Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney 2025
Ultimate guide to find the Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney 2025: Who to Look For and How to Choose the Right One
Awarded Criminal Lawyers 2025 Sydney
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If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Sydney, you need the best criminal lawyer to represent you in court. The right criminal lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. But with so many criminal lawyers in Sydney, how do you know which one to choose? In this article, we will discuss who and what to look for when choosing a criminal lawyer and provide you with the awarded criminal lawyers in Sydney for 2025.
When facing criminal charges, it is important to have a criminal lawyer represent you in court. Criminal charges can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. A criminal lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. They can provide you with legal advice, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court.
If your freedom, job and your reputation is at stake, we strongly recommend that you have a close look at this guide. We provide ways to find the best criminal lawyers as well as profiles of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney that have recently been awarded on 20 January 2025, by Lawyers & Barristers Awards.
What to Look for in a Criminal Lawyer
When choosing a criminal lawyer in Sydney, there are several factors to consider:
Experience
You want a criminal lawyer who has experience in the specific area of law that your case involves. For example, if you are facing drug charges, you want a criminal lawyer who has experience with drug cases. Look for a criminal lawyer who has a track record of success in similar cases.
Reputation
You want a criminal lawyer with a good reputation in the legal community. Look for a criminal lawyer who is well-respected by their peers and has positive reviews from clients. You can check online reviews and ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used a criminal lawyer in the past.
Communication
You want a criminal lawyer who communicates well and keeps you informed throughout the legal process. Look for a lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails and explains things to you in a way that you can understand.
Cost
You want a criminal lawyer who is affordable and offers transparent pricing. Look for a lawyer who offers a flat fee or an hourly rate with a clear breakdown of costs.
Availability
You want a criminal lawyer who is available when you need them. Look for a lawyer who is willing to meet with you outside of normal business hours if necessary and who can accommodate your schedule.
Who are the best criminal lawyers in Sydney 2025?
List of the awarded criminal lawyers for 2025 at Lawyers & Barristers Awards
List of Services
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Avinash SinghAvinash Singh
Avinash Singh is the Principal Lawyer of Astor Legal. He is one of Australia’s most respected and highly sought-after lawyers, having represented some of Australia’s elite sportspeople including Olympians & National Rugby League (NRL) players.
Mr Singh commenced his legal career over ten years ago as a law clerk with some of Australia’s most well-known barristers. There he worked on some of the country’s most prolific cases. He was able to learn first-hand from Senior Counsel & Queens Counsel the techniques used by them to analyse voluminous and complex material and develop successful case strategies. Upon his admission he began honing his advocacy skills in courtrooms throughout New South Wales and has built a reputation as one of the Australia’s most fearsome advocates.
Some of Mr Singh’s most notable and highest profile cases include:
• representing rugby league great Andrew Johns and forcing prosecutors to withdraw all proceedings against him before the first court date;
• persuading the Court to not record a conviction against an Australian Olympian for serious drug charges. Mr Singh was also able to ensure that his client’s name was not published in any media reports;
• a successful appeal to the High Court which transformed the landscape of Evidence law in Australia and resulted in the prosecution being unable to present any evidence against his client;
• representing the son of a prominent overseas government official and obtaining ‘not guilty’ verdicts for multiple sexual assault charges against him;
• obtaining ‘not guilty’ verdicts and a costs order against the DPP for historical sexual assault charges against a prominent lawyer;
• the only acquittal in the greyhound racing ‘live-baiting’ scandal;
• obtaining a ‘not guilty’ verdict at trial for fraud charges totalling in excess of $3 million;
• no jail for a $1 million fraud scheme in the construction industry;
• dozens of acquittals in sexual assault trials, commercial drug trials, complex fraud trials, grievous bodily harm, robbery, dangerous driving occasioning death, proceeds of crime and various other trial matters;
• murder & manslaughter cases which have attracted media attention;
• representing companies and individuals in corporate crime (ie. white collar crime) proceedings and investigations, money laundering, bribery and other forms of corruption.
Mr Avinash Singh is respected by Judges and Magistrates as a persuasive advocate. He has an exceptional record in having clients found ‘not guilty’ as well as avoiding criminal convictions if they choose to plead guilty. Mr Singh is often able to negotiate to have charges dismissed or downgraded when others cannot, making him one of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney.
