CRIMINAL DEFENCE · PRESTON
Russo Lawyers acts for clients across Preston and surrounding areas.
Every matter is handled personally by Sam Russo, Principal and former Court Registrar.
Your Local Court
69 Bell Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084
What to know
Preston matters are listed at Heidelberg Magistrates' Court. The catchment is part of the City of Darebin, which has a high concentration of inner-north residential and commercial activity feeding into the same registry.
Clients in Preston 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 Heidelberg Magistrates' Court and courts across Victoria. Preston matters are listed at Heidelberg Magistrates' Court. The catchment is part of the City of Darebin, which has a high concentration of inner-north residential and commercial activity feeding into the same registry.
Preston's mix of established Italian-Australian community and recent gentrification means matters span everything from long-resident clients facing first-time charges to new arrivals navigating the Victorian court system for the first time. Our Level 19 / 263 William Street office is approximately 9 km from Preston. 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 Heidelberg 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. Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Preston 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