Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
Serious Charges Demand Serious Defence
We act fast, fight hard, and know what it takes to win.
- Over 30 years experience in the criminal justice system
- Track record of success
- Nationally acclaimed expertise
Free Legal Advice 24/7
Because when you’re charged, you deserve answers, not delays.
Legal Awards
Awards and Decorations
Criminal Defence Lawyers for Melbourne and Regional Victoria
MK Law is a criminal law firm. Criminal and traffic law is what we do, and has been since Michael Kuzilny started in 1986. Our legal team gives advice and legal representation in a wide range of criminal and traffic matters, from a first drink driving charge to serious criminal matters, and our reputation as leading criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne rests on defending clients well.
Our experienced criminal defence lawyers in Melbourne appear in every Victorian court, from the Magistrates’ Court to the Court of Appeal. That covers all criminal offences, from police interviews and bail applications through to pleas, contested hearings, jury trials and appeals. Our offices are in St Kilda and the Melbourne CBD, and we represent clients across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
Michael has 40 years in the criminal courts, a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, and the Victoria Police Prosecutor’s Course in 1989, so he knows how the other side builds a case.
Practice Areas
Criminal Charges
We Defend
Charged by Police? What Happens Next in Victoria
If you have never dealt with the Victorian legal system, here is what usually happens after a criminal charge in Melbourne. We help you understand the legal process at each stage, and what we are doing on your behalf.
If you have been charged or are under investigation, call 1800 130 120. It is free, and someone answers 24 hours a day.
You have the right to remain silent. You can refuse to answer questions or give a statement, and the police must let you call your lawyer. You do have to give your name and address.
Get advice before you speak to police, even if it seems minor. Anything you say in a recorded interview can be used against you. Call a criminal lawyer immediately, ideally before the interview. If it has already happened, send us the recording.
After a charge, police either release you on bail, send you a summons, or keep you in custody. If you are kept in, we prepare a bail application straight away. Someone at MK Law answers the phone 24/7 for anyone in custody.
A charge sheet or summons tells you when and where to appear, usually the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court or a suburban one. That first hearing is called a mention. Call us as early as possible. Early legal advice gives us time to get the police brief and prepare before that date.
Most criminal cases end here. Either the prosecutor withdraws the charges, or a plea of guilty is negotiated on terms we can live with. Before any of that, we test whether the police evidence can actually prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt. If it can’t, we push the prosecutor to withdraw, or apply for diversion so you avoid a criminal record.
Serious indictable offences under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) go from the Magistrates’ Court to a committal hearing, then to a jury trial in the County Court or the Supreme Court of Victoria. Sentencing is governed by the Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) and criminal procedure by the Criminal Procedure Act 2009 (Vic).
Our Approach
What a Criminal Defence Lawyer Actually Does
The role of a criminal defence lawyer in legal proceedings is often misunderstood in our community. Often, people believe that all lawyers do is try to get their clients off police charges. In reality, criminal lawyers are officers of the Supreme Court and have duties to the Court before they have duties to their clients.
That being said, a criminal lawyer’s first role is to ensure that the police evidence is sufficient to achieve a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt according to the rules of evidence. If that is not the case, we will consult with the police to have your charges withdrawn. If that is unsuccessful, we will advise you to plead not guilty and prepare defence strategies for a contested hearing.
In the Magistrates’ Court, if you are acquitted after a hearing, we can apply for an order that the Commissioner of Police pay your legal costs. We are in the business of law and evidence, and there is no place for selling clients false hopes. Honest advice on the first call is what gets the best possible outcome, even when it is not what you hoped to hear.
How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Melbourne?
For a lot of people the cost is the biggest worry about a court case. We keep fees as low as we can and offer flexible payment options. Before you commit to anything you get a cost disclosure statement with an estimate of the likely fees for the circumstances of your case, and there are no hidden extras.
Most Magistrates’ Court work in Melbourne is on a fixed fee. That covers case conferences, pleas, hearings and appeals. Pensioners, students and the unemployed pay less, and the first phone call is free.
Meet Our Criminal Defence Lawyers
From Michael Kuzilny
Good people make mistakes, and the dedicated team at MK Law is here to help you get through the tough times in life. It’s that simple!