He has been recognised by the Law Society as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. This is a title that less than 6% of lawyers in Australia have been honoured with, putting him in a truly elite bracket. This achievement was made all the more impressive as he achieved this title before the age of 30. He has since been appointed to the Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee. This is the body that develops & conducts the assessments for lawyers who are applying to be Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law. Mr Singh is the exclusive criminal law expert for a number of organisations including Leaders in Law and Advisory Excellence.
Other members of the profession often seek out his advice on complex legal matters. His success has seen him be recognised in television, radio, online and print media. Journalists regularly contact him for his legal expertise on breaking news and legal developments.
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Joseph HarbJoseph Harb
Joseph Harb is the Principal of one of Australia's most trusted criminal law firms – Australian Criminal Defence - www.auscriminaldefence.com.au
Australian Criminal Defence is a firm comprised of some of Sydney's best and relentless criminal defence advocates. The firm has six offices conveniently located in Sydney and they offer free consultations and fixed fees for any criminal law case. Joseph Harb has built a solid reputation amongst Sydney's legal profession for his skill and determination in high profile criminal cases and is well renowned for having serious charges withdrawn. Joseph Harb is particularly known for the results he has achieved in drug supply and importation matters.
Joseph Harb has navigated a number of highly complex cases involving large quantities of drugs and secured acquittals before judges, juries and local court magistrates alike.
Hundreds of his cases in the local court have resulted in no convictions being recorded. Joseph Harb’s eye for detail and his professional reputation with the courts and prosecutors has allowed him to get the best results possible for his clients. He brings a weight of experience to each case and gives nuanced advice to clients needing the best outcome for their matter, whether it be through a trial or negotiated charges for sentence. Joseph Harb has particular experience and skill in negotiating facts and charges with police and prosecutors.
Australian Criminal Defence is renowned for the effort they put into pre-trial negotiations and the writing of formal representations to prosecutors for charges to be withdrawn. It is a distinguishing part of their practice and one of the key reasons many clients are drawn to Australian Criminal Defence.
In relation drug offences, Joseph Harb convinced a judge not to record a conviction for a client charged with supplying 560 ecstasy tablets. He also convinced another judge to not record a conviction for a client charged with the possession of 88 pills and the supply of 22 pills charges. Joseph Harb has obtained hundreds of section 10 non-convictions for clients charged with possession of drugs.
Joseph Harb regularly appears before the Local, District, and Supreme Courts of New South Wales on behalf of clients charged with various offences including Murder, Sexual Assault, Fraud. He also has extensive experience in matters involving the NSW Crime Commission in Proceeds of Crime proceedings.
If you have recently been charged with a criminal or drug-related offence, reach out to the team at Australian Criminal Defence for a free consultation to discuss your matter on (02) 8815 8151 or 0415 932 866
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Steven Mercael Steven Mercael is the Principal and Founder of Criminal Lawyers Group. He is regarded in the industry as being among the best criminal lawyers under 30 years of age. A regular on the 6pm news, Steven’s cases often receive national and international press coverage. His unrelenting work ethic means he not only represents clients charged with serious crimes, such a murder and other violent crimes, but also regularly appears in the Local Court to help clients charged with less serious crimes, such as domestic violence, drug, and driving offences. Steven grew up in Western Sydney before being accepted into a Bachelor of Law at the University of New South Wales, which is ranked the 14th best law school in the world. In 2017, Steven's selection for a mentorship involved learning from the country’s finest solicitors, barristers, and judges, including Senior and Queen’s Counsel. In 2018, he was the recipient of ACLG award for excellence in criminal law practice. Throughout 2019, Steven Mercael, was falsely accused of an offence and defended the charge. He knows how it feels to be falsely accused of a crime. Steven regularly appeared in high profile matters achieving great results before Magistrates and Judges while fighting his own charge and was ultimately found not guilty. Steven has used this experience to help his clients achieve the best possible representation. Steven’s ability to dissect a complex brief has made him a solicitor of choice in criminal cases involving copious amounts of drugs and money. Likewise, his ability to cross-examine a witness has led him to appear in some of the highest profile matters in the country. Steven has a compassionate ear and gives his clients a voice in court. Where clients have told him that they wanted to plead guilty he has convinced the court to not record convictions. He has kept clients out of jail when other lawyers have said those outcomes were impossible. If you would like Steven to be your criminal lawyer, contact us to organise a free first conference.Steven Mercael
