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Wollongong 02 4227 3505

Criminal Lawyers

Criminal law is complex and involves allegations against individuals by the state. We provide tailored advice and representation, as no two cases are the same.

Our team of experienced criminal law specialists is committed to helping you navigate through the challenges of the legal process, ensuring that you receive fair and honest representation at all stages.

Expert Legal Representation for Criminal Offences

Criminal law is complex and involves allegations against individuals by the state. At Morrisons, we understand the intricacies of criminal law in NSW and are dedicated to providing expert legal representation and guidance to our clients.

Our team of experienced criminal law specialists is committed to helping you navigate through the challenges of the legal process, ensuring that you receive fair and honest representation at all stages.

We handle a wide range of criminal charges at both state and federal levels, offering the expertise you need to make informed decisions and secure the best possible outcome for your situation.

Our Experience Covers a Diverse Array of Criminal Charges

Assault

Our expertise covers various assault charges – such as common assault, assaults against police officers, assault with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and more.

Murder and Homicide

We provide criminal law representation for charges including murder, manslaughter, assault causing death and supply of drugs causing death.

Sexual allegations

Our team is experienced with sexual assault allegations, assault with intent to have sexual intercourse, sexual touching, offences involving children and other related offences.

Drugs

We offer specialised criminal law advice and representation for the possession, manufacture, production, supply and trafficking of prohibited drugs.

Domestic violence

Our team can assist with cases involving stalking, intimidation, contravening Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) and more.

Property

We provide legal support for a range of property-related offences – including robbery, stealing, housebreaking, larceny and fraud.

Driving

Whether you’re facing charges related to dangerous driving, driving under the influence, or driving while disqualified, we are here to provide expert representation.

Commonwealth & Federal

The expertise of our criminal lawyers extends to offences falling under federal jurisdiction – such as terrorism, forgery, improper use of emergency call services, possessing child abuse material and more.

Firearms and Weapons

Our comprehensive experience covers an extensive range of firearm and weapons related charges, such as possessing and supplying firearms and possessing prohibited weapons. We also provide advice of Firearm Prohibition (FPO’s) and Weapons Prohibition Orders (WPO’s), including appeals against the making of the orders and allegations that they have been breached.

Civil Proceedings

Our team of lawyers also provides advice and representation in civil proceedings against the NSW police. This can be on the basis of unlawful arrest, assault, battery, trespass and malicious prosecution. We provide advice to clients on the possibility of these civil actions after successful outcomes in criminal proceedings.

Crime Commissions

Our expertise includes appearing and advising on proceedings before the NSW Crime Commission and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. These bodies are tasked with investigating and gathering evidence of serious criminal activity and are given a number of powers under federal and state legislation.

Other Criminal and Related Proceedings

We provide representation and advice in many more criminal, traffic and related proceedings. There are too many to list here, but please contact our office for a free consultation with one of our expert criminal and traffic lawyers.

The Morrisons Team are Criminal Defence Law Specialists

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, but at Morrisons we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team of experienced criminal law specialists includes Graeme Morrison and Matthew Ward who are recognised as Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law by the NSW Law Society. With over 63 years of combined experience, our commitment to our clients is unwavering.

Whether you need advice at an early stage, representation during criminal investigations or defence in court proceedings, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the legal process. Trust in Morrisons to provide you with clear, realistic and strategic advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

“Every person deserves a voice in Court and it is a privilege to provide that to our clients.”

What our clients say

4.8 Over 137 Reviews

Your Trusted Legal Partners

At Morrisons, we’re not just your legal representatives – we’re you and your family’s partners throughout your legal journey. With decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law in New South Wales, we’re equipped to handle even the most complex cases.

Our commitment to excellence, a personalised approach and transparent practices makes us the law firm you can rely on for trusted advice and dedicated representation.

“Being able to help a client and their family through a difficult criminal process is what we have always done and what we will always do.”

Comprehensive legal support every step of the way

At Morrisons we believe that access to legal advice and representation is crucial, especially during challenging times. That’s why we offer a range of criminal law services designed to make your experience as smooth and transparent as possible.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Free initial consultation

Your journey with us begins with a free 30-minute consultation. We understand that criminal law matters can be complex and you may have questions and concerns that need immediate attention. That’s why we offer this initial consultation without any charge. It’s an opportunity for you to discuss your situation, gain insights into your case and explore your options. We’re here to listen and provide you with the guidance you need to make informed decisions.

Comprehensive support from start to finish

Legal proceedings can be daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our commitment to you extends from the moment an incident occurs, or the police contact you, all the way to the resolution of your case.

We understand that every step of the legal process can be critical and we’re here to guide you through each stage. Whether it’s providing legal advice, representing you in court in the Wollongong, Illawarra, South Coast or Southern Highlands regions, or negotiating on your behalf – we’re by your side every step of the way.

