Criminal Lawyer Serving Shepparton
Charged with a criminal offence or required to attend Shepparton Magistrates’ Court?
O’Haire Legal provides practical criminal law advice and representation for clients facing police charges, bail issues, plea hearings, contested hearings and sentencing matters.
If police have contacted you, you have received court documents, or you are unsure what to do next, early legal advice can help you understand your position and make informed decisions.
Early advice can make a significant difference. Before speaking to police, entering a plea or attending court, it is important to understand the charge, the evidence, the likely penalties and the options available to you.
Matters We Handle
assault and related violence offences
family violence charges and breach matters
intervention order breach allegations
theft, shoplifting and dishonesty offences
burglary, aggravated burglary and trespass matters
criminal damage and property-related offences
drug possession and other drug-related offences
weapons and prohibited item offences
bail applications, variations and breach matters
advice before and after police interview
plea hearings, contested hearings and sentencing appearances
court appearances in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
Shepparton Magistrates' Court
We assist clients with criminal law matters listed at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court and other Magistrates’ Court locations across regional Victoria. We can help you understand your charges, prepare for court, review the police summary, advise on plea options and represent you where appropriate.
Police Interview Advice
If police want to interview you, you should obtain legal advice before answering questions.
We can explain your rights, discuss whether you should participate in an interview and help you understand the possible consequences of what you say.
Bail Applications and Bail Conditions
If you or a family member has been arrested, refused bail or placed on bail conditions, urgent advice may be required.
We can assist with bail applications, applications to vary bail conditions and advice about complying with existing bail conditions.
Plea Hearings and Sentencing
If you intend to plead guilty, preparation is important.
We can advise you about the likely sentencing range, what material may assist, and whether steps such as counselling, treatment, references or other evidence should be obtained before court. We can also present submission on your behalf before the court.
Contested Hearings
If you dispute the charge, we can review the evidence, advise on prospects, identify issues in the prosecution case and assist with preparation for a contested hearing.
Family Violence Intervention Orders
Criminal law matters can often overlap with intervention orders, including Family Violence Intervention Orders. An intervention order may place restrictions on contact, communication, attendance at certain places, or other conduct. Breaching an intervention order can result in criminal charges and can affect or limit any orders in family court proceedings, so it is important to understand exactly what the order allows and prohibits.
O’Haire Legal can assist with advice about intervention order proceedings, alleged breaches of intervention orders, family violence-related charges, and the way an intervention order may affect family law proceedings.
If you have been served with an intervention order, charged with breaching an order, want to challenge or revoke an intervention order, or need advice before attending court, you should obtain legal advice as early as possible.
How We Assist
First, we discuss what has happened, what you have been charged with and when you need to attend court.
We then review the available documents, including the charge sheet, police summary, bail documents, intervention order documents or other relevant material.
After reviewing the material, we advise you about your options, possible outcomes and the preparation required.
Where appropriate, we assist with court preparation and representation.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Please provide any documents you have received from police or the court, including the charge sheet, summons, bail undertaking, police summary, intervention order documents, prior criminal history, court date notice and any relevant text messages, photos, emails or witness details.
Fees and Costs
We will explain the likely costs before work is carried out. Criminal law matters are generally charged on an hourly basis unless otherwise agreed.
Speak With a Criminal Lawyer Now
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, received court documents or need advice before speaking to police, contact O’Haire Legal.
Call (03) 7064 0341 or book an appointment online.
Your Questions, Answered
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You should obtain legal advice if you have been charged with a criminal offence, asked to attend a police interview, served with court documents, or required to attend the Magistrates’ Court. A lawyer can help you understand the charge, the evidence, the likely penalties, and whether you should plead guilty or contest the matter.
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You should obtain legal advice before participating in a police interview. What you say in an interview may be used as evidence. A lawyer can explain your rights, discuss whether you should answer questions, and help you understand the possible consequences of participating in an interview.
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You should bring any documents you have received from police or the court, including the charge sheet, summons, bail undertaking, police summary, intervention order documents, prior criminal history, and court date notice. You should also bring any relevant text messages, photographs, emails, witness details, or other material that may assist your matter.
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Whether a conviction can be avoided depends on the charge, the seriousness of the offending, your prior history, the circumstances of the matter, and the material placed before the court. In some cases, it may be possible to seek an outcome without conviction, but this cannot be guaranteed.
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Yes. O’Haire Legal can assist with bail applications, applications to vary bail conditions, and advice about complying with bail conditions. If you or a family member has been arrested or refused bail, urgent legal advice may be required.
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Yes. Criminal law matters can overlap with intervention orders, including Family Violence Intervention Orders. We can assist with advice about intervention order proceedings, alleged breaches, family violence-related charges, and the way an intervention order may affect related criminal law or family law proceedings.
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Yes. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to oppose an intervention order, negotiate the terms of an order, or apply to vary or revoke an order. The correct approach will depend on the facts, the evidence, the type of order, and any related criminal or family law issues.
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If you plead guilty, the court will consider the charge, the agreed facts, your prior history, your personal circumstances, any steps you have taken since the offence, and the submissions made on your behalf. Preparation can be important, including references, treatment reports, counselling material, or other evidence where appropriate.
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If you want to contest the charge, the evidence needs to be reviewed carefully. This may include the police summary, witness statements, interview material, CCTV, photographs, messages, expert material, or other evidence. A lawyer can advise you on prospects, risks, and the likely process.
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The cost depends on the type of matter, the seriousness of the charge, the amount of preparation required, and whether the matter resolves early or proceeds to a contested hearing. We will explain the likely costs before work is carried out. Criminal law matters are generally charged on an hourly basis unless otherwise agreed.