Criminal Law

Expert Criminal Defence Lawyers Serving Nowra, Batemans Bay, the Southern Highlands, and Queanbeyan

Facing a criminal charge in New South Wales is a high-stakes situation that can permanently alter your life. A criminal conviction carries more than just the risk of a fine or imprisonment; it can result in a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, and restrictions on international travel. When your future is on the line, securing a specialist criminal defence lawyer is the most critical decision you will make.

At Douglass & Ford, we provide a sophisticated and rigorous defence for all criminal matters. With over 20 years of combined experience, our solicitors offer clear, strategic advice and expert advocacy. We work tirelessly to deconstruct the prosecution’s case, challenge evidence, and ensure you receive a fair hearing in the Local, District, and Supreme Courts.

How our criminal defence lawyers can help you

We understand that being charged with an offence is an intimidating experience. Our priority is to protect your liberty and your reputation through:

• Strategic Negotiations: We meticulously review police evidence to identify inconsistencies, often successfully negotiating to have charges dropped or downgraded early in the process.
• Analysing the Evidence: We check for procedural errors, unlawful searches, or a lack of sufficient evidence to argue for a dismissal of charges before the matter reaches a hearing.
• Securing Non-Convictions: We have a proven track record of arguing for Section 10 non-convictions, helping our clients avoid a criminal record and protect their professional careers.
• Expert Court Advocacy: Our team is highly experienced in regional court systems, delivering the best possible representation for trials, sentence matters, and severity appeals.
• Urgent Bail Assistance: We understand the importance of freedom and work quickly to prepare robust bail applications, arguing for your release from custody.
• Legal Aid Representation: As proud members of the General, Indictable, and Serious Criminal Law Panels, we provide high-quality legal help for eligible clients on low incomes.

Our Criminal Law Services

Our specialists provide a robust defence for a wide range of allegations, including:

• Assault & Violence: Common assault, AOABH, and domestic violence-related charges.
• Drug Offences: Possession, supply, manufacture, and “deemed supply” of prohibited drugs.
• Sex Offences: Discreet representation aimed at protecting your rights and reputation.
• Property Crimes: Break and enter, larceny, and theft from dwellings or vehicles.
• Financial Crimes: Fraud, Centrelink offences, and complex white collar crime.
• Serious Allegations: Murder, manslaughter, and prohibited weapons or firearms offences.
• Traffic Law: Drink driving (PCA), drug driving, and habitual offender declarations.

Factors the court considers in criminal matters

When determining a sentence or considering a bail application, the Magistrate or Judge will look at specific “subjective” and “objective” factors:

• The Nature of the Offence: The seriousness of the conduct and the level of harm caused.
• Your Prior Record: Whether you have a history of similar offences or a clean prior record.
• Remorse and Contrition: Evidence that you have taken responsibility and shown genuine regret.
• Rehabilitation: Steps you have taken since the charge, such as attending MERIT programs or private counselling.

Queanbeyan & Monaro

• Jerrabomberra
• Googong
• Bungendore
• Braidwood
• Cooma
• the surrounding Snowy Monaro district