FEE STRUCTURES

Criminal lawyers fees can vary depending on the complexity, complication, or duration of a case, and it is common for clients to be left with higher bills than they initially expected. Below is a breakdown of cost estimates for various services. More accurate costings can be established during our initial client conference (see below).

Magistrates’ / Childrens’ Court of Victoria

• Guilty Pleas, Contest Mentions, or Committal Mentions – $3,000.00 plus,
• Not Guilty 1 day Contest or Committal – $5,000.00
• Bail Applications – $4,000.00 (written outline / counsel input)
• Intervention Orders - $3,000.00 mention / Directions Hearing, Intervention Order Contest at $5,000.00 for the day.

Prosecute an intervention order, or personal safety order application for you $3,000.00 (stage 1), $2,000.00 (stage 2), $5,000.00 (Contest).

It's never "just a mention" in the criminal court, or family violence court, especially slow-moving lists. A mention can become complicated, or protracted, or it can be a chance to resolve a case to avoid further legal costs. It all takes time and effort if done properly.

Drink Drive or Speeding - Penalty Notice advice - $500.00

Client Conference BEFORE police interview - $1,500.00

Prison Conference with client at the Melbourne Remand Centre, Port Phillip Prison, or another prison, up to 3 hours, and return travel, up to $3,000.00

Travel costs to courts 2 hours away from Ballarat at $400.00.

If overnight accommodation is required, then $300.00 per night. I’m happy to fly in and out of Mildura if an online Webex hearing is unavailable.

NB the above guilty plea in mitigation quotes are based on 1 police brief only, extra police briefs attract higher legal costs given additional work involved. 

Likely range for the usual Magistrates Court GUILTY PLEA is $3,000.00 to $5,000.00 depending on the number of police briefs, or any involved preparation, or written submissions, and /or lengthy court appearance work required.

I’m always looking to reduce your legal costs where possible, rather than increase them. There are lots of ways to do that. Just ask me.

ALWAYS ask me about whether or not you can request a Webex hearing for any court around Victoria.

If you are not facing a prison term, or a corrections order, then the courts will usually grant permission for your case to be dealt with via WEBEX.

WEBEX hearings can save you a lot of time and money, and it gives you options if you are not impressed with your local lawyers in town.

County Court of Victoria

• Appeals – $6,000.00
• Guilty Pleas – $10,000.00
• Not Guilty Trials by Jury to be advised subject to QC’s daily fee

I only use senior/ experienced Melbourne barristers for trials, so it can be expensive.

My Queen's Counsel barristers charge up to $8,000.00 per day.

It’s well worth paying for a QC given their professional relationships with the bench and the crown. You can hear a pin drop with their commanding performances in open court.

CLIENT CONFERENCE - $1,500.00

I do not give free legal advice via telephone, but you are very welcome to telephone me to schedule a 60 minute face to face, or telephone client conference.

Before your client conference you are welcome to email me the police charges, or the police brief, or other court paperwork.

You can ask me any questions. I can advise you on current legislation and case law, and any defences available to you, or possible sentences the court may impose.

You will know your exact legal position after our conference.

A client conference will cost you $1,500.00 (inclusive of GST), payable to me via EFT on the day of our conference. You will receive a paid tax invoice by email immediately upon payment at your client conference.

This $1,500.00 initial conference fee is part of your costs estimate listed above and not in addition to your overall costs.

If the conference goes beyond one hour, you may be charged an additional fee, especially if two hours are required given any complexity, or the number of police briefs.

You get what you pay for, or don't pay for in life. I'd rather act for less clients to provide a high quality legal service, than act for too many clients. I'm not looking to solve every criminal law problem.

I have a standard costs agreement as required by law for you to sign, but with me, you will know exactly how much your case will cost within the first 10 minutes of our conference. There are no unpleasant financial surprises.

My Maryborough office at 188 High Street was established in 2001, but I have since moved my practice to Ballarat at 26 LYDIARD STREET. Please don’t just drop into my office. I’d rather you telephone me first for an appointment as I’m in court most days of the week. Our front desk is likely to just send you away, unless you have an appointment with me on a non-court day.

I am available to meet clients face to face, but most of my clients prefer to do everything by telephone or email these days post Covid. That process can save you time with your work commitments.

Once you have read the above and understand the payment of $1,500 for our initial conference, then please contact me on 0419 105 590.