Legal Aid | Legal Aid Lawyers
Sydney Criminal Lawyers is on the Legal Aid Commission's 'General Criminal Law Panel' and 'Serious Criminal Law Panel'.
This means that, in certain circumstances, the Legal Aid Commission will pay us to represent you, which can save you from the financial stress of a criminal prosecution.
Am I eligible for Legal Aid?
You may be eligible for a Legal Aid grant if:
- You are receiving a Government Allowance (e.g. New Start, Disability Support Pension, Single Parent Pension, Youth Allowance).
- You are in custody; or
- You are receiving a very low income.
How can I apply for Legal Aid?
We can assist you to apply for a Legal Aid grant for your criminal case. Just call for a free appointment and one of our criminal lawyers will help you fill out the necessary forms.
You will need to bring proof of income (e.g. a printout from Centrelink) and your two most recent bank statements.
What if my partner / family member / friend is in custody?
We can arrange a prison visit to advise your loved-one and assist him or her to complete the necessary application. In such cases, there is no need for proof of income or bank statement.
Which cases qualify for Legal Aid?
Legal Aid can be granted in most criminal matters, except minor driving cases (eg drink driving, drive whilst disqualified etc) & AVO cases.
Examples of criminal cases that qualify include assault cases, fraud cases, break & enter, robbery, drug, sexual assault, terrorism, murder cases etc.
Do very serious criminal cases qualify for Legal Aid?
Yes, Legal Aid is available for even the most serious criminal cases.
Sydney Criminal Lawyers is extremely experienced and highly successful in running a wide range of complex and lengthy criminal trials; including murder, robbery, drug, fraud, assault and sexual assault trials.
We are on Legal Aid's 'Serious Criminal Law Panel' which means that the Legal Aid Commission can assign us very serious criminal cases.
If Legal Aid is granted, will my case always be assigned to Sydney Criminal Lawyers?
Unfortunately not. The Legal Aid Commission’s policy is to take criminal cases “in house” (i.e. give it to a lawyer employed by the Legal Aid Commission) unless a Legal Aid lawyer is unavailable or there are other circumstances which justify the assignment of your criminal case to us.
We will, of course, advise you of the likelihood of your criminal matter being assigned (given) to us.
Will I have to pay anything at all?
If your criminal matter is assigned to us, you will normally have to pay a $75 contribution to the Legal Aid Commission.
There are no other costs.
Why does Sydney Criminal Lawyers undertake Legal Aid cases?
Our lawyers passionately believes that every person charged with a criminal offence is entitled to the best available legal representation.
We will fight for you throughout your criminal proceedings and ensure that everything is done to produce the best possible result.
What Should I do next?
Benefit from the Expertise. Trust in our Experience. Service 24hrs 7 days a week. Call 02 9261 8881.
