Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Canberra, Australia Attorneys in related practice areas.
Criminal defense law deals with the rights of individuals charged with criminal offences in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. This field of law focuses on protecting the rights of the accused while ensuring that justice prevails. It includes misdemeanours, felonies, white-collar crimes, domestic violence, traffic offences and serious criminal conduct, such as robbery, assault, and murder.
This segment of law is complex and often requires professional expertise. If you're facing criminal charges, your reputation, freedom, and future could be at stake. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can offer their assistance by explaining your rights, developing a strong defense, examining the evidence against you, negotiating plea bargains, and representing you at trial.
In Canberra, criminal laws are detailed within the Crimes Act 1900 and Criminal Code 2002. These cover a range of offences, including crimes against a person, property offences, public order offences, and regulatory offences. A defence lawyer can help navigate these laws and regulations, protecting the rights of those accused and ensuring they receive a fair trial.
Upon arrest, you have the right to remain silent, the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, and the right to be treated humanely and without discrimination.
Bail is a legal process through which you can secure temporary freedom from custody as your case progresses. Bail conditions may be imposed, and breaching such conditions can result in serious penalties.
You have the right to self-representation, however, it's often wise to have a competent defense lawyer due to the complexity of criminal law. They can help you understand the legal process, potential defenses, and consequences you may be facing.
Summary offences are minor crimes, tried in the Magistrates Court, while indictable offences are more serious and often tried in the Supreme Court or the ACT’s intermediate court.
AFP are responsible for enforcing criminal law within the ACT, including arrest, investigation and laying charges. However, they must also respect your rights as an accused person.
Resources such as Legal Aid ACT, Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT), and the Human Rights Commission ACT provide legal advice and assistance with respect to criminal law. The ACT Law Handbook is also a valuable resource for gaining insights into Canberra’s legal system.
If you require legal assistance in criminal defense, the first step is to seek professional advice. It's important to find a lawyer with experience in criminal defense who is aimed at protecting your rights and interests. Always make sure to disclose all pertinent details regarding your case to your lawyer to help them build the best possible defense strategy for you.
