At Galbally Parker Criminal Lawyers we have always operated as private criminal lawyers, which means that we do not do any legal aid work, we charge fees and we receive no grants from the Government.
However, in recent years, we acknowledge that Legal Aid changes have severely affected people who come before the Courts. Legal Aid assistance used to be far more accessible for many more people than it currently is.
Under the current scheme, you can be deemed ineligible because of your employment status, if you own property (regardless of whether you have any redraw or equity in that property), if Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) does not deem the offending serious enough to warrant representation or, if VLA decides that you are not at risk of going to prison. Further, in cases where the evidence against the you is considerable and legal aid funding is granted, it can be granted on the condition that you plead guilty. If you choose not to, you will not receive VLA funding. You will have to either engage a private criminal lawyer or represent yourself.
In acknowledgement of the hardship and stress this can cause accused persons who are denied legal aid, we are happy to provide very reasonable, capped price, fixed fees for some matters heard in the Magistrates’ Court. Each case has to be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the nature of the matter and whether you have any prior convictions. However, matters such as driving matters, diversions, minor assaults and thefts, can be dealt with swiftly in Court and we are happy to assess your matter and determine whether we can apply a fixed fee to it. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you will be represented by an experienced criminal lawyer from one of Victoria’s most prestigious criminal defence firms, with certainty regarding pricing.
Please contact us to discuss your matter, attend a complimentary consultation and ask about our very reasonable fees. We have a team of expert lawyers including assault lawyers, fraud lawyers, workplace crime lawyers & sexual offence lawyers. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.
Galbally Parker Criminal Lawyers
