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Expert Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

Australia’s Leading Criminal Lawyers for over 30 years. Over 47,000 cases defended. 7 accredited specialists. Get trusted legal defence when it matters most.

JUSTICE HAS TWO SIDES WE ARE ON YOURS

We help you if the police charge you or if you are facing other serious issues. We are Melbourne’s largest specialist criminal law firm, with 21 criminal defence lawyers including 7 Accredited Criminal Lawyer Specialists.

Let us fight for you.

Charged by Police? Speak to a Criminal Lawyer Immediately

The hours after being charged by the police are vital in shaping how your legal proceedings will look. Whether you’re being held for bail or have received a summons for drug offences, immediate intervention by specialist criminal lawyers sets you up for the best possible outcome.

At Doogue + George, our criminal lawyers in Melbourne and across Victoria specialise in holistic criminal defence services that clients can fully trust. We successfully assist clients with everything from bail applications to the defence of criminal charges, often reducing penalties to secure their futures. Our criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne uphold your rights from day one and provide you with the strategic clarity to proceed with confidence.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

With over 47,000 criminal prosecutions successfully defended, we offer Melbourne clients unmatched expertise in criminal and traffic law, corporate crime, and sex offences. 

We combine this profound expertise with a human touch, providing empathetic guidance and accessible support to ensure authorities hear you and feel confidently represented.

  • Accredited Specialists
  • 30+ years of criminal law focus
  • 5 Melbourne offices + Sydney
  • Founding member of ADLA.

Doogue + George has two of Victoria’s five Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyers as ranked by Doyle’s Guide (2026), alongside three Leading lawyers, two Recommended lawyers, and one Rising Star.

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JURY
TRIALS

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21

SKILLED
LAWYERS

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7

ACCREDITED
SPECIALISTS

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5

MELBOURNE
OFFICES

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OUR PRACTICE AREAS

BAIL APPLICATION 

The pathway to freedom while awaiting your court date.

BRIBERY & CORRUPTION OFFENCES

Expert defence against allegations of misconduct, protecting your reputation and your future.

CRIMINAL LAW

Comprehensive legal defence for all types of criminal charges.

DRINK DRIVING
& TRAFFIC OFFENCES

Your strongest chance to keep your licence and minimise penalties for driving-related charges is to seek legal advice.

SEX OFFENCES

Discreet and vigorous defence against sensitive and serious sex offence allegations.

EXTRADITION
& MUTUAL ASSISTANCE

We provide legal support for complex international requests, ensuring your rights remain protected across borders.

IBAC, NACC, & CRIME COMMISSIONS

Skilled guidance and representation during investigations by major integrity and crime bodies.

INTERVENTION ORDERS

Expert assistance with applying for or defending against intervention and restraining orders.

RESTRAINING & CONFISCATION ORDERS

Protecting your assets and preventing restrictions on your freedom.

TAX FRAUD & TAX EVASION

Protecting your financial integrity and defending against serious tax-related accusations.

FAMILY VIOLENCE

Sensitive and effective legal representation for those involved in family violence matters.

INTERNATIONAL & TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW

Navigating complex cases involving criminal activity that crosses international borders.

GLOBAL INVESTIGATIONS

Strategic defence and advice for individuals and corporations facing cross-border enquiries.

ROYAL COMMISSIONS

Representation and support when summoned to appear before a Royal Commission.


WHITE COLLAR CRIME

Experienced defence for corporate and financial crime charges, safeguarding your professional and personal life.

What Happens After You Are Charged in Melbourne

The legal system in Melbourne treats criminal offences strictly. If you face charges, it means you have already received a charge sheet and summons. Your case then moves to the Magistrates’ Court for a hearing, which is also called a “mention.”

During this stage, having the best criminal lawyers on your side is essential. With our criminal lawyer in Melbourne, you can rest assured that a seasoned defence lawyer is working on your case. We rigorously audit the prosecution’s evidence, conduct case conferencing throughout the proceedings, and try to reduce penalties to a diversion. For indictable offences, cases can also proceed to committal hearings to determine if there’s sufficient evidence for a County Court or Supreme Court trial.

You Deserve the Best Defence

Specialist Lawyers for Sexual Offences and Related Matters

At Doogue + George, we provide expert legal representation in sexual offence cases, offering strategic, discreet, and compassionate support to clients facing complex and sensitive allegations.