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Peter Katsoolis I was first admitted to practice in 2001 having graduated with the equivalent of first class honours at UNSW. While at law school I won the Law Book Company Prize for Criminal Laws and the Minter Ellison Prize for Trial Process making it clear what my future professional career was going to be. Before being admitted, I appeared as a law clerk in most criminal jurisdictions up to the NSW CCA. I lectured at UNSW Law School in the areas of evidence, litigation, and criminal procedure and worked for Stephen Odgers SC on an early edition of Uniform Evidence Law. I was also the foundational editor of the Australian Journal of Human Rights. Since being admitted I have been published on human rights and sexual assault law, and presented CLE papers on practice and procedure at the NSW and Australian Crime Commissions. Since 2004, I have been in continuous practice as the principal of Katsoolis + Co. Solicitors+ Attorneys, a Sydney-based law firm specialising in high level criminal defence. For over twenty years when you engage me you get me and my experience and expertise from the beginning of your case to the end. I have successfully defended every type of crime in the criminal calendar at all court levels including the High Court of Australia and have featured in numerous best criminal lawyer lists in the news media. The firm prides itself on not just following precedent but making it. I hit the ground running with a succession of successfully defended high profile criminal matters particularly murder and large scale drug supply and have made my name as a serious crime specialist ever since. In 2021 and 2022, I was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards in the Sole Practitioner category, the only criminal lawyer to have done so. I have run matters in just about every court in New South Wales from Bega to Broken Hill. I have also successfully defended criminal matters in every other Australian State and Territory. I have acted in matters in Asia, the United States, and even Sweden (for a client charged with impersonating George Young of Vanda & Young / AC DC). I have appeared in related jurisdictions such as the Children's Court, the State Parole Authority, the Coroner's Court, the Federal Court, the Mental Health Review Tribunal, as well as in RMS, EPA, Workcover, ASADA, RMS, and ATO prosecutions. I have acted in investigative bodies such as the Crime Commission, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the ICAC. I have also conducted proceedings in family law, employment law, administrative law, personal injury claims (particularly against the State), intellectual property and defamation proceedings. Wherever the litigation is difficult and heavy, I am here to help to achieve absolute wonders for the client. As a testament to my profession repuation and proven track record, I am now acting for third generations of families and routinely accept referrals from the Bench and the profession.Peter Katsoolis
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Mickaela MateMickaela Mate
Mickaela is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and the founder of Mate Lawyers. After graduating Newcastle University with First Class Honours, Mickaela worked in a boutique criminal defence firm located in Kings Cross. There, Mickaela had carriage of a wide variety of matters, from traffic matters to drug importation and murder.
In 2020, Mickaela started Mate Lawyers with a focus on providing the best result for each client. Mickaela takes an individualised approach, remembering that a criminal matter is likely to be the most stressful experience any of her clients experience in their life. Mickaela supports each client on their journey through the criminal justice system. Although she may be kind and empathetic to clients, Mickaela is known as strong advocate who fearlessly and fiercely represents each one of them. She is skilled at cross-examination, often receiving praise from the judicial officers on her approach to questioning. Mickaela has significant experience in a variety of criminal matters, including
- Sexual assault
- Drug possession, supply and importation
- Assaults, including domestic violence and assaults on police officers.
- Weapons and Firearms offences, and prohibition orders
- Robbery matters
- Driving offences, including drink and drug driving
- AVO matters
- Fraud
Mickaela regularly appears in all jurisdictions of NSW. Mickaela predominantly practices in metropolitan Sydney, however has a strong practice in her home town of Newcastle.
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Michael MoussaMichael Moussa
Michael Moussa is the Principal Lawyer of National Criminal Lawyers® and exclusively specialises in Criminal Law. He is the force and drive of the firm and is responsible for some of Sydney’s most high profile matters.
Michael is both a member of the Law Society and also a member of the Criminal Division of the legal aid panel.
Michael has worked with and managed some of Sydney’s best Criminal Law firms and has obtained outstanding results in what others may describe as some of the most complex of cases.
Michael is a renowned criminal lawyer for his advocacy skills and putting the prosecution to vigorous testing. Michael’s courtroom style and demonstrated ability to crack even the most compelling witnesses has led to him being nationally recognised as an outstanding criminal defence lawyer.
