Criminal Law · Marrickville & Sydney
Charged, or issued a Court Attendance Notice? Early advice matters. We explain the process, your options and what to expect at the Local Court.
How we can help
4.9★
As at October 2026
30+
years serving Sydney
Supplied by CM Lawyers
Google rating as at October 2026. Years of service supplied by CM Lawyers.
Criminal defence
Facing a criminal charge can be stressful, and you do not need to face it alone.
We give clear, practical advice and representation to people in Marrickville, the Inner West and across New South Wales, with a focus on Local Court matters. We regularly act for people charged with summary offences and other matters dealt with in the Local Court, including assault, drink-driving, domestic violence–related offences, property offences and lower-value dishonesty offences.
Depending on the facts, outcomes in Local Court matters can include negotiated resolutions, withdrawn charges, reduced penalties, Conditional Release Orders and outcomes without a conviction. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances, so getting advice early and preparing carefully are important.
Get legal advice before your first court date. The decisions made at that date, including how you plead, can affect the outcome of your matter.
If your court date is soon, please call us on (02) 9557 9000.
When to talk to us
You might contact us at one of these points. A short outline of what has happened is enough to start.
You want to understand the charge and your options before the first court date.
Including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, or an allegation connected to a domestic relationship.
A PCA or driving under the influence charge, or a licence suspension you are thinking about appealing.
An apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) has been sought against you, or you have been charged with breaching an AVO.
Such as larceny, property damage, possession of stolen goods or a lower-value fraud matter.
You have a mention or hearing coming up and want advice or representation.
Our criminal law services
We know a criminal charge is hard to deal with, and we work to make sure you feel supported at every step.
Assault charges often arise from heated arguments, misunderstandings or situations where accounts differ. Even less serious assault allegations can have serious consequences.
We review the police evidence, advise you on available defences, negotiate with police where appropriate and represent you in court. Read more about assault charges.
A drink-driving charge can affect your licence, employment, travel and personal life. Courts take these matters seriously, so preparation is important.
Where appropriate, we work to reduce penalties and disqualification periods and seek an outcome without a conviction. Read more about drink-driving charges.
Domestic violence allegations carry serious legal and personal consequences. We approach these matters with discretion, sensitivity and care.
We help you understand the process, protect your rights and prepare for court. Read more about domestic violence matters and AVOs.
Property offences are commonly dealt with in the Local Court and often involve disputes, misunderstandings or lower-value allegations.
We assess the strength of the prosecution case, explore diversion or negotiated outcomes where they are available, and represent you in court.
These matters involve allegations of dishonesty that are generally lower in value or complexity and are dealt with in the Local Court.
We give realistic advice, look for weaknesses in the prosecution case, negotiate where appropriate and prepare sentencing submissions if needed.
We guide you through each stage of the criminal process.
How it works
Every matter is different, but most Local Court matters follow a similar path.
Call us or send an enquiry, and tell us your next court date. We check that we can act for you.
We read your Court Attendance Notice and the police facts sheet, and explain the charge and the evidence against you.
We advise you on your plea and the outcomes that are possible. Where appropriate, we negotiate with police, for example through written representations.
At the first court date (often called a mention) you may be asked to enter a plea. If you plead guilty, the case may be finalised and the penalty decided that day. If you plead not guilty, the court will usually list the case for a hearing or ask the prosecution to prepare a brief of evidence.
If you plead guilty, we prepare sentencing submissions. If you plead not guilty, we prepare your case for the hearing and brief a barrister if needed.
If you cannot get legal advice before your court date, you can ask the court for an adjournment so that you can get it.
Before you meet us
Bring what you have. It is fine if you don’t have everything yet.
Working with us
The cost depends on the charge, how you plead and how many court dates are needed. Before any work begins, you receive a written estimate of costs.
Questions
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but 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.
In some cases, the court may dismiss the charge under section 10 or make a Conditional Release Order (CRO) without recording a conviction. This depends on the offence, your personal circumstances and the facts of the case, so get advice about your own situation.
The first court date (often called a mention) is usually procedural, but it matters. You may be asked to enter a plea. If you plead guilty, the case may be finalised and the penalty decided that day. If you plead not guilty, the court will usually list the case for a hearing or ask the prosecution to prepare a brief of evidence. Negotiations with the prosecution may also start.
Get legal advice before this date if you can. If you cannot get advice in time, you can ask the court for an adjournment so that you can get it.
In some cases, charges may be withdrawn after negotiations or a further review of the evidence. This depends entirely on the facts and circumstances of the matter.
Our criminal practice focuses on Local Court matters, including summary offences and lower-level indictable offences dealt with summarily.
Related pages
Service
Common assault, actual bodily harm and related allegations.
Service
PCA, DUI, licence disqualification and suspension appeals.
Service
ADVOs, related charges and alleged breaches.
Official
The Court’s own guide to Court Attendance Notices, pleas and hearings.
Make an enquiry
Tell us briefly what has happened and when your next court date is. A short outline is enough; please don’t include confidential details yet. We check that we can act for you before we discuss your matter.
If you have a Court Attendance Notice or other papers from the police, please have them with you when we speak.
If your next court date is soon, please call us.
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Level 3, Unit 3.07
18–30 Faversham Street
Marrickville NSW 2204
You can drive up to Level 3, and two hours’ free parking is available at Wick’s Place.
General information only
This page gives general information about criminal law in NSW as at October 2026. It is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its own facts, and the law and court procedures change, so please get advice about your own situation.
Disclaimer: This website provides general information only. Nothing on this site should be taken to comprise legal advice or used as a substitute for detailed and competent legal advice. While the information contained in this website is believed to be accurate and current, it is provided by CMLawyers in good faith on an “as is” basis. CMLawyers, its directors, officers or employees make no representation or warranty as to the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the information contained on this website, and none of them accept any responsibility arising in any way (including negligence) for errors in, or omissions from, the information contained in this website.