Something I’ve learned from over 30 years in court is that it’s never too late to reach out to seek legal advice and expert help.
If you or a loved one has been facing criminal charges or received a court summons in the Victorian justice system, do yourself a favour and stop delaying. Your court case is important, and your quick action today may mean the difference between conviction and a happy outcome.
With honour and respect, I look forward to meeting you.
Love & best wishes,
Michael Kuzilny.
Testimonials
What people Say
- I can’t thank Marcus and Daniel and the team at Mk Law St kilda enough they are very professional great communication you feel like and are a prio...I can’t thank Marcus and Daniel and the team at Mk Law St kilda enough they are very professional great communication you feel like and are a priority. Very Fair on price, they will be my first point of call if I ever need Lawyer help or Advice. So thank you Mk Law. Kind regards. G
G Ambrose - Excellent service and professional support. My case was handled efficiently by Daniel Moon, and I was kept informed throughout. Truly appreciate the care and effort.
Shehroz Obaid - I’ve had a great experience with Daniel from MK Law. I highly recommend him for any matters. He was very professional, respectful, understanding a...I’ve had a great experience with Daniel from MK Law. I highly recommend him for any matters. He was very professional, respectful, understanding and educated when dealing with the matter, while also keeping me informed in any steps.
Gabby Poposki - I had an excellent experience working with Daniel Moon from MK Law. From the very beginning he was clear, knowledgeable and reassuring during what...I had an excellent experience working with Daniel Moon from MK Law. From the very beginning he was clear, knowledgeable and reassuring during what was a stressful situation for me. He took his time to explain the court system and process as it was my first time. He displayed a strong attention to detail, understanding and handled my case with professionalism. I am very satisfied with the results. I highly recommend his service to anyone needing legal assistance.
isteevan Younus
How to Engage a Criminal Lawyer
If you’ve been charged or are under investigation, contact us straight away. Call our Melbourne office in business hours, or any time if you are in police custody. We will give you expert legal advice on where you stand and what not to say.
To get started, give us a quick call on 1800 130 120 and email your police brief. We will read it and give you initial advice. If you are happy with that, you can hire us to run the case to the end.
Don’t delay, call MK Law today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers about our legal services. Longer answers are on our FAQ page.
Contact MK Law immediately. Being charged with a criminal offence is a serious matter; everything you say and do without your lawyer could make your legal issues worse. Call 1800 130 120 or email your police brief and we will give you initial advice.
As soon as police contact you, and always before an interview. If you have already been charged, call us now so we can get the brief of evidence before your first mention.
No. You have the right to remain silent, and the police must let you contact a lawyer. Give your name and address, then say nothing else until you have spoken to a lawyer. A lawyer’s job in that room is to protect your rights, because anything you say in an interview can be used against you.
Often, yes. The charges might be withdrawn, you might get diversion, plead to a lesser charge, get a good behaviour bond, or be sentenced without a conviction being recorded. An experienced criminal defence lawyer will tell you which of those is realistic for your charge and your record.
It depends on the charge and the court. You get a written estimate before you commit, and most lower-court matters are on a fixed fee. There is more on fees on our FAQ page.
Yes. The first phone consultation is free, and someone answers the phone 24 hours a day if you are in police custody. Call 1800 130 120 or leave your details in the form above.
From the Magistrates’ Court up to the Court of Appeal, in courts across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. Our offices are in St Kilda and the Melbourne CBD.
Ask how long they have practised only criminal law, read their Google reviews, and ask whether the person you speak to first is the one who will appear for you in court. Then call two firms and compare. We are happy to be one of them.
Yes, for both applicants and respondents in intervention order proceedings, including family violence orders, and for any criminal charges that come with them.
Speak to a Criminal Defence Lawyer Today
Call Anytime For Free Legal Advice 24/7
Two offices, one number.
- St Kilda: 2/212 Barkly Street, St Kilda Victoria, 3182
- CBD: Level 20/263 William Street, Melbourne Victoria, 3000
- 1800 130 120
- marcus@mklawfirm.com.au