Choosing a Criminal Lawyer in Sydney: What to Look For
What matters differs for every case. Here's a practical guide to what actually matters when choosing a criminal defence lawyer in Sydney, and how NS Criminal Lawyers & Associates measures up against it.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Lawyer
Rankings and reviews only tell part of the story. These are the factors that make a genuine difference to your case.
Relevant experience and court admissions
Look for a lawyer who practises criminal defence specifically, not as one of several unrelated areas, and who is admitted to appear in the courts your matter may reach - Local, District, Supreme, and where relevant the High Court of Australia.
Clear, responsive communication
A lawyer who explains your options in plain language, returns calls promptly, and is reachable outside standard business hours - criminal matters don't keep office hours, and a lot can turn on advice given before a police interview.
Transparent fees
Ask for consultation rates upfront and understand what's included before you commit. A lawyer who is upfront about costs, including what is and isn't charged for, is easier to plan around than one who isn't.
Familiarity with your local court
Court procedure, prosecutor relationships and even parking and layout vary between courthouses. A lawyer who regularly appears at the specific court your matter is listed in generally moves through the process more smoothly.
Who actually handles your matter
At some firms your file is passed between junior staff. Ask directly who will appear for you in court and who you'll be speaking with day-to-day, and confirm that's the person named in any advice you're given.
How NS Criminal Lawyers & Associates Measures Up
- Matters are led by Muhammad Siddique, Senior Associate Criminal Lawyer, who holds a Master of Laws (LLM) and is admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia.
- 24/7 phone advice, including if you or a family member is currently being questioned or detained by police.
- Two Sydney offices, in Barangaroo and Parramatta, positioned to appear across the Sydney CBD, inner city and Western Sydney courts.
- A practice focused on criminal and traffic law, rather than criminal matters handled alongside unrelated practice areas.
See our full About and Team pages for more, explore what we defend, or see how to evaluate a "top 10 lawyers" list you find elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
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0414 444 474Author: NS Criminal Lawyers & Associates | Reviewed by: NS Criminal Lawyers & Associates | Jurisdiction: New South Wales
The information on this website is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain legal advice about your specific circumstances.