Criminal Lawyer Sydney
When Your Future Is on the Line, Sydney Trusts CIA Lawyers
Charged With a Criminal Offence? Here Is What You Need to Know
Being charged does not mean you will be convicted. In Australia, you are innocent until proven guilty. But what you do next matters a great deal.
The right criminal defence lawyer can challenge the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, negotiate with police, and represent you powerfully in court.
Acting early gives you the best chance. The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you have.
At CIA Lawyers, our criminal defence lawyers in Sydney take your case seriously from day one. We appear in all NSW courts, give you honest advice, and fight hard to get you the best possible outcome.
Our Principal Lawyer, Ishraque Ahmad, is a Solicitor and Barrister with extensive court experience in Australia and New Zealand. He has handled a wide range of immigration, refugee, criminal and family law matters, including complex trials, and is known for a steady, results-focused approach. At CIA Lawyers, we take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain language, and represent your interests with care and professionalism.
What People Say After Working With Our Criminal Lawyer
Our Criminal Defence Services in Sydney
We handle a wide range of criminal law matters across Sydney and New South Wales. Here is what we do.
Assault and Violence Charges
Assault charges in NSW range from common assault to more serious offences like actual bodily harm (ABH) and grievous bodily harm (GBH).
The penalties can be severe. A conviction for serious assault can mean a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record.
We look at all the facts. We check whether the evidence holds up, whether there are valid legal defences such as self-defence, and whether the charges can be reduced or withdrawn before court. Many assault matters are resolved without a conviction.
Drug Offences
Drug charges in NSW cover a wide range - from simple possession to supply, trafficking, and manufacturing.
The court takes the quantity of the drug, the circumstances, and your personal history into account. For some possession charges, there may be options to avoid a conviction through a diversion program or a section 10 order. For more serious supply or trafficking charges, the stakes are much higher.
We assess the full situation, advise you on your real options, and build the strongest possible defence for your case.
Drink Driving and Traffic Offences
A drink driving charge in NSW is one of the most common reasons people contact a criminal lawyer. Whether it is a low-range, mid-range, or high-range PCA offence, the consequences can include fines, a licence disqualification, or even a prison sentence.
We help you understand the road ahead. In many first-offence cases, there are ways to reduce the penalty or keep your licence. We also handle:
Driving while disqualified
Dangerous driving
Drug driving
Street racing and speed offences
Licence appeals and suspension matters
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
An AVO can have a serious impact on your life - even if no criminal charges are laid alongside it.
If you have been served with an AVO, you have the right to contest it. A final AVO on your record can affect your employment, travel, and ability to see family members.
We represent both people seeking protection through an AVO and those who want to defend against one. We appear in AVO matters at all Local Courts across Sydney and NSW.
Domestic Violence Offences
Domestic violence charges in NSW are treated very seriously by police and courts. In many cases, police will lay charges even if the alleged victim does not want to press them.
If you are facing a domestic violence charge, you need a lawyer right away. These cases move quickly. Bail conditions can restrict where you live and who you contact. A conviction can affect your visa, your employment, and your parenting arrangements.
We handle these cases with care, professionalism, and a clear focus on protecting your rights.
Fraud and White-Collar Crime
Fraud charges can be complex and involve large volumes of financial evidence. Whether it is obtaining financial advantage by deception, identity fraud, or a workplace theft matter, the preparation of your defence requires careful legal work.
We review all of the prosecution's evidence, identify gaps or procedural issues, and advise you on the best path forward - whether that is a negotiated outcome or a defended hearing.
Sexual Offences
Being charged with a sexual offence is one of the most serious situations a person can face. Convictions carry heavy penalties and consequences that last a lifetime.
We handle these matters with the seriousness they deserve. We look at the evidence closely, challenge any inconsistencies, and build a thorough defence. Every person charged is entitled to a proper legal defence, and we provide one.
Break and Enter, Robbery and Theft
Property offences such as break and enter, robbery, and larceny carry significant penalties in NSW. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances - including whether it was in company, whether a weapon was involved, and whether the property was a home or a commercial premises.
We represent clients at all levels, from Local Court to the District Court and beyond.
Firearms and Weapons Offences
NSW has some of the strictest firearms laws in Australia. Even possessing an unregistered firearm without a licence can result in serious criminal penalties.
If you are charged with a weapons or firearms offence, you need legal advice fast. We assess the charges, the evidence, and any possible defences from the beginning.
Bail Applications
If you or a family member has been refused bail, time is critical.
We make urgent bail applications in all NSW courts. We know how to present the right case to a magistrate or judge to maximise the chance of bail being granted or the conditions being varied to something workable.
Court Representation - Local, District, and Supreme Court
Our criminal lawyers appear regularly across all levels of the NSW court system, including:
NSW Local Court - where most summary and some indictable offences are heard
NSW District Court - for serious indictable offences heard by a judge or jury
NSW Supreme Court - for the most serious matters including murder and manslaughter
We know how each court operates, what magistrates and judges look for, and how to present your case with the best chance of a good result.
