PRACTICE AREAS
Criminal, traffic and mental health matters handled by an accredited legal team – with the knowledge to fight your case and the care to get you through it.
SERIOUS CHARGES
Being charged with a criminal offence is one of the most unsettling things a person can face. Whatever the circumstances, you deserve clear advice and a strong defence. Justinian Legal have been defending people against criminal charges for more than 25 years, across courts from the Local Court to the High Court of Australia.
We handle the full range of criminal matters – from first-time offences that may be resolved quickly, to serious charges that require a sustained and thorough defence.
ON THE ROAD
A traffic charge can affect your licence, your livelihood and your daily life. Whether you are facing a fine, a suspension or a more serious driving offence, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference to the outcome.
We handle a wide range of traffic and driving matters across NSW courts, and we take each one seriously, because for most people, losing a licence is not a minor inconvenience.
SPECIALIST FOCUS
For people whose mental health has played a part in their circumstances, the legal system can feel particularly daunting. The good news is that NSW law provides specific pathways for people in this situation, and having a lawyer who understands both the legal and human dimensions of these matters makes a genuine difference.
Justin has a long and personal connection to mental health advocacy. His involvement with the Black Dog Institute, and his years working with clients navigating mental health challenges, means he approaches these matters with a depth of understanding that goes beyond the legal brief.
We work with clients and their support networks to identify the most appropriate pathway, whether that is a formal diversion program, a Section 14 or Section 33 application, or a carefully prepared plea that takes mental health into account at sentencing.
| Court Diversion | NSW courts can divert people with a mental health diagnosis away from the criminal justice system and into treatment or support, where appropriate. |
| Section 14 application | Available in the Local Court for people with a mental illness or cognitive impairment. Section 14 empowers a court, in appropriate circumstances, to dismiss a charge and discharge a defendant into treatment, care or support arrangements. |
| MERIT program | The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment program provides defendants with access to drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to court proceedings. |
If you have never been through the court system before, it can feel overwhelming. The steps below are a plain-language guide to how most criminal matters unfold in NSW. Your matter may not follow every step, some resolve early, some go further, but understanding the process helps.
Most matters take between six and eight months to resolve. Trials can run longer, sometimes up to a year or more. We will give you a realistic picture of what to expect from the outset.
01
You call us. We listen. We ask questions and give you an honest assessment of your situation, with no pressure to proceed.
02
We meet in person or by phone to get the full picture. We review the facts, discuss your options and start building a plan.
03
We review all documentation related to your matter, including the police brief of evidence when it is available.
04
Your first court appearances, where the matter is listed and dates are set. We appear on your behalf wherever possible.
05
If bail is an issue, we move quickly. A bail application can be made at short notice and we have experience across all court levels.
06
If the matter is contested, we prepare a thorough defence and present it in court. Most summary matters are heard in the Local Court.
07
More serious matters go to trial in the District or Supreme Court. This is where thorough preparation pays off. Our team are very experienced and have appeared at every level of court.
08
If a guilty plea is entered or a finding is made, we present the strongest possible case in mitigation to minimise the impact on your life.
