Palestine

The October 7th vigils marked a year since the Israeli military launched its offensive against the 2.3 million Palestinians of the Gaza Strip. And in taking place on Gadigal in Sydney and in Naarm-Melbourne, they were the solemn, peaceful events,... continue

All Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to frequently asked questions about getting legal help for criminal and traffic law cases.
  • What is a criminal defence lawyer?

    criminal defence lawyer is a legal practitioner who represents the interests of those accused of criminal offences by government agencies such as state and federal police forces, Offices of the Director of Public or the Roads and Maritime Service.

  • What is a traffic lawyer?

    traffic lawyer is a defence lawyer with specialist experience in representing those accused of driving and other road-related offences such as drink or drug driving, driving whilst disqualified, speeding and red light cameras by state agencies such as the police or Roads and Maritime Service.

  • How can I find the best criminal lawyer?

    There are many factors to consider when looking for the best criminal lawyer and law firm for your case, including whether they:

    1. Are certified by the Law Society of New South Wale as Accredited Criminal Law Specialists,
    2. Specialise exclusively in criminal defence,
    3. Have been established for a long time and have lawyers who are vastly experienced in criminal law,
    4. Have a long and proven track record of producing outstanding outcomes for clients,
    5. Regularly receive awards for high–quality legal work and exceptional client service,
    6. Have a strong track record of positive client reviews, and
    7. Have transparent fee structures, such as fixed fees.

    Be wary of firms who advertise percentages of ‘success’ or guarantee results, as these claims can be misleading and are seldom substantiated.

    Take your time – choosing the right lawyer is an important decision that can make all the difference to the outcome of your case.

  • How much does a criminal lawyer cost?

    The price for a criminal defence lawyer will depend on several factors, including whether the case is undertaken on a fixed fee basis or an hourly rate, as well as whether the lawyer specialises exclusively in criminal law, their years of experience doing so and whether they have been certified as Accredited Criminal Law Specialists.

    Fixed fee court representation in criminal cases will normally start from around $2000 + GST for a specialist criminal defence lawyer, and hourly rates will normally range from $300 + GST for a junior criminal lawyer up to $600 + GST or more for an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist, who are generally regarded as the very best criminal lawyers in the state.

  • How can I get a free first appointment with a criminal lawyer?

    You can get a free first appointment with a criminal lawyer by checking on the firm’s website whether these are offered, or by calling or emailing the law firm and asking.

    A first appointment is a way to obtain advice about your case, your options and the best way forward, as well as to determine whether the lawyer and law firm you are seeing are right for you.

    First appointments should always be obligation-free, meaning you should never be or even feel forced to engage the lawyer or law firm for your case.

  • What should I do if I’m accused of a criminal offence?

    If you are facing allegations of having committed a criminal offence, it is extremely important to contact a criminal defence lawyer right away because they are there to protect you and your interests, whereas those who are prosecuting you have interests that are not aligned with yours.

    A specialist criminal lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to advise you about where you stand, your options and the best way forward.

  • What should I do if I’m accused of a traffic offence?

    If you are going to court for a traffic offence or have received a penalty notice (fine), it is very important to consult a defence lawyer who is experienced in driving cases as they will be able to advise you of the right steps to take in order to achieve the optimal outcome in the circumstances.

    Several law firms who are experienced in traffic law cases will offer free first conferences to those who are going to court.

  • Where can I find the nearest criminal lawyer in NSW?

    You can find the nearest Sydney Criminal Lawyers office to you by entering your location into our handy find a lawyer near me tool – we have ten office locations across the Sydney metropolitan area and beyond, including Newcastle, Cessnock and Wollongong. We also offer conferences by phone and Zoom.

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