Criminal Law

Sydney Criminal Defence Lawyer for All NSW Criminal Charges

Facing criminal charges - from traffic offenses to serious indictable matters - can affect your career, reputation, immigration status, and freedom. Mary Stephan provides strategic criminal defense representation throughout Sydney and NSW, protecting your rights from arrest through trial and appeals.

Criminal Law Services

• Traffic Offenses & DUI Defense - Representing clients charged with drink driving (PCA, DUI), drug driving, driving whilst suspended, negligent driving, and traffic violations across Sydney Local Courts including Downing Centre, Parramatta, Fairfield, Mt Druitt, Penrith, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Sutherland.

• Assault Charges - Defending common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH), grievous bodily harm (GBH), domestic violence assault, and aggravated assault charges in Local Court, District Court, and Supreme Court NSW.

• Domestic Violence & AVO Defense - Representing clients defending against Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (AVOs), criminal charges arising from domestic violence allegations, and breach of AVO charges across Sydney courts.

• Drug Offenses - Defense for drug possession, supply, cultivation, and trafficking charges under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act, from Local Court matters to serious District Court indictable offenses.

• Theft & Property Offenses - Defending larceny, shoplifting, break and enter, robbery, fraud, property damage, and receiving stolen property charges.

• Sexual Assault Defense - Strategic defense for sexual assault allegations, historical sexual offense charges, and matters involving serious indictable sexual offenses in District Court and Supreme Court.

• Serious Indictable Offenses - Representing clients charged with serious crimes including manslaughter, armed robbery, commercial drug supply, and other indictable offenses requiring District Court or Supreme Court proceedings.

• Bail Applications - Urgent bail applications in Local Court, District Court, and Supreme Court, including show cause offenses and complex bail matters.

• Appeals & Sentence Reviews - Appealing convictions and sentences in District Court and Court of Criminal Appeal, seeking severity appeals, and challenging magistrate decisions.

• Coercive Control Defense - Defending charges under NSW's new coercive control laws, understanding the complex requirements prosecutors must prove, and available defenses.

• Police Interviews & Arrest - Advising clients during police investigations, attending police interviews, and protecting rights from the earliest stages of criminal proceedings.

  
  

Where Mary Appears

Mary regularly represents clients in criminal proceedings at courts throughout Sydney and Western Sydney including:

• Downing Centre Local Court - Sydney CBD criminal matters

• Parramatta Local Court - Western Sydney charges

• Fairfield Local Court - Criminal defense Fairfield area

• Mt Druitt Local Court - Western suburbs criminal matters

• Penrith Local Court - Criminal charges Penrith region

• Liverpool Local Court - Southwestern Sydney

• Campbelltown Local Court - Criminal defense Campbelltown

• Sutherland Local Court - Southern Sydney

• NSW District Court - Serious indictable matters

• NSW Supreme Court - Major criminal trials and appeals

When to Seek Legal Advice

Contact Mary immediately if you've been arrested or charged, received a Court Attendance Notice, need to attend a police interview, have been served with an AVO, are facing bail refusal, or have been charged with traffic offenses including drink or drug driving.

Why Choose Mary for Criminal Defense

• Experienced Court Advocate - Regular appearances across Sydney Local Courts and higher courts mean Mary understands magistrates, judges, and court procedures.

• Strategic Defense - Every criminal charge is different. Mary analyzes evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution case, and develops defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.

• Protects Your Future - Mary understands that criminal charges affect more than just potential penalties - they impact your employment, visa status, professional licenses, and reputation.

• Available Throughout Western Sydney - Serving clients from the CBD to Western Sydney including Fairfield, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Liverpool, Penrith, and all NSW.

Common Questions

• Should I plead guilty or fight the charges? This depends on the strength of the prosecution evidence, available defenses, and the likely outcomes. Mary analyzes your matter and advises on the best strategic approach.

• What happens if I'm convicted? Penalties vary from fines and good behavior bonds to intensive correction orders and imprisonment, depending on the offense severity. Mary advocates for the most favorable sentencing outcome.

• Can I get bail? Bail depends on factors including offense type, criminal history, community ties, and whether you're a flight risk. Mary can make urgent bail applications when you're refused bail by police.

• Will a criminal conviction affect my visa? Yes. Criminal convictions can affect visa applications, renewals, and permanent residency. If you're not an Australian citizen, seek legal advice immediately when charged.

Contact Stephan & Co Lawyers