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CRIMINAL LAW

Kozarov Lawyers are a Criminal Defence Law firm based in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Geelong and Ballarat. 

We represent a diversity of clients charged with criminal offences, from the relatively minor charges to the high profile and complex cases. Our experience comprises of appearances in all jurisdictions, including the Children’s Court; Coroners Court; Magistrates’ Court; County Court; Supreme Court; Supreme Court of Appeal, and the High Court of Australia.

We provide clients with expert legal advice regarding their matter.  We strive to deliver the highest standard in legal representation, and we assist our clients in a professional and timely manner in striving to achieve just results.

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WE CAN ASSIST

Most of all we understand that the process of going to court is stressful and we are happy to provide you with some peace of mind on the possible outcomes in your matter.

What if the Police have requested an interview with you?

Prior to being charged, the Police are likely to request an interview with you. We can provide advice to you prior to attendance at the Police Station, if you are unsure about the process and need assistance, please contact us immediately 24/7 on 0423 452 431.

 

CHARGED WITH A SUMMARY OFFENCE 

Once you are charged with an offence, the Police are required to serve a brief of evidence on you. This will set out the charges laid against you and will often state whether that charge is a Summary or Indictable Offence. Summary Offences will usually be dealt with in the Magistrates Court. Examples of these offences include:

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  •  Assaults, Theft and Drug Offences; 

  • Family Violence Offences, including breaches of Intervention Orders and Damage Property  Offences; and

  • Traffic Offences including but not limited to Drink Driving, Drive Whilst Suspended and Careless Driving;

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If you have been charged with a summary offence, Kozarov Lawyers will request a Brief of Evidence, or if you have been served with one, you should bring this to your appointment. We will then review the brief of evidence and provide you with advice regarding your options and possible directions that your case may take.

If you are released on summons, the first court hearing is a Mention Hearing and this is an opportunity for Kozarov Lawyers to negotiate and talk to the Police Prosecution regarding your matter. This is called a Summary Case Conference and may mean seeking the withdrawal of some charges or discussing the evidentiary merits of your case.

After you have been provided with our legal advice, you can make a decision to either plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you should obtain some character references, expert reports or certificates of completion of courses that can be handed up to the Magistrate on your plea hearing. This can occur on the first Mention date, or on any date after this.

If you enter a plea of not guilty, your matter will be listed for a Contest Mention date. On this date Kozarov Lawyers will again discuss the evidentiary merits of your case with the Police Prosecution and attempt to reach a resolution. If this cannot occur, we will advise the court of the issues in contention and how many witnesses will be required at the Contested Hearing. Your matter will then be listed for a Contested Hearing, or a Special Mention, depending if there are any issues that need to be dealt with prior to the Contest.

Kozarov Lawyers are experienced in preparing cases for Contest, and will guide you every step of the way to ensure you understand the process.

 

CHARGED WITH AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE

If you have been released on bail or summons, and your charge sheet indicates that the offences are indictable, then your matter may be heard in the Magistrates Court, County Court or Supreme Court. Indictable Offences can be serious and include Intentionally Cause Serious Injury, Culpable Driving, and Murder.

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If you have been charged with an Indictable Offence, it is recommended that you seek immediate legal advice. Kozarov Lawyers can advise you on the merits of your case and discuss what you should do next. This will differ in every case and we will tailor our advice specifically to your matter and discuss the court process with you in detail.

 

Kozarov Lawyers are committed to providing clients with the best advice in any Criminal jurisdiction matter.

We are able to assist if you are currently being investigated, have been charged or require legal advice and representation.

We offer honest, clear and straightforward advice so that we can deliver a timely and cost effective service. 

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SERIOUS CRIMINAL OFFENCES ACROSS ALL JURISDICTIONS INCLUDING:

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Our team provide representation in a broad range of matters including but not limited to:

  • Murder/Manslaughter

  • Culpable Driving

  • Drug Offences (Federal and State): including but not limited to Importation, Trafficking, Cultivation, Use and Possession

  • Intentionally or Recklessly Causing Injury, Assault

  • Stalking, Dangerous Conduct

  • Aggravated Burglary, Burglary and Trespass

  • Armed Robbery / or Robbery

  • Theft, Obtaining Property by Deception

  • Firearm and Weapons

  • Extradition both International and Interstate

  • Intervention Orders: Including Breaches, Variations and Cancellations

  • Bail Applications

  • Centrelink Fraud

  • White Collar Crime: including Theft, Fraud, Deception, Money Laundering and Conspiracy

  • Blackmail

  • False Imprisonment

  • Proceeds of Crime

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CRIMINAL APPEALS

  • Appeals to the County Court of Victoria

  • Appeals to the Appeal Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria

  • Appeals to the High Court of Australia

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ADVOCACY

  • Legal Representation in all Criminal Jurisdictions of Victoria

 

FEES

Our fee structures are and will remain competitive, allowing you to seek expert and strong representation, regardless of your financial means.

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CALL OUR OFFICE 

If you would like to book a FREE first consultation, please contact our office on 03 9229 3829 or 1300 208 838 or email us on info@kozarovlawyers.com

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If you have been ​charged with a criminal offence, need help navigating the ​legal system​, and are looking for a criminal lawyer in Melbourne​, contact our team at Kozarov Lawyers today! Our ​firm​ takes calls ​24 hours​ a day on 0423 452 431.

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