Michael has appeared in high profile criminal cases, including Indecent Assault charges, Acts of Indecency charges, Fraud charges, Manslaughter charges, and Abduction charges. Appearing daily in the Local Courts, District Courts, Supreme Court of NSW, and the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, Michael is passionate about ensuring that justice is seen and served for all his clients and gains no better satisfaction than winning his cases, regardless of how small or complex the matter is.
Michael also specialises in Apprehended Domestic Violence Order applications, parole hearings, NSW Crime Commission proceedings and Coronial Inquests. Some of the best advocates of our time, including Supreme Court Judges and Senior Counsel, have mentored Michael’s rise as a criminal lawyer. He is only one of the very limited criminal lawyers in Australia who has completed a Masters in Law (Criminal Practice).
Michael has an Egyptian Australian background and speaks Arabic fluently. He has a large middle eastern clientele in Western Sydney. He has a wealth of experience in complex and serious criminal cases and possesses the skill to digest enormous amounts of material, and issue resolve, whilst formulating the best of case strategies that will result in the dismissal of charges and not guilty verdicts. Michael has conducted a number of presentations for advocacy which has allowed him to be a highly respected courtroom lawyer.
Michael has become an advocate for those mistreated by the police. His passion is helping those who have been made vulnerable and aggrieved by the improper conduct of police during a person’s arrest. He is an advocate who ensures that both the NSW and Federal Police conduct their inquiries within the parameters of the law.
Michael prides himself on providing clear and accurate legal advice, with a careful assessment of each case. He takes pleasure in securing the best possible result for his clients, helping to bring them a step closer to putting their lives back on track. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the criminal field ensuring that all clients are treated fairly during all proceedings. He continues to strive to protect the rights of those who have been accused of criminal offences. Michael is a dedicated, focused, and ambitious Criminal Lawyer who is a defender of the rights of those charged with Criminal and Traffic offences.
If you wish to get in contact with Michael for a FREE consultation for any of your legal issues, contact National Criminal Lawyer’s office on 1800 CRIM LAW and our warm and caring administration team will schedule an appointment that’s suitable for both parties.
Highlights
Violent kidnapping accused makes bail bid Craig Kelly Adviser Faces AVO Charges Dropped for Girlfriend of Bikie Investor Accused of Fraud Granted Bail Banditos Bikie Receives Bail Sydney Store Pervert Avoids Jail Bail Granted for Serious Allegations Charged Dismissed Granted Bail Twice Reduced Sentence Achieved Bail, Despite Hefty Fraud Accusations Abduction Charge, Charges Dropped Security Guard Charged with serious Sexual Offences Sentenced to ICO -
Elie SrourElie Srour
Elie Srour is a leading practitioner and advocate in the area of criminal law. He is the principal lawyer of Criminal Law Group – www.criminallawgroup.com.au, one of the top Criminal Law firms in Sydney.
For more than a decade, Elie has successfully defended thousands of clients with criminal matters in various locations across NSW. Elie practices exclusively as a criminal defence lawyer. This means his wealth of experience in the area of criminal law gives his clients the leading edge to defend their charges. He is widely respected for his advocacy skills and his ability to persuade the judiciary in his client’s favour, even in the most difficult cases. Elie prides himself on his ability to negotiate charges with the prosecution and advocate on his client’s behalf in Court. He ensures that all clients receive his undivided commitment and personal attention to their legal matter. Irrespective of the seriousness of his client’s case, Elie goes above and beyond to ensure his client’s position is communicated correctly and their voice heard to ensure they are given a fair go. Elie is a fierce advocate who will give you honest and realistic advice. You can rest assured that Elie will give you his undivided personal attention and commitment to your case, negotiate successful outcomes, and provide professional representation for all criminal and traffic charges at any court in NSW. Elie is available to assist with your matter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 274 652 (1300 CRIM LAW).
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Mark KryakosMark Kryakos
Mark Kryakos has earned a reputation as a tenacious lawyer with a special interest in fierce advocacy and skilful negotiation.
He has a proven track record of success in complex criminal and family law matters. He has also developed a successful niche in acting for defendants in Safe Work NSW prosecutions.
Mark appears in Criminal and Family Law Courts around Australia on a daily basis, and regularly volunteers his time to causes which he is passionate about. He is a regular presenter at the SAVE Traffic Offenders Program and has also volunteered at the former Nepean Hawkesbury Family Law Service.
