Criminal Law

Having criminal charges against you means you need a good lawyer. The law is complex and sophisticated, so get someone on your side who can help find the best angles in your case, minimise negative outcomes on your finances, family, and career, and offer you a solid defence. It matters.

Don’t leave your story to chance.

t. 03 9042 7996
m. 0402 500 337 (after hours)
e. info@vanessaash.com.au

Appeals

Get your appeal right.

Bail

Don’t make mistakes when it comes to your freedom.

Summons

Understand what to do with a court summons.

Drug Offences

Personal use, trafficking, manufacture, transportation or importation.

Traffic Offences

Driving, traffic offences, court, penalties – what to expect and how to change outcomes.
(Photo: Anna Nicole Smith, 1989)

Sex Offences

Sexual offences are amongst the most serious. Get a good defence.

Getting through court

Everything you need to know about court.

Summary (Less Serious) Offences

Less serious offences to be heard in the Magistrate’s Court.

Indictable (More Serious) Offences

More serious offences that may need a judge and jury.

Contact Us

Rape Offences in Victoria

Rape is a serious charge, and trials can be lengthy, expensive and troubling. You need legal advice immediately to deal with a rape charge.

Sexual Assault Offences in Victoria

Indecent assault charges are serious, being the non-consensual touching of another person, and in Victoria, this must contain a sexual connotation.

Fake guns in Victoria and the law

Fake guns can pose a problem when they look realistic and could be mistaken for a real gun. There are various classifications of replicas, BB guns and kids' plastic guns: Registrable firearmReplica firearmImitation firearm It doesn't matter what the manufacturer...

Drug driving by professional drivers

Professional drivers of trucks, buses and taxis/rideshare vehicles have gained a reputation for taking stimulating substances to stay awake to work for longer periods of time without rest. There are long hours on the road, and while there are now mandatory logs and...

Who is allowed a gun in Victoria?

Certain people are not allowed guns in Victoria, but the rules are a little flexible in some instances. We explain how it works.

Unlicensed Firearm Offences in Victoria

You’ll need legal advice to defend gun charges, which can range in severity. A good defence is essential, as gun offences can turn bad fast.

Cannabis drug tests returning false results, study finds

An Australian study finds high failure rate in both directions for roadside drug testing, tests detect drugs from weeks ago.

Drug driving offences in Victoria

We run you through the legal and police in’s and out’s of being caught with drugs in your system while driving in Victoria.

Understanding restorative justice

We briefly explain restorative justice programs, including understanding conferencing and circle sentencing for young people.

Aussie team create virtual lawyer

A new legal technology company has come up with a system to reduce the time lawyers spend on cases creating documents.

The interfering with a witness offence – Victoria

Interfering with a witness can include physically hurting someone, trying to get someone to change their evidence or not give any evidence at all.

The obscene exposure offence – Victoria

We explain what obscene exposure means, and how to defend these charges.

Understanding drink driving infringement notices – Victoria

We take you through drink driving infringement notices, and how to object.

Blood tests for drink and drug driving

Where and when blood can be taken during breath or saliva testing for drug or drink driving.

Common questions regarding defending drink driving charges

We run through the most common questions people ask about defending themselves from drink driving penalties and loss of licence.

Coalition wants sex offenders registry with photos in Victoria

If the coalition wins this upcoming state election, it’s possible that a sex offender registry may be set up that includes photographs of offenders.

Proposed scheme to allow criminal record checks of lovers

New domestic violence laws are regularly coming into play to help protect women from the men they love. This law follows other laws in the UK, NZ and NSW.

Drink driving penalties – Victoria

See exactly what your punishment will be in Victoria if you are caught drink driving. Laws are getting ever more complex.

The Great Victoria Police Drink Driving Bungle of 2015

A drink-driving coding bungle left hundreds of Victorians with incorrectly punished drink driving charges – some got just demerit points when they should have lost their licence, while others should never have been disqualified.