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Criminal Lawyers Melbourne

Protecting Your Rights with Experienced Legal Representation Since 1966

Calm, Clear Legal Defence When You Need It Most

Being charged with a criminal or traffic offence is overwhelming. The impact on your freedom, your record, your family — even your job — can be serious and lasting. At Kelly & Chapman , we provide professional, results-driven criminal defence across all levels of Victorian courts.

Since 1966

our criminal lawyers have stood beside clients in Police interviews, Magistrates’ Court hearings, County Court appeals and more. Whether you’re facing a fine, a disqualification, or the possibility of imprisonment, we guide you with strength, strategy and support.

Criminal Law Services

Can involve Police interviews, bail applications, hearings, trials or guilty pleas.

Is the area of law dealing with offences against the law, including charges laid by Victoria Police or regulatory bodies.

Requires prompt legal advice to avoid self-incrimination or worsening outcomes.

Covers traffic, drug, theft, assault, domestic violence, and white-collar offences.

Outcomes range from diversion and fines to suspended sentences or prison terms.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defence Lawyers

We’re not here to judge. We’re here to defend. At Kelly & Chapman, we understand how confronting criminal charges can be. Our lawyers act swiftly, speak plainly, and defend vigorously.

We provide:

Early advice before or after charges are laid
Cost estimates and updates at every stage
Strong negotiation for charge reduction or diversion

SStrategic defence planning to minimise conviction or penalty
Support with bail, sentencing, and appeals

We serve clients from East Brighton, Brighton, Cheltenham, Hampton, Oakleigh, Chadstone, Clayton, Carnegie, Bentleigh and beyond — with multilingual support in Greek, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian.

Signs You Need a Criminal Lawyer

1. You’ve Been Contacted by Police

Don’t go to an interview without legal advice. We explain your rights, attend interviews, and ensure you don’t say anything that could be used against you later. Silence is your legal right. Use it.

2. You’ve Been Charged or Summoned

Whether it’s for driving without a licence, shop theft, assault, or fraud, we review the charge sheet, assess the evidence, and build a defence. We’ll advise if you should plead guilty or not guilty — and what to expect at every stage.

3. You’re Due in the Magistrates’ or County Court

We appear regularly in courts across Victoria. We’ll prepare your case, brief a barrister where needed, and represent you with confidence, including during:
• Plea hearings
• Contested hearings
• Bail applications
• Intervention order matters
• Appeals

4. You Need to Minimise Penalties or Avoid Conviction

We help eligible clients apply for:
• Diversion programs (no conviction)
• Adjourned undertakings
• Good behaviour bonds
• Fines without conviction
• Section 10A dismissals
We focus on reducing charges, protecting your record, and minimising court outcomes.

5. You Want a Clean Record for Travel, Work or Immigration

A criminal record can affect:
• Job applications
• Visa approvals
• Working with children checks
• Rental and housing access
We work hard to avoid convictions and minimise the long-term consequences for your future.

Our Criminal Defence Process

Case Review

We review your charges, the evidence, and any prior history. We explain the penalties you face and outline your legal options.

Defence Planning

We build your defence strategy — whether to contest, negotiate or plead. We gather evidence, seek expert reports or character references, and prepare submissions.

Court Representation

We appear on your behalf in all hearings. You’re never alone in court. We explain what’s happening, speak for you, and advocate strongly.

Outcome Support

Whether your matter is dismissed, resolved by diversion, or leads to sentencing, we assist with the next steps — including appeals, fines, bond conditions or record management.

Why Kelly & Chapman for Dispute Resolution

With over 50 years’ experience, we’re known for:

Calm, clear-headed legal advice during a crisis

Prompt responses, no waiting, no judgment

Strong representation from first appearance to final outcome

Office in Bentleigh with free parking and local support

Culturally aware service in multiple languages

Criminal Law Services We Provide

Police interview advice and attendance
Bail applications
Driving offences (drink driving, suspended licence, unlicensed)
Theft, burglary and robbery
Assault (including domestic violence charges)
Drug possession and trafficking
Fraud, deception and white-collar crime
Intervention orders (IVO, FVIO, PSIO)
Public order offences
Firearms and weapon charges
Sentencing submissions and mitigation
Diversion applications
Criminal appeals (Magistrates’ to County)
Criminal record and disclosure advice

What Our Clients Say

Thank you so much Laiany Pinto! Your guidance and advice was greatly appreciated during our short settlement. You are very approachable, professional and have exceptional communication. We highly recommend Kelly & Chapman Lawyers!

Shaun H
May 9, 2025
I can't express how grateful I am for Susan's exceptional service as my conveyancer. As a first home buyer, her guidance was invaluable throughout the entire process. Her attention to detail is truly second to none. Susan's expertise and dedication made what could have been a stressful experience remarkably smooth and straightforward. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of a conveyancer. Susan, thank you for your outstanding support!

Hooman Tahbaz
September 13, 2023
Susan Gale-Phillips has provided me and my family with conveyance services twice in the past one year and reviewed numerous contracts for us. She is very responsive, professional and easy to communicate with. Susan always bring up key issues for our attention and provides very helpful advices. We are very lucky to have Susan and our property purchase has been very smooth because of her.

Ellen Tao
July 3, 2024
We found Susan Gale-Phillips to be extremely professional, knowledgeable, efficient, thorough and meticulous. She alleviated any concerns and went above and beyond, always explaining everything to us at all times. There was peace of mind, knowing we didn't have to worry about a thing as we were in great hands. Susan made the whole process clear and easy. I would not hesitate to recommend Susan Gale-Phillips from Kelly Chapman Lawyers.

Nikki
August 28, 2023
Today the cycle of buying and selling was completed. We were recommended to Kelly and Chapman by a friend who said that Susan and Laiany are the most competent team to handle the conveyancing for a purchase and sale. Throughout the process of buying and selling we were always kept updated and fully informed. When selling potential purchasers were requesting special conditions along with various requests. The recommendations in answer to these from both Susan and Laiany were always sound and relevant in safeguarding our interests. Laiany and Susan are the hardest working conveyancing team we have come across in the many property transactions we have been involved in over the years. We can highly recommend them if you require a conveyancer. Thank you Susan and Laiany

Michael Lewit
May 16, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges

What should I say to the police?

Say as little as possible until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent.

Can I avoid a conviction?

Yes — with a good lawyer, you may be eligible for diversion, a dismissal, or sentencing without conviction.

What’s the worst that could happen?

We’ll explain your maximum penalties and realistic outcomes based on your history, the evidence and the court.

Will this affect my job or visa?

It can. That’s why early legal advice is critical — to avoid a record or reduce its impact.

How much will it cost?

Yes — usually 6 years for contract claims and less for others. Early legal advice is crucial.

Ready to Talk?

It starts with a conversation. No pressure. Just a chance to meet, listen and plan the next step together.

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