Expert Lawyers for Intervention Orders and Family Violence Charges

We represent both applicants and respondents in intervention order proceedings and family violence-related charges, providing clear, experienced legal guidance at every stage.

Experience You Can Count On

Our lawyers have extensive experience handling cases across all Victorian courts, from minor offences to complex jury trials.

With a proven track record of successfully defending clients, we understand the importance of every case, big or small.

Best Team of Criminal Defence Lawyers in Melbourne

Whether you plead guilty or not guilty, we commit to providing you with skilled representation and protecting your rights.

Our legal team regularly appears in the Court of Appeal, Royal Commissions, and high-profile white-collar crime cases. With this wealth of experience, we can deliver the best possible outcome for your case.

 

By choosing Doogue + George as your criminal lawyers, you will:

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Have confidence that you will get the best result when accused of wrongdoing.

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Protect your reputation as you navigate complex criminal and regulatory problems.

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Access the best legal resources to avoid the danger of an unjust sentence or a wrongful conviction.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Meet Your Directors

DIRECTOR | ACCREDITED CRIMINAL LAW SPECIALIST

DIRECTOR | ACCREDITED CRIMINAL LAW SPECIALIST

DIRECTOR | ACCREDITED CRIMINAL LAW SPECIALIST

DIRECTOR | ACCREDITED CRIMINAL LAW SPECIALIST

DIRECTOR | ACCREDITED CRIMINAL LAW SPECIALIST

Let’s Talk About Your Case

Your first call could change your outcome. 

Speak to an expert defence lawyer today.

Why Early Legal Advice Matters

Victoria’s legal process rests on complex statutes, such as the Sentencing Act 1991 and the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Criminal matters follow various protocols under these, so navigating them without expert legal advice is a significant risk. Early intervention by our criminal lawyer in Melbourne ensures we take every step correctly, allowing us to fight for your freedom. We can preserve critical evidence, engage in immediate negotiations, and prevent your case from escalating into contested hearings or prison terms. Our client-focused approach also means we provide tailored defence strategies to ensure every legal decision is advantageous to your situation.

Speak to a Criminal Lawyer Melbourne Today

If you are already facing criminal charges or are under investigation, every moment counts. You need an accredited criminal law specialist on your side, working to preserve your rights and ensure minimal repercussions. With us, that’s precisely what you get. You work with a highly experienced criminal defence lawyer in Melbourne who understands your situation, deals with discretion, and helps you gain complete clarity about potential outcomes, all while building a robust defence. Since we’re located close to the local courts, you also enjoy the home-ground advantage of urgent intervention when it matters most. Don’t leave anything to chance; call Melbourne’s leading criminal defence lawyers today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our team handles a wide range of criminal law matters, including bail applications, drink driving & traffic offences, family violence, sex offences, white-collar crime, tax fraud, and representation in Royal Commissions, IBAC, NACC, and Crime Commission investigations.

It is your right to decide whether to participate in a police interview; it is not the police’s right to demand it. Anything you say can be used against you; therefore, it’s usually highly beneficial to seek legal advice before speaking to the police or participating in any interview. Our team can advise you on your rights, represent you during interviews, and ensure you do not inadvertently harm your case.

Avoiding a conviction is often a primary goal, and our expert criminal lawyers will explore every possible avenue to achieve that goal for you. While outcomes depend on the specific circumstances of your case, we leverage our extensive experience and strategic approach to secure the most favourable result.

Your Doogue + George criminal defence lawyer will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your case. Generally, preparation involves:

  • Gathering all relevant documents and information.
  • Discussing your plea and defence strategy with your lawyer.
  • Understanding court procedures and expectations.
  • Dressing appropriately and arriving on time.

Your lawyer will ensure you remain fully prepared and confident for your court appearance.

Yes. We have offices located in Melbourne CBD, Broadmeadows, Heidelberg, Moorabbin, Sunshine, and Sydney, enabling representation in courts across Victoria and New South Wales.

Our practice remains dedicated to criminal law, including serious offences, regulatory prosecutions, and traffic matters. This focus reflects regular court appearances and ongoing engagement with criminal procedure and evidence in defended prosecutions.

Yes. Defence work includes serious criminal allegations and complex prosecutions involving large volumes of evidence, financial records, regulatory investigations, and cross-border issues. Representation extends to matters requiring strategic case preparation and contested hearings.