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Katrina FavreKatrina Favre
Being a lawyer is something Katrina always aspired to be. She enjoyed complex problem solving from a very young age, and found that pursuing a career in law gave her endless opportunities to explore different issues and engage in endless learning, while simultaneously helping the community and the legal system.
Katrina’s interest in law first started in high school, where she completed Legal Studies for my HSC. Katrina had an inspiring teacher who always put me to the challenge of justifying my views and answers to legal problems or questions.
In 2012, Katrina commenced her undergraduate Bachelor of Law Degree with Honours at University of Technology Sydney, where she was further inspired by her lecturers and peers to contribute to the legal profession. Some of the lecturers who taught Katrina in university are Counsel she briefs today, and some have become Judges who she appears before.
Upon completing her law degree with Honours, Katrina commenced practical legal training in a boutique criminal defence law firm in the Sydney CBD. As a full time paralegal, Katrina was tasked with not only a support role for the lawyers and principal, but also appearing at Court mentions and assisting Counsel in trials and appeals. Katrina then transitioned into a support role for a renowned barrister at Forbes Chambers who taught her valuable skills to analyse briefs of evidence, draft submissions, prepare for cross-examination of witnesses, and negotiating with the Crown.
Following her role as a barrister’s assistant, Katrina was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW on 27 May 2016 and commenced a full time role as a lawyer with a general practice law firm. While working at this firm, Katrina’s former principal entrusted her with several ticking time bombs of family law cases, which meant she was tasked with learning family law at a fast pace. Katrina remained with this firm for four years and primarily practised in family law, criminal defence law and care and protection law. Katrina was regularly appearing at various Courts and representing clients in mediations throughout this time.
In May 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Katrina decided to open her own law firm, KF Lawyers Australia. Given the uncertainty in the economy, she was worried her firm would not flourish and the business would fail, but luckily that was not the case. With the support of many colleagues, family, friends and clients, Katrina’s firm has continued to grow since it was opened.
Katrina is admitted to practise as an Australian Lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW and in the High Court of Australia. As such, Katrina appears in both State and Commonwealth Courts throughout Australia to represent clients. Katrina is a member of the Law Society of NSW and also a Committee Member of the Defence Lawyers NSW association. She is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, and completed her studies to become an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Katrina has assisted several clients charged with complex criminal offences, some of which had simultaneous or forthcoming Family Court proceedings for parenting and property disputes. She has represented clients in drug-related matters, domestic violence-related matters, taxation offences, proceeds of crime, traffic matters, fraud, robberies, sexual and indecent assaults, murders and manslaughter, and firearms offences, amongst other matters. Katrina also appears in the Court of Criminal Appeal in NSW for defence appeals and defending clients in Crown appeals.
Katrina equally spends time in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for family law disputes through various States and Territories in Australia. She has appeared for parties involved in litigation between States, blended families, and complex asset pools. Katrina is also involved in complex international family law parenting and financial disputes including Texas, Hawaii, New York, Dubai, the Philippines, China, Lebanon, Italy and Brazil.
Being an experienced advocate in litigation, Katrina appreciates the value of collaboration and mediation to try resolve disputes in a just and efficient manner. With a view to seeking to achieve the best possible outcome in as little time as possible, Katrina is quick to identify areas of dispute and develop a strategy that assists clients in achieving the best possible outcome.
Katrina has been a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards for 2021, 2022 and 2023 in both criminal and family law categories, the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for 2021 and 2022 for both criminal and family law, the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2021 and 2022 .
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Michael KuzilnyMichael Kuzilny
Michael Kuzilny is one of Australia’s most respected and results-driven criminal lawyers. With more than 30 years’ experience, thousands of winning outcomes, and a reputation for kindness, strength and integrity, Michael fights passionately for his clients in all Local and District Courts across NSW.
Michael doesn’t just know the law—he lives and breathes it. He’s a former police officer, a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) graduate, a certified life coach, and the long-time host of the inspirational TV show ‘Tough Times Never Last’ on Foxtel. Known as Australia’s Favourite Legal Eagle, Michael is the lawyer who listens, understands, and wins.
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Sherleen ChandSherleen Chand
Sherleen Chand is the Principal of Criminal Lawyers Sydney She is a highly sought-after criminal defence lawyer who has an outstanding track record of successfully defending clients who are accused of serious and complex crimes; including several notable murder, intent to murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault, multi-million dollar fraud and commercial drug importation, supply and manufacture cases.
