Criminal Lawyer Sydney
If you have been charged or contacted by police, get clear advice on your options and what you need to do next from our Sydney criminal lawyers, who will stand beside you and fight for your best possible outcome.
- Sydney CBD Legal Team
- Strong Court Representation
- Clear Advice & Responsive Guidance
Our Sydney criminal lawyers provide clear advice and a strong defence from the outset.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence in New South Wales, getting early legal advice can make a real difference to how your matter is handled. We help you understand the charge, what the police and prosecution need to prove, and what steps you should take now.
Whether you are dealing with a first offence, a serious allegation, or an urgent court date, we provide practical advice and strong representation focused on protecting your rights and preparing your case properly.
Charged with a criminal offence in Sydney? Get advice early
Being charged can be overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the court system before. You may be worried about your record, your job, your family, or whether you could lose your freedom.
You’ll work directly with Nick Hardy, who is driven by a belief that justice should be accessible for everyone. His extensive experience in criminal law means he will act quickly to explain where you stand, what happens next, and how your matter is likely to progress through the NSW courts.
From the first conversation, we focus on reducing uncertainty. We review the allegation, identify the immediate risks, and help you avoid mistakes that can damage your position before the court.
Criminal defence lawyers for assaults, drug charges, fraud and other serious matters
We represent clients across a wide range of criminal matters, including assault, drug, weapons, property, and fraud offences, as well as other serious allegations under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). Whether your matter stays in the Local Court or moves to the District or Supreme Court, we prepare it with unwavering dedication and a clear strategy.
Our role is to assess the evidence, explain your options in plain language, and build the strongest defence available on the facts – no matter how complex your matter is. If you are facing a criminal charge in Sydney, we are here to guide you through it with clear advice and confident representation.
Reviews from our clients
How We Can Assist
Assault & Domestic Violence Charges
We provide firm, measured defence for assault and domestic violence allegations, including AVO-related matters and breach charges. These cases often turn on conflicting accounts and limited evidence. We carefully review the facts, challenge the prosecution’s case, and ensure your position is properly presented in court.
Drug Offences
We act in all drug matters, from possession and use to supply and large commercial quantities. These cases often depend on search powers, forensic evidence and proof of knowledge or intent. We analyse the brief in detail, identify weaknesses, and build a defence aimed at reducing penalties and long-term impact.
Sexual Assault & Commonwealth Offences
Allegations of sexual assault or Commonwealth offences carry serious consequences and require careful, disciplined preparation. We approach these matters with close attention to evidence, credibility and procedure. Your case is prepared thoroughly, with a focus on testing the prosecution’s case and protecting your position at every stage.
Financial Crimes
We represent clients facing fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and other financial offences. These matters often involve complex records and detailed investigations. We work through financial evidence methodically, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and develop a defence strategy grounded in both legal and commercial understanding.
Murder & Manslaughter
For the most serious criminal charges, preparation and strategy are critical. We provide structured defence for murder and manslaughter matters, including detailed evidence review, expert briefing and court advocacy. Your case is handled with the level of attention required to protect your right to a fair trial.
Break and Enter / Unlawful Entry
Break and enter offences can carry significant penalties, including imprisonment. These matters often rely on identification, intent and circumstantial evidence. Our Sydney criminal lawyers assess how the prosecution case is built, challenge weaknesses and work towards the most favourable outcome based on the evidence.
Criminal Law Case Study - Complex Fraud and Banking Corruption
In 2026, our firm represented a senior banking professional in the Sydney District Court facing extensive fraud, identification information and money laundering allegations arising from an alleged multi-party loan fraud operation across New South Wales.
The prosecution case relied heavily on banking records, phone material, financial transactions and alleged links to a broader criminal enterprise. If convicted on the indictment as originally framed, our client faced a significant risk of full-time imprisonment.
Following a detailed forensic review of the Crown brief, we identified substantial issues with the prosecution’s ability to establish the level of knowledge and intentional participation alleged against our client. We prepared strategic representations to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions challenging both the factual and legal basis of the more serious allegations.
As a result of those negotiations, the prosecution substantially narrowed the case and accepted pleas on a far more limited factual basis.
During sentencing, we presented detailed submissions supported by psychological material, character evidence and evidence of rehabilitation and community support. The Sydney District Court ultimately imposed an Intensive Correction Order, allowing our client to avoid full-time custody and continue serving their sentence in the community under strict conditions.
Nick Hardy.
Nick Hardy - Criminal Law Matters
You’ll work directly with Nick Hardy during your criminal law matter. Nick specialises in criminal defence, from summary matters in the Local Court to serious fraud, domestic violence and complex indictable cases, held in the District Court of New South Wales or Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Practising in law for over a decade, and admitted to the High Court of Australia in 2017, Nick’s reputation for strong advocacy is built on meticulous preparation, strategic insight, a wealth of experience and an unshakeable commitment to justice, ensuring your case is prepared properly from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when I am first charged?
Stay calm. You have the right to remain silent and to legal representation. Ask to contact a lawyer immediately.
You will be guided step by step, your rights will be explained clearly, and your case will be prepared from the outset to protect your position and achieve the best possible outcome.
What is the court process in NSW from charge to sentence?
