General
How Do You Choose the Best Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne?
Not sure how to choose a criminal lawyer in Melbourne? Learn what experience to look for, what to ask at your first meeting, and the warning signs to avoid.
Criminal law insights from Sam Russo.
Practical articles on drug offences, assault, intervention orders, traffic law, and Victorian criminal procedure.
Victorian jurisdiction
Practical, not academic
Free access always
Every article here is written by Samuel Russo, a practising Melbourne criminal defence lawyer and former Court Registrar. The aim is plain-English guidance on how charges actually move through the Victorian courts, the outcomes that are realistically available, and the decisions that matter most in the early stages of a matter, before a plea is entered or a contest is set down.
These are practical notes drawn from day-to-day work across the Magistrates', County, and Supreme Courts of Victoria, not academic summaries. Every matter turns on its own facts, so if your situation is urgent, do not rely on a general article alone. Call Sam directly on (03) 7040 9825 for confidential advice specific to your circumstances.
Areas of Expertise
Drug Offences
What Is the Difference Between Drug Possession and Trafficking in Victoria?
Drug possession and trafficking in Victoria are very different charges. Learn what separates them, how quantity decides it, and what penalties you could face.
Intervention Orders
When Do You Need an Intervention Order Lawyer in Melbourne?
Served with an intervention order in Victoria? Understand the two types, what an order means for you, your four options, and how a lawyer can help. Free first consultation.
Drug Offences
When Do You Need a Drug Offence Lawyer in Melbourne?
Charged with a drug offence in Victoria? Understand the charges, the penalties, the line between possession and trafficking, and what happens next. Free first consultation.
Traffic
What Happens If You're Charged With Drink Driving in VIC?
Charged with drink driving in Victoria? Learn the legal BAC limits, the penalties, whether you'll lose your licence, and how a charge can be defended.
Traffic
Charged With a Traffic Offence in Melbourne? What Are Your Next Steps
Facing a traffic charge in Victoria? Learn which offences go to court, the penalties, how a traffic offence lawyer in Melbourne can help, and your options.
General
What Happens After You're Charged With a Crime in Victoria?
Just been charged in Victoria? Learn what being charged means, your rights, how bail works, what a mention or committal involves, and when to call a lawyer.
General
Do You Need a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Melbourne?
Charged with an offence in Victoria? Learn what a criminal defence lawyer in Melbourne actually does, the charges we defend, and what happens at your first court date.
Traffic
Driving While Suspended in Victoria
Driving while suspended or disqualified carries penalties well beyond a fine in Victoria, including imprisonment. Here is what the court actually considers.
General
Criminal Law in Victoria: The Complete Legal Guide
How the Victorian criminal justice system actually works, from the first police contact through bail, mention, contest and sentencing, explained step by step.
Intervention Orders
What Is an Intervention Order in Victoria?
Family violence and personal safety intervention orders explained, including interim orders, conditions, contested hearings and the consequences of a breach.
Traffic
Drink Driving Laws in Australia: Limits and Penalties
Blood alcohol limits, suspensions, interlock conditions and penalties for drink driving, with the differences between Victoria and other states set out clearly.
Property Offences
Theft and Larceny in Victoria: Penalties and Defences
Theft under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) explained: what the prosecution must prove, the penalties that apply, and the defences that succeed most often in court.
Assault
Common Assault in Victoria: Definitions, Penalties and Defences
Common assault under section 23 of the Summary Offences Act 1966 explained: what police must prove, what the court can order, and which defences may apply.
Assault
Assault Laws in Victoria: The Definitive Legal Guide
A full guide to assault under Victorian law, from unlawful assault through to intentionally causing serious injury, including penalties and available defences.
New articles, when they're published.
Practical criminal law articles from a Melbourne practitioner. No marketing. No spam.
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QUESTIONS?
Speak with Sam directly.
Same-day response to all matters. Confidential consultation, no obligation.
Available after hours by mobile - call my mobile
Same-day response to all matters
samuel@russolaw.com.au