Criminal Law Services in NSW

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Criminal Law Services in NSW — Clear, Experienced Criminal Defence by CM Lawyers Marrickville 

Facing a criminal charge can be stressful and overwhelming — but you do not need to face it alone. 

At CM Lawyers, we provide clear, strategic and experienced criminal defence representation for clients in Marrickville, the Inner West and across New South Wales, with a strong focus on Local Court criminal matters. 

We regularly act for clients charged with summary offences and Local Court matters, including assault, drink-driving, domestic violence–related offences, property offences and lower-value dishonesty matters. 

Over the years, we have assisted many clients to achieve favourable outcomes, including negotiated resolutions, charge withdrawals where appropriate, reduced penalties, Conditional Release Orders, and non-conviction outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances, but careful preparation and early advice can make a real difference. 

Our criminal law practice focuses on the areas we know well and handle regularly. But what is a criminal offense in NSW?

Our Criminal Law Experience 

Our criminal law matters are handled by an experienced criminal lawyer with strong Local Court knowledge and a practical understanding of NSW criminal procedure, evidence, and sentencing principles. 

We pride ourselves on: 

✔ Thorough preparation 

✔ Realistic and clear advice 

✔ Respectful and confidential representation 

✔ A strategic approach tailored to each client’s circumstances 

Our Criminal Law Services 

With years of experience and a team of Sydney criminal lawyers Sydney nsw, CM Lawyers has earned a reputation as a trusted and effective criminal defense firm. We understand that facing a criminal charge is a challenging experience, and our team works tirelessly to ensure our clients feel supported every step of the way. From Sydney criminal law specialists to criminal solicitors Sydney, we have the knowledge and resources to manage your defense effectively. Nonetheless, you should know your Criminal rights. 

1. Assault Offences (Local Court)

Assault charges often arise from heated arguments, misunderstandings, or situations where accounts differ. Even less serious assault allegations can carry serious consequences. Know more about Assault.

We assist with: 

• Common assault 

• Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (summary matters) 

• Domestic violence–related assault allegations 

• Self-defence and factual dispute matters 

We carefully review the police evidence, advise you on available defences, negotiate with police where appropriate, and represent you in court with a structured and strategic approach. 

2. Drink Driving / PCA Offences

Drink-driving (PCA) charges can affect your licence, employment, travel and personal life. Courts take these matters seriously, but appropriate preparation can significantly influence the outcome. 

We assist with: 

• Low, Mid and High-Range PCA 

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence) 

• Licence disqualification and interlock program issues 

• Licence suspension appeals 

• Sentencing submissions 

• Section 10 dismissals and Conditional Release Orders (CROs) without conviction 

Where appropriate, we work to minimise penalties, reduce disqualification periods, and seek non-conviction outcomes. 

3. Domestic Violence Matters (AVOs & Related Charges)

Domestic violence allegations carry serious legal and personal consequences. We approach these matters with discretion, sensitivity and care. 

We assist with: 

• Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) 

• Domestic violence–related assault charges 

• Alleged breaches of AVOs (summary matters) 

• Negotiation and evidence review 

We help you understand the process, protect your rights, and prepare thoroughly for court. 

4. Property Offences (Summary – Local Court)

Property offences are commonly dealt with in the Local Court and often involve disputes, misunderstandings, or lower-value allegations. 

We assist with: 

• Larceny (including shoplifting) 

• Property damage (non-aggravated) 

• Possession of stolen goods 

• Minor break and enter (summary matters) 

• Receiving stolen property (low-value matters) 

Early advice can be critical. We assess the strength of the prosecution case, explore diversionary or negotiated outcomes where available, and represent you in court. 

5. Low–Moderate Fraud & Dishonesty Offences (Local Court) 

These matters involve allegations of dishonesty but are generally lower in value or complexity and dealt with in the Local Court. 

We assist with: 

• Obtain benefit by deception 

• Basic identity fraud matters 

• Low-value false document offences 

• Small-scale credit card or online fraud 

• Centrelink fraud matters dealt with in the Local Court 

• Small business misappropriation (simple matters) 

We provide realistic advice, identify weaknesses in the prosecution case, negotiate where appropriate, and prepare strong sentencing submissions if required. 

6. Court Procedure, Representation, & Case Management

We guide clients through every stage of the criminal process with clarity and professionalism. 

We assist with: 

• Court mentions 

• Reviewing Court Attendance Notices (CANs) 

• Analysing Police Facts Sheets 

• Negotiating with police 

• Early Guilty Plea (EAGP) advice 

• Written representations 

• Guilty pleas and sentencing hearings 

• Section 10 applications and CROs 

• Briefing counsel when required 

Our goal is to ensure you are fully informed, properly prepared and confidently represented at every stage. 

Why Choose CM Lawyers?

• Experienced criminal practitioners: (with every matter assessed on its own facts and circumstances) 

• Clear, straightforward communication: We explain the process, risks and options in plain English. 

• Local Court knowledge: Based in Marrickville with extensive Local Court experience across NSW. 

• Respectful and supportive representation: We understand how stressful criminal charges can be. 

• Strategic preparation: Preparation matters — and it often leads to better outcomes. 

Charged With a Local Court Matter? 

Speak to a Criminal Defence Lawyer Early 

If you have been charged or issued with a Court Attendance Notice, early legal advice is critical. The decisions made at the first court date can significantly affect the outcome of your matter. 

Contact CM Lawyers today to arrange a confidential consultation and get clear advice about your Local Court matter. 

CM Lawyers — experienced criminal defence when it matters most. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• Do I need a lawyer for a Local Court criminal matter?
  While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, criminal charges can carry serious consequences. A lawyer can assess the evidence, explain your options, negotiate with police where appropriate, and represent you in court.

• Can I avoid a criminal conviction in NSW?
  In some cases, courts may impose a Section 10 dismissal or a Conditional Release Order (CRO) without conviction. This depends on the offence, your personal circumstances, and the facts of the case. Legal advice is essential.

• What happens at the first court date?
  The first court date (a mention) is usually procedural. Pleas may be entered, evidence requested, or negotiations commenced. Early legal advice before this date is strongly recommended.

• Can charges be withdrawn?
  In some cases, charges may be withdrawn following negotiations or further review of the evidence. This depends entirely on the facts and circumstances of the matter.

• Do you only handle Local Court matters?
  Our criminal practice focuses primarily on Local Court criminal matters, including summary offences and lower-level indictable offences dealt with summarily.