After being charged, your matter usually starts in the Local Court of New South Wales. Stay calm and get legal advice early. At your first court date, the charges and next steps are confirmed. You will enter a plea. If you plead guilty, the matter may proceed to sentencing. If you plead not guilty, it will proceed to evidence exchange and, if necessary, a hearing.
More serious matters may progress to the District Court of New South Wales or the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Early advice can shape how your case is prepared, negotiated, and resolved. Get in touch with Sydney criminal defence lawyers today if you have been charged for immediate advice on how to proceed.
How do bail applications work in NSW?
In New South Wales, bail determines whether you remain in the community or in custody while your case is ongoing. Police may grant bail after a charge is filed. If you are refused bail, you can apply to the court, often the same day or at your next court appearance in the Local Court of New South Wales.
Under the Bail Act 2013 (NSW), the court considers risks such as failing to appear, reoffending, or interfering with witnesses. Your lawyer will prepare a bail application, which may include a proposed address, support person, or conditions to reduce those risks.
At the hearing, the magistrate decides whether to grant bail and on what conditions. These can include reporting to police, curfews, non-contact orders, or location restrictions. In some cases, bail may require a security, which is money or a guarantee promised to the court. This is not always required and is usually only forfeited if bail is breached.
If bail is refused, you may be able to apply again if circumstances change or new information becomes available.
Can I appeal a criminal conviction or sentence in NSW?
Yes. Appeals can be lodged to the District Court or Supreme Court of New South Wales depending on the offence type and the grounds for appeal. Our criminal defence lawyers can assess whether appeal grounds exist – such as errors in law, procedural unfairness, or excessive sentencing – and prepare comprehensive appeal submissions on your behalf.
Do police need a warrant to search my property in New South Wales?
In New South Wales, police generally need a warrant to search your property; however, there are some instances in which they may lawfully search a property without a warrant. Police powers to search without a warrant are mainly governed by the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (NSW).
Police may lawfully search you, your vehicle, or, in limited situations, your premises without a warrant if they have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed an offence, are carrying prohibited items (such as drugs or weapons), or in urgent circumstances where evidence may be lost, or safety is at risk.
You have important rights during any search:
- You can ask the officer for their name, station and the reason for the search
- You must not be searched in a way that is unreasonable or excessively invasive
- Strip searches are only allowed in serious and urgent situations, and must follow strict legal safeguards
- You have the right to remain silent (other than providing your name and address if required)
If police conduct an unlawful search, any evidence obtained may be challenged and excluded by the court. This is considered under section 138 of the Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), which allows courts to reject improperly or illegally obtained evidence.
If you believe a search was not lawful, it is important to seek legal advice promptly. Our Sydney criminal solicitors can assess whether police acted within their powers and whether there are grounds to challenge the evidence or the charges.
What happens if a young person is charged with an offence in NSW?
Youth matters are usually dealt with in the Children’s Court of New South Wales under the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 (NSW). The system prioritises rehabilitation, diversion, and avoiding long-term consequences where appropriate.
Police may issue a warning, caution, or refer the matter to a Youth Justice Conference instead of court. If it proceeds to court, the process is more informal, with privacy protections and a focus on the young person’s circumstances, support needs, and future.
Legal advice is essential early. At Jones Hardy Law, we work hard to protect young people’s rights and are dedicated to achieving an outcome that supports their future.
What is coercive control and how is it charged in NSW?
Coercive control became a criminal offence in NSW under section 54D of the Crimes Act 1900. It involves a pattern of behaviour intended to coerce, control, intimidate, harass or cause fear in a current or former intimate partner. Penalties include up to 7 years imprisonment. If you’re facing coercive control allegations, early legal advice is critical – our criminal lawyers will examine the evidence, challenge weak or mischaracterised claims, and build a defence grounded in procedural fairness.
What are the likely penalties for common assault in NSW?
Penalties for common assault vary depending on the circumstances, your criminal history, and whether aggravating factors exist. They may include a fine, community service order, conditional release order, or imprisonment (up to 2 years for common assault under section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900). Our criminal lawyers will assess your case, identify available defences (such as self-defence), and work toward the best possible outcome – including seeking a section 10 dismissal where appropriate.
What should I do to prepare for court in New South Wales?
Before attending court for a criminal matter in NSW, make sure you know your court date, understand the charge and get legal advice if possible. Bring your Court Attendance Notice, bail papers, police facts and any character references or supporting documents.
Arrive early and ensure you have enough time to go through security. Dress neatly, be respectful and be prepared to wait, as your matter may not be heard until much later in the day. When your matter is called, the magistrate will usually ask whether you are pleading guilty, not guilty or need more time to get legal advice. If you have an upcoming court date and need advice, get in touch with our Sydney criminal defence lawyer, Nick Hardy, today.
Does Jones Hardy Law accept Legal Aid for criminal matters?
Yes. Our criminal defence solicitors are accredited under the NSW Legal Aid panels for summary and indictable criminal matters. If you meet Legal Aid’s eligibility criteria, part or all of your legal representation may be covered. Contact us to discuss your circumstances and Legal Aid options.
Which locations do your criminal lawyers service?
Our criminal lawyers represent clients across Sydney and appear in Local Courts throughout the area. For location-specific guidance, see our dedicated pages:
Do you have an urgent criminal law matter?
Get immediate, practical legal guidance from Jones Hardy Law. If you have been charged, contacted by police, served with court documents, or have an upcoming court date, get in touch with our Sydney criminal lawyers today.