Charged with an offence? Get advice early.
Being questioned by police or charged with an offence is stressful, and what you do early on can affect the outcome. Freadman Lawyers gives clear, practical advice and represents clients in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and on appeal. Principal lawyer Andrew Freadman has more than 40 years’ experience in legal practice.
Contacted by police? Apart from giving your name and address when lawfully required, you generally have the right not to answer questions. Get legal advice before you make a statement or take part in an interview.
Bail applications
If you or a family member have been arrested and remanded in custody, a bail application may be made to the court. Depending on the charge, the court considers whether there is an unacceptable risk of the person failing to appear, committing further offences or endangering others – and for some serious charges, a higher test applies. We prepare the application, propose suitable bail conditions (such as reporting, residence and surety) and argue for release. We also help with applications to vary bail conditions.
Traffic offences
- Drink driving and drug driving
- Speeding, including excessive speed
- Driving while suspended, disqualified or unlicensed
- Careless, dangerous and reckless driving
- Failing to stop or give details after an accident
- Licence loss, demerit points and applications for a licence eligibility order
- Infringement notices – including deciding whether to pay, seek a review or take the matter to court
Many traffic offences carry mandatory licence loss. The right plea and strong material in mitigation can make a real difference to the penalty.
Theft and dishonesty offences
- Theft and shop theft
- Burglary
- Handling stolen goods
- Obtaining property or financial advantage by deception
- Fraud and dishonesty offences
Other criminal matters
- Assault and related offences
- Drug possession and use
- Criminal damage
- Breaches of intervention orders
- Weapons offences
- Summary offences, such as offensive behaviour
How we help
- Early advice – before a police interview, or as soon as you are charged.
- Reviewing the evidence – checking the police brief and advising on your prospects.
- Pleas of guilty – preparing character references and reports, and presenting your circumstances to the court to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Diversion – for eligible first-time offenders, a diversion program can mean no criminal record for the offence.
- Contested hearings – if you plead not guilty, we prepare and run your defence.
- Appeals – advice on appealing a conviction or sentence.
Court dates can come up quickly, so contact us as soon as you receive a charge sheet, summons or notice to appear.
Talk to us about your charge. Call 0439 048 741, email freadmanlaw@gmail.com, message us on WhatsApp or make an appointment. Your enquiry is confidential.