Criminal Lawyer
Why You Can Trust Us
Sterling Legal delivers integrity, proven results, and unrivaled client care.
Introduction
When you face a criminal charge, your choice of lawyer matters. Sterling Lawyers is a trusted criminal law firm Sydney clients turn to for clear advice, strong preparation, and experienced representation. Our team of Sydney criminal lawyers act for clients across a wide range of matters, from assault and domestic violence allegations to fraud, drug offences, and complex corporate crime prosecutions.
We know a criminal charge places your liberty, livelihood, and reputation at risk. Early advice often shapes the outcome. Our criminal law Sydney team works fast to assess the evidence, explain your position in plain English, and prepare a defence strategy suited to your case.
Sydney Criminal Law Specialists for Serious and Summary Offences
Our lawyers appear in Local, District, and Supreme Courts across New South Wales. As Sydney criminal law specialists, we advise on bail applications, defended hearings, sentence proceedings, appeals, and negotiations with police and prosecutors.
We act in matters involving assault, domestic violence, robbery, drug offences, driving offences, fraud, tax offences, money laundering, corporate crime, embezzlement, cyber-crime, white collar crime, and blue-collar crime. Whether you are under investigation or already before the court, our Sydney criminal law team gives you focused advice from the outset.
Criminal Lawyers
Don’t let unjust charges or poor legal representation affect your future. Sterling Legal is dedicated to protecting the rights of the oppressed and the vulnerable in our community.
We have successfully secured countless Not Guilty verdicts, cleared records of wrongful accusations and significantly reduced sentences for both blue collar and white collar criminal matters.
If you need legal guidance, our experienced Partners are available now. Book your free first consultation and get clear on your legal rights.
Why Clients Choose Our Criminal Law Firm Sydney
Clients looking for criminal law firms Sydney value experience, responsiveness, and judgment. We provide direct advice on the strength of the prosecution case, available defences, likely penalties, and the best path forward. Our lawyers prepare each matter thoroughly and advocate firmly in court.
As a leading criminal law firm Sydney clients rely on, we understand that no two cases are the same. Some require urgent work to secure bail. Others demand close analysis of financial records, digital evidence, or contested witness accounts. In each case, we aim to protect your rights and place you in the strongest position possible.
Speak With Criminal Law Specialists Sydney
If you need advice from criminal law specialists Sydney, contact Sterling Lawyers today. We are a Sydney criminal law practice committed to practical guidance and strong representation across a full range of criminal matters. For related services, see our pages on assault, domestic violence, robbery, drug offences, driving offences, fraud, tax offences, money laundering, corporate crime, embezzlement, cyber-crime, white collar crime, blue collar crime, and family law.
Cases
Google Rating
4.9
Win rate
Our Criminal Lawyers cover:
Blue-collar crimes:
- Violent Offences: Assault, domestic violence and robbery.
- Property Crimes: Theft, vandalism and trespassing.
- Drug Offences: Possession, supply or manufacturing of illegal substances.
- Driving Offences: DUI, reckless driving, and unlicensed driving.
White-collar crimes:
- Financial Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion.
- Corporate Misconduct: Breaches of fiduciary duties, bribery, and deceptive conduct.
- Hacking & Identity Theft: Misusing personal information for financial or other gains.
- Commissions of Inquiry: corruption (ICAC), misconduct
Speak to a Partner, not a junior
Every case we handle is led by an expert Partner. Don’t leave your legal protection to inexperienced lawyers.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions:
Immediately, ideally before speaking to police. A lawyer can advise whether to give a statement, help secure bail, and protect your legal rights from the outset.
Yes, depending on the case. They may seek to have charges withdrawn, reduced, or dismissed, or argue for a non-conviction outcome such as a conditional release order under section 10.
Costs vary based on complexity and experience.
Everything from traffic offences and assaults to drug charges, theft, domestic violence, sexual offences, and serious indictable crimes like armed robbery or murder.
No, an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is not a criminal charge. It is a civil order made to protect a person from violence, threats, or harassment. However, breaching an AVO is a criminal offence, and can result in serious charges and a criminal record.
At an AVO hearing, the court decides whether to make a final Apprehended Violence Order based on the evidence. The process typically includes:
A mention date (initial court appearance), where the respondent can agree to the AVO or contest it.
If contested, the court may set a hearing date and order both parties to file written statements.
At the final hearing, each side presents evidence and may be cross-examined.
The magistrate then decides whether to grant or dismiss the AVO application.
If the respondent consents to the AVO “without admissions,” the order can be made without the court making findings of fact.
Not directly. Once police lay charges for domestic violence in NSW, only the police (not the victim) can decide to withdraw them. This is because domestic violence is treated as a serious criminal matter and considered to be "against the State," not just the individual.
The victim can express their wishes, but prosecutors (and police) will assess whether there is enough evidence to proceed and whether it is in the public interest to continue. Even if the victim wants the charges dropped, the case may still go ahead, especially where there is a risk of harm or repeat violence.
Yes, a person can be charged with domestic violence without physical evidence, but there must still be a reasonable basis for the charge. Police can lay charges based on:
A complaint or statement from the alleged victim,
Witness accounts,
Photographs, text messages, or audio/video recordings, or
Behaviour consistent with injury or distress.
While “proof” is not required to lay charges, the prosecution must ultimately prove the offence beyond reasonable doubt in court. A person cannot be convicted without sufficient evidence to meet that legal standard.
In many cases, the only evidence may be the complainant’s statement—but courts assess the credibility and reliability of that testimony carefully.
Failing to stop and assist after a hit and run in NSW can lead to up to 2 years in prison, fines up to $5,500, and licence disqualification. More serious charges apply if someone is injured or killed.
To beat a drug driving charge, you must challenge the accuracy of the test, the lawfulness of the stop, or raise a defence like honest and reasonable mistake. Legal advice is essential to assess your specific case.
In NSW, a criminal record lasts indefinitely, but certain convictions become “spent” after 10 years (5 for juveniles) if no further offences occur. Spent convictions generally don’t need to be disclosed.
You can’t erase a criminal record entirely, but some convictions become “spent” automatically after a crime-free period. In limited cases, you may apply for an annulment or court order, depending on the state and offence.
Yes, tax evasion is a white collar crime - it involves deliberately avoiding tax obligations through deceit or fraud. It's prosecuted under both criminal and civil laws in Australia.
Yes. Criminal lawyers regularly prepare and present bail applications, arguing risk factors and proposing conditions to secure your release from custody.
Yes, for most criminal matters. Your lawyer can appear with you - or on your behalf (for some local court matters) - to manage the case and speak to the magistrate or judge.
Your lawyer will make submissions on your behalf to minimise the penalty (known as a plea in mitigation), highlight any remorse, good character, or extenuating circumstances.
You have the right to remain silent (in most cases), to speak with a lawyer, and to refuse a search without a warrant (with exceptions). A lawyer will advise based on your exact situation.
Yes. They assess the merits of appealing and represent clients in the District Court (for Local Court appeals) or the Court of Criminal Appeal (for higher court matters).
