Blackridge Law

Criminal Lawyers in Sydney , NSW

Facing a criminal charge in Western Sydney? Our experienced criminal lawyers in Western Sydney provides clear legal advice, careful case preparation and strong representation at every stage. We handle a wide range of criminal matters and work closely with clients to understand their circumstances, explain their options and protect their legal interests.

Awards & Recognitions

Criminal Lawyers in Sydney, NSW

Blackridge Law is a specialist criminal law firm based in Sydney. We represent clients charged with all categories of criminal offences across New South Wales, from first appearances in the Local Court through to jury trials in the District Court and Supreme Court.

Our criminal lawyers in Sydney have been profiled by the Daily Telegraph and recognised alongside some of Australia’s most prominent defence lawyers. The team has acted in cases involving murder, large-scale drug importation, kidnapping, firearms offences, organised crime, and some of the largest drug seizures in Australian history.

We bring that same level of preparation and advocacy to every matter, regardless of the charge. Most of our clients are everyday people going through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. They need a lawyer who will give them a straight answer, explain their options clearly, and fight for the best result. That is what we do.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, contact us on 02 9159 9010 for a free, confidential consultation.

Criminal Offences We Defend

Domestic Violence & AVOs

DV charges, ADVO defence, coercive control, AVO breach and opposition

Read More

Assault Offences

Common assault, ABH, GBH, assault police, affray and wounding.

Read More

Drug Offences

Possession, supply, deemed supply, ongoing supply and cultivationRead More

Sexual Offences

Sexual assault, sexual touching, aggravated offences and child protection matters.

Read More

Fraud & Dishonesty

Fraud, larceny, identity crime, embezzlement and financial offences

Read More

Firearms & Weapons

Unauthorised possession, prohibited firearms, weapons charges and FPOs

Read More

Robbery & Break and Enter

Robbery, armed robbery, break enter and steal, and receiving stolen property

Read More

Murder & Manslaughter

Murder, manslaughter, dangerous driving causing death and accessory offences

Read More

Criminal Appeals

Conviction appeals, severity appeals, annulments and Court of Criminal Appeal

Read More

AVO Lawyers

ADVO and APVO opposition, consent, variation and breach defence

Read More

Criminal Defences

Self-defence, duress, necessity, mental health and intoxication defences

Read More

Maximum Penalties for Criminal Offences in NSW

The penalties for criminal offences in NSW vary significantly depending on the nature and seriousness of the charge. The table below provides an overview of the maximum penalties for common offence types:

Offence Legislation Maximum Penalty
Common Assault s 61, Crimes Act 1900 2 years
Assault Occasioning ABH s 59, Crimes Act 1900 5 years (7 in company)
GBH with Intent s 33, Crimes Act 1900 25 years
Drug Possession s 10, DMTA 1985 2 years
Drug Supply (large commercial) s 25(2), DMTA 1985 Life imprisonment
Sexual Assault s 61I, Crimes Act 1900 14 years
Fraud (s 192E) s 192E, Crimes Act 1900 10 years
Unauthorised Firearm (prohibited) s 7, Firearms Act 1996 14 years (SNPP 5 years)
Armed Robbery (dangerous weapon) s 97(2), Crimes Act 1900 25 years (SNPP 7 years)
Murder s 18, Crimes Act 1900 Life (SNPP 20 years)
Stalking/Intimidation (DV) s 13, CDPV Act 2007 5 years
Contravene AVO (persistent) s 14(1C), CDPV Act 2007 5 years

Penalties in the Local Court are generally capped at 2 years’ imprisonment for a single offence or 5 years for multiple offences. Many offences can be dealt with on indictment in the District or Supreme Court where higher penalties apply.

The Criminal Court Process in NSW

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, the process generally follows these stages:

01

Arrest and Charge

Police may arrest you or issue a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) requiring you to appear in court on a specified date.
02

Bail

If arrested, police will decide whether to grant you bail with conditions or refuse bail. If bail is refused, you will be brought before a court as soon as practicable for a bail determination. For serious “show cause” offences, you must demonstrate why your detention is not justified.
03

First Court Appearance

You will appear before the Local Court. At this stage, your lawyer can request an adjournment, obtain the prosecution brief of evidence, and begin preparing your defence.
04

Case Review and Negotiation

Your lawyer reviews the prosecution evidence, identifies defences and weaknesses, and negotiates with the prosecution. Charges may be reduced, downgraded, or withdrawn at this stage.
05

Plea or Defended Hearing

If the matter cannot be resolved by negotiation, you will either enter a plea of guilty (and proceed to sentencing) or a plea of not guilty (and proceed to a defended hearing or jury trial).
06

Sentencing

If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the court will impose a sentence. Your lawyer makes submissions on sentencing, presents character references and mitigating factors, and argues for the most lenient outcome available, including a Section 10 dismissal where appropriate.
07

Appeals

If you are unhappy with the outcome, you may have the right to appeal your conviction, sentence, or both within 28 days.

Why Choose Our Criminal Lawyers in Western Sydney?

  • Specialist Criminal Defence: We practise exclusively in criminal and traffic law. It is all we do, and we do it well.
  • Courtroom Experience: Our lawyers appear at Local Courts, the District Court, and the Supreme Court across NSW every week. We are familiar with the magistrates, judges, and prosecution teams at courts across Sydney.
  • Proven Results: We are one of the top Sydney criminal law firms, with over 15 years’ combined experience, more than 5,000 cases closed, and a 97% success rate, our track record speaks for itself.
  • Media-Recognised Expertise: Our lawyers have been profiled by the Daily Telegraph and their work reported across the Sydney Morning Herald and other major outlets. They have been listed alongside Australia’s most prominent defence lawyers.
  • Direct Access to a Senior Lawyer: Every client works directly with a senior criminal lawyer from first phone call to final court date. No handoffs, no juniors running your matter.
  • Fixed Fees: We charge fixed fees for criminal and traffic matters so you know your costs from the start. No hourly billing, no surprises.
  • Available 24/7:For urgent bail applications, police station attendances, and after-hours arrests, we are available around the clock.

Speak with a lawyer

Charged with a criminal offence? Call Blackridge Law now.

Office

Suite 36, Level 4, 402-410 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200

Support

Free consultation | Fixed fees | Available 24/7

Need legal advice?

Get clear guidance and practical support from an experienced legal team.