Looking for a criminal lawyer in Melbourne CBD? Most people assume a criminal charge follows them forever. That’s not always true, and the difference usually comes down to what happens in the weeks before your first court date, not the day itself.
A criminal charge doesn’t stay contained to court. It shows up on background checks, visa applications and job interviews years later. What you do in the next few weeks changes that.
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5,600+ traffic cases defended • 99% of our work is traffic law, not general criminal defence • Fixed fees, no hidden costs • 100% confidentiality guaranteed, available 24/7 • 90% of cases resolved in a single court day
If you’ve never faced a criminal charge before, the fear isn’t really about today’s court date. It’s about the record that could sit behind you for years, and everything it touches: a visa, a working with children check, a job you haven’t even applied for yet. Most people who call us have never been in trouble before. Tell us what happened and we’ll give you a straight answer on where you actually stand, maximum penalty first, then what actually tends to happen for a matter like yours.
What a Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne CBD Handles
We act on criminal matters including assault, theft, drug possession and property damage. See our case studies for real outcomes, or read more about our services.
Real result
One recent example: a client facing five charges, including theft, drink driving and careless driving, after an e-scooter collision. We reviewed the brief and found no direct observation of the alleged theft, no CCTV despite it being available, and no fingerprint evidence linking our client to the scooter. We contested the charges. The prosecution withdrew all five.
Your Criminal Lawyer, Local to Melbourne CBD
If your matter is being heard at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, our CBD office is a short walk away. We appear there often enough to know the registry, the usual list pace, and what a first mention actually looks like, so nothing on the day is a surprise to you, even if it’s your first time in a courtroom.
What happens next
1. Call or SMS us and tell us what you’ve been charged with.
2. We explain the maximum penalty honestly, then what actually tends to happen for a matter like yours.
3. We prepare your matter properly before it ever reaches court, usually at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
If this sounds like where you are right now, the next step is a five-minute call, not a decision. As your criminal lawyer, Melbourne CBD’s Magistrates’ Court is home turf for us.
Why Choose William Archer Traffic Lawyers
Choosing the right traffic lawyer in Melbourne can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At William Archer Defence Lawyers, we offer several key advantages that set us apart from other criminal law firms.
Proven track record of successful outcomes in traffic offence cases
Targeted expertise in traffic law and criminal defence
Skilled negotiation and strong court representation to minimise penalties
Constant support throughout the entire legal process
Fixed fees with no hidden costs for transparency and peace of mind
We serve all courst and suburbs in Victoria with flexible meeting options
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Amalia from William Archer was really helpful and accommodating. She assisted me in every way she could do to enlighten me with my case. She is willing to help me more beyond expectation. Amalia is a gem!”
“They were great, The lawyer I had was straight forward, kind and clear and if you wasn’t sure about something they would explain it with better detail, I would recommend them”
“Happy to answer multiple Qs , didn’t rush me off the phone , happy to spend time and elaborate even though mine was a small case compared to most.
No sugar coating , very honest , no bs.
Thankyou to Ameia !
Kind regards
Brok…..”
"Dear Amalia, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your invaluable advice and guidance regarding the infringement notice I received. Your insights were clear, practical, and provided me with much-needed reassurance during a stressful time. Your expertise and thoughtful... Read More
"This review is for Amalia Vicze - one of the best experiences Ive had when it has come to dealing with lawyers. Not only was she comforting, but brief, efficient and clearly great at her job. Despite the stress any individual may face when going to any lawyer, Amalia provided... Read More
"I had the pleasure of working with Luke, and I can't recommend him highly enough! Not only did he help me save my driver’s license, but he also made the entire experience much less stressful. Luke is incredibly down to earth and has a way of making you feel relaxed,... Read More
"What can I say, from Amalia to Luke, William ARCHER Lawyers were exceptional. Luke helped me every step of the way, explaining to me through every step and reassuring me as I was a nervy wreck with this being my first ever time in court. I was expecting a hefty... Read More
“I was fortunate to have Luke Simpson look after my case. Luke was a true professional to work with. Luke explained the process clearly, leading up to the case and also on the day. Great outcome, i highly recommend Luke’s services in this area.”
“Attorney Luke is very patient, polite, and able to provide the most professional legal advice and help in a timely manner. Many thanks to Luke and his team, highly recommended!”
“They gave me some valuable information free of cost and told me other lawyers would probably take you to court and lose and even charge you money that bit of information was given to me of cost”