Section 10 Orders and Non-Conviction Sentences
In some cases, even if you are found guilty or plead guilty, the court can deal with the matter without recording a conviction. This is done under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 in NSW.
A section 10 means you leave court without a criminal record for that offence. This can be life-changing for first-time offenders or those facing minor charges.
We advise you honestly on whether a section 10 outcome is realistic in your situation and make the strongest possible case for it when it is.
Contact us for a personalized eligibility check
Meet Our Team
Practice Director
Ishraque Ahmad
Paralegal
Simran Ghimire
Knowledge Manager
Yuri Kazak
Legal Associate
Claudia
Legal Associate
Sumaia Islam
Lawyer
Jonathan Greete
Sales & Marketing Associate
Thunh Mai Le
Sales & Marketing Manager
Eduardo Mora
Operational Manager
Safat Ul Azam
Why Sydney People Choose CIA Lawyers for Criminal Defence
There are many criminal defence firms in Sydney. Here is what we bring to the table.
We appear in Local Court, District Court, and Supreme Court across NSW. We are not just document preparers.
You can talk to us first before you commit to anything. We listen to your situation and give you an honest view of your options.
No surprise bills. We discuss costs openly at the start so you can plan ahead.
We do not use unnecessary legal jargon. We explain your situation clearly so you can make confident decisions.
You deal with the same lawyer throughout your matter. You are not passed around the office.
We look for outcomes that work in real life, not just on paper. Where negotiation can resolve things, we pursue that first. Where court is needed, we are fully prepared.
Criminal matters can be urgent. Bail applications do not wait until business hours. We are here when you need us.
How We Handle Your Case
Step 1 - Free Consultation
You contact us. We listen to what happened. We give you a clear picture of the charge, the likely process, and your realistic options. No pressure, no obligation.
Step 2 - Review the Evidence
Once you engage us, we get the prosecution's brief. We go through every piece of evidence - police statements, CCTV footage, forensic reports - and identify every avenue of defence.
Step 3 - Build Your Strategy
We advise you whether to plead not guilty and defend the charge, plead guilty and aim for the lightest possible sentence, or negotiate with the prosecution for a reduced charge or withdrawal.
Step 4 - Represent You in Court
We appear alongside you in court and advocate strongly for your best outcome. You will be fully prepared for what to expect on the day.
What Sets us Apart
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Pleading guilty does not mean you simply accept whatever the court decides. A criminal lawyer can make submissions to reduce your sentence, pursue a non-conviction outcome under section 10, and present evidence of your character and circumstances that can make a real difference to the result. The difference between a conviction and no conviction can affect your career, your visa, and your life. It is always worth getting advice.
Summary offences are less serious and are heard in the Local Court by a magistrate. They include things like minor traffic offences, common assault, and small drug possession matters. Indictable offences are more serious and can be heard in the District or Supreme Court. Some indictable offences can still be dealt with in the Local Court. Which court handles your case depends on the charge and the election made by the prosecution or the defendant. We explain exactly which court will deal with your matter at your first consultation.
In most cases, your first court date is a mention or an arraignment. It is not the day your case is decided. It is usually the day where the court confirms the charge, you enter a plea or adjourn to decide, and the prosecution gives you their brief of evidence. Having a lawyer with you on your first court date is important. It can affect how your case is managed going forward and whether bail conditions need to be adjusted.
Yes, in some cases. If there are issues with the evidence, if the charge does not meet the legal elements, or if the prosecution decides it is not in the public interest to proceed, charges can be withdrawn before a hearing. Our lawyers engage with police and prosecutors early in the process to explore whether a withdrawal or reduction of charges is possible. The sooner you engage a lawyer, the more time there is to pursue this.
Potentially, yes. A criminal conviction - and in some cases even a criminal charge - can affect your visa. Under the Migration Act 1958, a person who is sentenced to 12 months or more imprisonment (including a suspended sentence) may fail the character test and face visa cancellation or refusal. At CIA Lawyers, we understand both criminal law and immigration law. If you are not an Australian citizen and you are facing a criminal charge, we can advise you on the immigration impact and factor that into your defence strategy. This is a significant advantage many criminal law firms cannot offer.
Other Services we provide in Sydney
- Civil Law
- Appeals & Reviews
- Family law
- Criminal Law
- Traffic Law
- Sports Law
- Commercial law
Do not wait until your court date is a week away.
The earlier you get proper legal advice, the more options you have and the stronger your position will be.
CIA Lawyers in Sydney handles criminal matters at all levels of the NSW court system. We are here to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best possible result.
Strong Local Presence in Sydney
Based in Sydney, CIA Lawyers provides immigration legal services across Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Western Sydney. Our team regularly works within Australia’s legal and migration framework, with experience appearing before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), the Federal Court and other relevant jurisdictions. Being locally based means we understand how migration matters are handled within New South Wales and at the federal level. We are familiar with court procedures, tribunal expectations and Department of Home Affairs processes, allowing us to prepare cases thoroughly and represent clients with confidence.