Ms Chand is a formidable criminal defence lawyer who is respected by judges, magistrates, police and DPP lawyers alike, and is frequently able to persuade prosecutors to discontinue criminal proceedings altogether, or accept significantly reduced charges in cases where the prosecution evidence is strong.
Ms Chand has extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure which was evident in a recent case where she represented her client involving in a highly complex murder case involving multiple Co-Accused’s. Ms Chand worked closely with the NSW Homicide Squad and negotiated with the team where she was able to successfully secure an induced statement for her client, who was ultimately not charged.
More recently, Ms Chand appeared in the regional court as an instructing lawyer in a jury trial for an aggravated sexual assault matter relating to a child. Her client was acquitted on all 10 counts on the indictment.
Ms Chand has also previously appeared for her client who was charged with stabbing of a police office whilst in execution of their duty. The proceedings commenced in local court proceedings where Ms Chand obtained relevant psychiatric materials, prepared the case for trial with a defence of mental illness in a judge alone trial, achieving the outcome of not guilty by reasons of mental illness.
Ms Chand also achieved an outstanding result for her client who was charged with Commercial Drug Supply. Ms Chand negotiated with the Director’s office by way of written representations and was successful in securing a plea negotiation for Drug Possession and matter finalised in the Local Court. Substantial preparation was done by Ms Chand for this plea, where a no criminal conviction was ultimately recorded for her client.
Ms Chand is also vastly experienced in interlocutory matters such as bail applications and committal hearings, having achieved success in cases where clients received advice from others lawyers that positive outcomes were impossible to achieve; including bail in commercial drug cases involving in excess of 300 kilograms, murder allegations and extremely serious multiple sexual assault allegations, and the discharge of defendants at committal hearings despite the prosecution evidence initially appearing to be insurmountable.
Ms Chand achieved success in bail for her client involving in excess of 300 kilograms of drug importation, and was successful in Supreme Court Bail for her client who was extradited from Thailand and charged with extremely serious multiple sexual assault allegations against a child in the Supreme Court which was highly publicised in the media. Ms Chand has also represented her clients in serious cases in the Children Court of cases involving multiple co-accused committing robbery in company. With extensive knowledge in children’s criminal proceedings and substantial case preparation was done by Ms Chand and she was able to avoid a criminal conviction for her client.
She excels at developing and implementing defence strategies that achieve results, and has the ability to digest enormous amounts of material, identify flaws and build defence cases that lead to positive outcomes.
She also has substantial experience in less serious matters that remain in the Local Court, such as many assaults, drug cases, larceny and fraud cases, AVOs and traffic matters such as drink and drug driving, driving whilst disqualified, negligent driving and licence appeals.
Ms Chand’s clients benefit from her experience and expertise, professionalism, dedication and dogged determination, and her formidable courtroom skills. She is an integral member of Sydney’s best criminal defence team.
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Kent ParkKent Park
Kent is a Senior Associate known for his advocacy inside and outside the courtroom. Kent has honed his skills over many years of specialising in criminal defence and his advice to defendants is in demand due to his meticulous and forensic approach. He works hard to ensure that his clients always benefit from thorough preparation and effective execution of his case strategies.
Previously, Kent was employed as a Senior Associate at one of Sydney’s leading criminal law firms and brings this wealth of experience to KPT Defence Lawyers.
Kent has appeared on numerous media platforms, including Channel 7 and 10 News. He has participated in legal podcasts and provided his professional opinion for articles with the profession’s governing body, the Law Society of NSW.
Kent is also experienced in preparing and instructing barristers in complex District and Supreme Court jury and judge-alone trials, and in appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal.
He boasts a proven track record of representing clients successfully in pre-trial applications and forensic procedure applications, often resulting in the dismissal of cases. Kent has extensive knowledge in defending sexual assault allegations and Commonwealth Offences – including drug importation matters, white-collar crime, and child abuse matters.
As a solicitor advocate, he handles appeals of all kinds, from licence appeals in the Local Court to severity and conviction appeals in the District Court.
Kent has also appeared in Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) proceedings. He has acted for numerous public servant defendants within various entities of the New South Wales government.