Tailored advice and representation

At Morrisons, we recognise that each case is unique and your needs are specific to your circumstances. Our approach is centred around understanding your situation, concerns and objectives. Our experienced team of criminal law specialists takes the time to tailor our advice and representation to your specific circumstances. We believe that effective legal support should be personalised, addressing the nuances of your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Clear and transparent fee structure

We understand that cost transparency is essential. To ensure you have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of your case, we offer a fixed fee for many of our services. This means that right from the beginning, you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of costs. No hidden surprises, no unexpected bills. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you can focus on your case without worrying about unpredictable fees.

Your trusted legal partners

At Morrisons, we’re not just your legal representatives – we’re you and your family’s partners throughout your legal journey. With decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of criminal law in New South Wales, we’re equipped to handle even the most complex cases. Our commitment to excellence, a personalised approach and transparent practices makes us the law firm you can rely on for trusted advice and dedicated representation.

Facing Criminal Charges?

Contact us

    Office

    Office/Mailing Address:
    Level 1, 83-85 Market Street,
    Wollongong NSW 2500

    Wollongong

    t. 02 4227 3505
    e. admin@morrisonslaw.com.au

    Southern Highlands

    t. 02 4868 2595
    e. admin@morrisonslaw.com.au

    Courts we regularly attend

    Criminal Law FAQs

    Criminal and civil law are two distinct branches of the legal system that serve different purposes and deal with different types of disputes. The main difference between criminal and civil law is in the nature of the cases they address and the consequences they entail.

    Criminal law focuses on offences committed against society as a whole. This is where the state or other government bodies prosecute individuals, as well as organisations, accused of committing crimes. The objective of criminal law is to hold people to account for their actions and maintain public order. Crimes such as theft, assault or murder are considered offences against society. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused person ‘’beyond reasonable doubt”. If found guilty, the accused may face penalties such as fines, good behaviour bonds or imprisonment.

    On the other hand, civil law deals with disputes between individuals or entities. These typically involve private matters and conflicts over rights, obligations or compensation for harm caused. Civil law cases can cover a wide range of issues including contracts, property disputes, personal injury claims, family law, or negligence claims. In civil law the burden of proof is typically lower, known as the “balance of probabilities”. If found liable, the defendant may be required to pay monetary damages, stop certain actions or fulfil specific obligations as determined by the court.

    In Australia, criminal law refers to the body of laws and legal principles that define and regulate offences committed against the state or society as a whole. It encompasses the rules and procedures that govern the investigation, prosecution and punishment of individuals accused of criminal conduct.

    Criminal law in Australia is primarily established through legislation, such as the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and other relevant statutes enacted at both state and federal levels. It covers a wide range of offences from minor infractions to serious crimes – including theft, assault, drug offences, fraud and murder.

    The fundamental principles of criminal law in Australia include – the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof on the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and the right to a fair trial. The penalties for criminal offences vary depending on the severity of the offence and may include fines, good behaviour bonds, community service, imprisonment or a combination of these.

    In Australia, criminal law encompasses various types of offences that are often classified based on their nature and severity. The types of criminal law offences in Australia can include:

    • Crimes against the person: These offences involve harm, or threats of harm, to individuals – such as assault, murder, manslaughter, sexual offences and domestic violence.
    • Crimes against property: These offences involve actions that harm or involve illegal dealings with property – such as theft, robbery, fraud, arson and vandalism.
    • Drug offences: These offences involve the production, possession, trafficking, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances, as outlined in the relevant legislation.
    • White-collar crimes: These offences are typically non-violent and involve financial or business-related illegal activities – such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading and tax evasion.
    • Traffic offences: These offences relate to violations of road traffic laws – including speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a licence and driving causing serious injury/death.
    • Cybercrimes: These offences involve criminal activities conducted through electronic means – such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud and unauthorised access to computer systems.
    • Offences against public order: These offences relate to actions that disturb public peace, order or safety – including public intoxication, disorderly conduct, rioting, affray and public nuisance.

    It is important to note that these categories are not exhaustive and criminal offences can overlap or fall under multiple categories depending on their specific elements. The classification and punishment of criminal offences in Australia is primarily determined by legislation, such as the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and other relevant statutes enacted at both federal and state levels.

    In Australia, an accredited specialist is a solicitor who has demonstrated expertise in a particular area of law and has been identified as a specialist by the NSW Law Society. They recognise accredited specialists in a number of areas of law, including criminal law.

    To gain status as an accredited specialist a solicitor must pass the Law Society’s rigorous assessments in communication, problem solving, client relations and, of course, their specialist area of law.

    To maintain their status as an accredited specialist, a solicitor must annually renew their accreditation to practise the law and membership of the Law Society, plus ensure they maintain their high level skills and knowledge by completing additional professional development points.

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    We are the only private law firm in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and South Coast regions with two lawyers recognised as Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law by the NSW Law Society.