Clear advice and strong representation when it matters most

Being investigated or charged with a criminal offence can be stressful and uncertain. The outcome may affect your liberty, employment, professional registration, driver licence, immigration status and reputation.

Summit Lawyers provides practical advice and representation from the earliest stage of a police investigation through to bail, negotiations, Court hearings, sentencing and appeals. We explain your options clearly, protect your rights and develop a strategy suited to your circumstances.

How We Can Help

◆ Police investigations, interviews, arrest, custody, searches and warrants

◆ Bail applications, variations and alleged breaches

◆ Assault, family violence and Intervention Order breach matters

◆ Property, dishonesty, drug, traffic, sexual, weapons and public order offences

◆ Diversion, guilty pleas, contested hearings, trials, sentencing and appeals

Police Investigations and Interviews

Obtain legal advice before participating in a police interview or giving a written statement. We can advise on questioning, searches, warrants, mobile phones and electronic devices, identification procedures, fingerprints, forensic procedures and your rights while in custody.

Charges and Bail

If you are charged, carefully review any summons, notice to appear, bail document or Court date and comply with all conditions. We prepare and present bail applications, seek variations, respond to revocation applications and advise on alleged breaches.

Defending or Resolving a Charge

We review the prosecution brief, explain the elements of each charge and assess the evidence, including witness reliability, identification, admissions, police procedure, self-defence, intention and admissibility issues. If a charge is defended, the prosecution must prove it beyond reasonable doubt.

If you are considering a guilty plea, we explain the charges, alleged facts, likely sentencing range and wider consequences. Where there is a proper basis, we may negotiate with the prosecution before preparing the plea.

Diversion, Sentencing and Appeals

For some less serious charges, the Criminal Justice Diversion Program may resolve a matter without a formal finding of guilt. We can assess eligibility and prepare supporting material, although diversion cannot be guaranteed. We also prepare sentencing submissions and advise on available appeal rights and strict time limits.

Wider Consequences and Early Advice

A charge or conviction may affect visas, citizenship, travel, employment, professional registration, Working with Children clearance, firearms licensing and driver licensing. Early advice can protect your rights, preserve evidence and prevent avoidable mistakes.