He is a member of Legal Aid NSW’s Summary and Indictable Panels. His proficiency in Korean enables him to assist Korean clients with English language difficulties. Kent is enthusiastic, tireless, and unrelenting in his efforts to secure the best possible outcomes for his clients. -
Ahmad FarajAhmad Faraj
Ahmad is a senior criminal lawyer and the principal of Faraj Defence Lawyers. Ahmad is a highly accomplished lawyer in New South Wales specialising in both criminal and traffic offences.
Ahmad appears across all courts in New South Wales, including the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court and has a track record of achieving not guilty verdicts and non-convictions across all courts. Ahmad has a high level of experience in defended hearings, sentences, local and supreme court bail and appeals in the District Court of NSW and Court of Criminal Appeal.Ahmad has appeared in some of the most complex cases including:
• Costs applications
• Fraud offences
• Domestic violence offences
• Drug offences
• Sex and child sex offences• Assault offences
• Firearms offences
• Traffic offences
• Dangerous and negligent driving offences
• Murder and manslaughter offences
• Break and enter offences
• Assault police offences
• Damage property offences
• Terrorism offences
Ahmad appears across all courts in New South Wales, including the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court and has a track record of achieving not guilty verdicts and non-convictions across all courts. Ahmad has a high level of experience in defended hearings, sentences, local and supreme court bail and appeals in the District Court of NSW and Court of Criminal Appeal.Ahmad has appeared in some of the most complex cases in New South Wales.
r. Mr. Ahmad Faraj is a senior criminal lawyer and the principal of Faraj Defence Lawyer. Ahmad is a highly accomplished lawyer in New South Wales, specialising in both criminal anAhmad Faraj is a senior criminal lawyer and the principal of Faraj Defence Lawyer. Ahmad is a highly accomplished Mr. Ahmad Faraj is a senior criminal lawyprincipal of Faraj Defence Lawyer. Ahmad is a highly accomplished lawyer in New South Wales, specialising in both criminal and traffic law matters.
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To find out more about the experience of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney 2025 click here.
Now that you have a list of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney for 2025, the next step is to choose the right legal professional to represent you in your case. Here are some tips on how to select the best criminal lawyer in Sydney for your case.
Do your research
The first step in choosing the best criminal lawyer in Sydney is to do your research. Look up the law firms and individual lawyers on your list, and read their websites and online reviews. Pay attention to their experience, success rate, and client feedback. This information can help you make an informed decision about which lawyer or law firm to choose.
Check their qualifications and credentials
When choosing a criminal lawyer in Sydney, make sure to check their qualifications and credentials. Look for a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in New South Wales and is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales. You can also check if they have any additional qualifications or certifications that make them an expert in their field.
Look for a lawyer with a personalised approach
Each case is unique, and you want a lawyer who will take the time to understand the specific details of your case and develop a personalised strategy for your defense. Choose a lawyer who is committed to providing personalised service and will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Book a free consultation and ask questions
During your initial consultation, there are several questions you should ask to determine if the lawyer is the right fit for your case. Some questions to consider include:
- What is your experience in handling cases like mine?
- What is your approach to defending criminal cases?
- What are your fees, and how do you charge for your services?
- How will you keep me informed about my case?
- What is the likely outcome of my case?
- What is the best case scenario if I plead guilty?
- What is the worst case scenario I plead guilty?
- Do I get a discount off my sentence if I plead guilty at the first available opportunity?
- Can I change the facts sheet?
- What happens if I plead not guilty?
- What are the fees if I plead guilty?
- What are the fees if I plead not guilty?
- What do my bail conditions mean?
- What happens if I breach my bail conditions?
- Are bail conditions the same as AVO conditions?
- What happens if I breach my AVO?
- If I serve time in custody, will the days served be accounted for when I am sentenced?
- How do I show the courts that I am otherwise a good person?
- At the time of the alleged offence I was suffering from a mental health condition, can this be considered by the courts?
- What defences are available to me?
- How can I avoid a criminal conviction?
- Do I need a barrister?
In conclusion, choosing the best criminal lawyer in Sydney for your case requires careful consideration and research. By following these tips, you can select a legal professional with the experience, qualifications, and personalised approach needed to provide you with the best possible defense.
The awarded criminal lawyers at Lawyers & Barristers Awards is certainly a starting point for those that need the best possible outcome in their matter. Go through their profiles, and see which lawyer would best serve your needs.
For more information please email info@lawyersbarristersawards.com.au.