CRIMINAL DEFENCE · DANDENONG
Russo Lawyers acts for clients across Dandenong and surrounding areas.
Every matter is handled personally by Sam Russo, Principal and former Court Registrar.
Your Local Court
55 Foster Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
What to know
Dandenong is one of Victoria's busiest Magistrates' Courts by caseload. The volume means listing waits can be longer than at smaller registries; early preparation often makes the difference between a quick resolution and an adjourned mention that loses momentum.
Clients in Dandenong speak directly with Sam Russo. No junior files, no intermediaries. You get the principal attention from the first call.
Sam's career began as a Court Registrar at the Magistrates' Court of Victoria. He knows how matters move through the court system that will likely hear your case.
Sam appears at Dandenong Magistrates' Court and courts across Victoria. Dandenong is one of Victoria's busiest Magistrates' Courts by caseload. The volume means listing waits can be longer than at smaller registries; early preparation often makes the difference between a quick resolution and an adjourned mention that loses momentum.
Dandenong serves a large south-eastern catchment including Springvale, Noble Park, Hallam and Endeavour Hills. The court hears matters across the full criminal spectrum from low-level summary charges to committal hearings on serious indictable offences. Our Level 19 / 263 William Street office is approximately 35 km from Dandenong. In-person, phone and video consultations are all available.
Reach Sam directly by phone or email. For urgent matters, same-day advice is available.
Sam reviews your matter, explains the law and your options. No obligation after the consultation.
Before any work proceeds, Sam provides a clear costs agreement under the Legal Profession Uniform Law. Fixed-fee arrangements are available for eligible matters.
Sam appears at Dandenong Magistrates' Court, the County Court, Supreme Court, and Children's Court as required by your matter.
Working with Russo Lawyers
Direct principal access
Sam Russo runs every file
Free initial consultation
No obligation, no time limit
Same-day response
Including after hours by mobile
Level 19, 263 William Street, Melbourne CBD
These are the questions our clients ask most often. Nothing too basic. Nothing off-limits.
Time-sensitive?
Do not wait. Early legal advice significantly changes outcomes in criminal matters. Call Sam directly on (03) 7040 9825 for a same-day response.
Most drink-driving charges in Victoria carry an automatic licence cancellation on conviction. The minimum disqualification depends on your reading and prior history. Dandenong Magistrates' Court hears these matters regularly and the local Magistrates apply the standard sentencing range.
Section 49 of the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) sets the minimum disqualification periods. A first-offence low-range matter carries a minimum 3-month cancellation; mid and high range carry significantly longer disqualifications. Early legal advice can sometimes shape how the matter is presented at sentencing in ways that affect the outcome.
In Victoria the most common drink-driving charge is a Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) charge under section 49(1)(b) of the Road Safety Act 1986. DUI is a separate charge under section 49(1)(a) for being in charge of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
PCA charges are based on an evidentiary breath or blood reading. DUI charges do not require a specific reading and can be established on observable impairment evidence. The penalties overlap but the defences available are different. Sam will identify which charge applies to your matter and the best path forward.
Yes. Drink-driving matters are summary criminal charges and the defendant is generally required to attend the mention and any contested hearing at Dandenong Magistrates' Court. Sam will represent you on the day and ensure you understand exactly what to expect at each appearance.
For low-range first-offence matters where a guilty plea is appropriate, the matter often resolves at the first mention. Contested matters or mid/high-range charges typically require multiple appearances over several months. Travel and time-off-work planning matters; Sam will give you a realistic schedule at the first consultation.
ALSO SERVING
Russo Lawyers acts for drink driving lawyer clients across the Dandenong catchment and the surrounding suburbs below.
Speak with Sam directly for a free initial consultation. Phone, video, or in-person at our Melbourne CBD office.
Same-day response to all matters
samuel@russolaw.com.au