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.
Appeals
Bail
Summons
Drug Offences
Traffic Offences
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Sex Offences
Getting through court
Summary (Less Serious) Offences
Indictable (More Serious) Offences
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Victorian courtroom etiquette – and why it matters
Courts have their own systems in place – learn what to expect, what to wear, and how to behave in court.
Changes to the Victorian demerit point scheme from 1 July 2015
The demerit point scheme in Victoria has changed and expanded, to make it harder for those in the hot seat.
Sex and the law – age of consent, pregnancy, abortion in Victoria
Do you know the laws of Victoria as they relate to your sexual activities, the different ages of consent for different people, and pregnancies?
Why what you post online matters, legally in Victoria
There are privacy laws in place, and we should all know what the rules are so we don’t get caught out.
When social media is used to incriminate you in Victoria
Yes, your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts can – and will – be used against you, taken out of context, and cause you worlds of pain.
New drink and drug driving offences set out in Victoria
There is a new drink and drug driving law on the block. Find out what it means and why it is here to stay.
Changes to Victoria’s drink driving laws (from 2014)
Drink driving laws changed in late 2014 so now an interlock condition is mandatory for certain circumstances.
‘Beyond reasonable doubt’ and what that means in Victoria
We discuss what ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ really means, legally speaking.
The right to be presumed innocent in Victoria
By law, you must be treated as innocent until proven otherwise, which means the prosecution must prove it.
The collection and use of evidence in Victorian court cases
Evidence is what makes or breaks cases – make sure your case is properly prepared.
Confessions and all their legal holes in Victoria
Confessing or admitting to something doesn’t necessarily mean you are doomed. There are caveats.
Changes to rape law in Victoria as of 1 July 2015
Rape laws in Victoria have again been updated as of 1 July 2015.
How Vanessa Ash and Associates care for our clients in Victoria
We can help smooth the pathway to a great outcome.
Your first chat with us is free
There are absolutely zero fees for your initial contact with us.
Perjury Offences in Victoria
Perjury is a serious offence – making false statements in an official capacity has repercussions. Be prepared.
Appeals in Victoria
Appeals are tricky and need careful consideration and crafting. Don’t let your appeal fall flat.
Bail Applications in Victoria
Understand bail, your obligations and legislation, and how to apply.
The ins and outs of legal defence in Victoria
Defence is our job. Read about some of the most common defences used in Australia lawsuits.
Public Disorder Offences in Victoria
Public order offences are many and varied, with each offence bound with its own rules.
The defensive homicide defence in Victoria
Defensive homicide is killing out of a mistaken belief of defending oneself.
The Factual Dispute (Denial) Defence in Victoria
“Wasn’t me, Officer.” Flat-out denial as a defence.
The Honest and Reasonable Mistake Defence in Victoria
The crucial elements here are honest and reasonable, but reasonable is harder to prove than honest.
The Impossibility Defence in Victoria
If you have an alibi for your whereabouts, or in fact are physically unable to have offended in this way, the impossibility defence is on the table.
The Sudden or Extraordinary Emergency Defence in Victoria
Sudden emergencies can cause us to act in ways that, while damaging, were reasonable under the circumstances.
Incorrect Charges Defence in Victoria
Incorrect charges can result in new charges being laid, with the old ones being dismissed.