It is natural to want to talk about your situation with friends or family after being charged. However, discussing your case can potentially create serious risks.

Police investigations do not always stop once charges are laid. Conversations may be recorded or used as evidence in ways you may not anticipate.

To protect yourself:

• Avoid discussing the allegations over the phone or via text messages
• Limit conversations about the case to only a small number of trusted people
• Do not discuss the details on social media
• Speak openly only with your criminal defence lawyer

Remember that anything you say may later become evidence.

Serious criminal offences in Victoria are typically dealt with in the indictable jurisdiction, which involves several stages before a matter is resolved.

These may include:

• Filing hearings
• Committal proceedings
• Directions hearings
• Trial preparation
• Jury trial in a higher court

For many people, this process can feel confusing and overwhelming. Understanding the steps involved can help you feel more informed and in control throughout your case.

To assist clients navigating serious criminal charges, our firm has prepared an instructional video explaining the indictable process. You can view it here: https://youtu.be/MSMSvMbWFJ0

If a person has been remanded in custody on a serious charge, it may be possible to apply for bail.

Many people charged with serious offences still have reasonable prospects of being granted bail depending on their circumstances.

Being released on bail allows an accused person to:

• Work closely with their lawyer
• Prepare their defence effectively
• Maintain family and employment stability
• Attend court while living in the community

An experienced criminal defence lawyer can assess the strength of a bail application and prepare the necessary material to maximise the chances of success.

Our firm has a strong track record of successful bail applications in serious criminal matters.

After being charged, it is important to record everything you remember about the alleged incident.

Memories can fade quickly, and details that seem minor may later become important to your defence.

You should write down:

• Your recollection of the alleged events
• People you spoke to or saw around the time
• Relevant locations or timelines
• Any information that may assist your lawyer

Keep these notes in one place and clearly mark them “Legally Professionally Privileged” to indicate that they are intended for your lawyer.

Serious criminal cases can take time to resolve, particularly if a matter proceeds to trial.

If you are privately funding your defence, it is important to have an early discussion with your lawyer about the likely costs involved and how those costs can be managed.

An experienced criminal law firm will be able to:

• Provide clear information about legal fees
• Structure the case efficiently
• Delay the involvement of barristers until necessary
• Work within a range of client budgets while maintaining high-quality representation

At Galbally Parker Lawyers, we have extensive experience conducting serious criminal cases and structuring matters efficiently to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.