Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyers in Canberra

Criminal Defence Lawyers in Canberra, ACT

Andrew Byrnes Law Group is a Canberra-based criminal defence firm. Our office at Level 3, 1 Farrell Place sits three minutes' walk from the ACT Magistrates Court, ACT Supreme Court, and ACT Children's Court at Knowles Place. Our team — led by Managing Partner Andrew Byrnes with Partner Himangi Ticku, Junior Partner Ash Shaffi, Associate Francisca Wong, and Lawyer Jemima Lorenz — handles the full range of ACT criminal matters daily.

Why a Canberra-Based Firm Matters

The ACT operates under territory-specific legislation: the Criminal Code 2002 (ACT), Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), Bail Act 1992 (ACT), and Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 (ACT). These statutes differ materially from NSW and other states. The ACT has decriminalised personal possession of certain drugs (effective 28 October 2023), operates its own family violence framework under the Family Violence Act 2016 (ACT), and runs a well-developed restorative justice program under the Crimes (Restorative Justice) Act 2004 (ACT). A Sydney or Melbourne firm passing through cannot match the operational knowledge of magistrates, prosecutors, and local practice that comes from appearing in these courts every business day.

Criminal Matters We Defend

Offences Against the Person

• Assault, AOABH, wounding, GBH, GBH with intent
• Sexual offences — including historical and child sexual offence matters
• Murder, manslaughter, culpable driving causing death
• Domestic violence charges
• Stalking, intimidation, threats to kill

Drug Offences

• Possession, supply, trafficking, cultivation, manufacture
• Drug driving (roadside oral fluid + blood)
• Commercial and large commercial quantities

Driving and Traffic

• Drink driving (PCA/DUI) — low, mid, high range
• Dangerous, negligent, and reckless driving
• Driving while suspended or disqualified
• Culpable driving causing harm

Protection Orders

• Family Violence Orders (FVOs) — ACT
• Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) — ACT
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) — NSW cross-border

Fraud, Property, and Commonwealth Offences

• Centrelink and Commonwealth fraud
• General fraud, forgery, bribery, money laundering
• Robbery, burglary, theft, shoplifting
• Property damage and trespass

Specialist Areas

• APS misconduct and security clearance impact advice
• Bail applications — including urgent and after-hours
• Criminal appeals — Magistrates Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal
• Youth defence — Children's Court
• Police interview rights and representation
• Spent convictions and criminal record clearance

The ACT Court System

ACT Magistrates Court

Located at Knowles Place, Canberra City. Handles summary offences, committals, bail, and protection order proceedings. Most ACT criminal matters resolve here.

ACT Supreme Court

Adjacent to the Magistrates Court at Knowles Place. Jury trials for indictable offences, Supreme Court bail, and appeals from the Magistrates Court.

ACT Children's Court

Closed proceedings for young people aged 10 to 17. Sits within the Magistrates Court precinct.

Canberra Districts We Serve

Our Canberra City office is centrally accessible from every district:

• Belconnen — University of Canberra, AIS, Calvary Hospital, Bruce, Macquarie, Page, Kaleen, Evatt, Charnwood
• Gungahlin — Harrison, Franklin, Casey, Ngunnawal, Nicholls, Amaroo, Throsby
• Woden — Phillip, Curtin, Garran, Hughes, Lyons, Pearce, Mawson, Services Australia HQ
• Tuggeranong — Greenway, Kambah, Wanniassa, Calwell, Gordon, Banks
• Inner North — Braddon, Turner, O'Connor, Lyneham, Dickson, Watson, Ainslie
• Inner South — Kingston, Manuka, Griffith, Red Hill, Narrabundah, Forrest, Barton, Deakin
• Molonglo Valley — Wright, Coombs, Denman Prospect, Whitlam

Our Recognition

Doyle's Recommended — Leading Criminal Defence Firm in Canberra. 4.8-star rating across 154+ Google reviews. Our team includes lawyers with prior experience at Legal Aid ACT, the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, and major national firms.

Free Initial Consultation

If you have been charged with a criminal offence anywhere in Canberra or the ACT, contact Andrew Byrnes Law Group on (02) 6210 1075 for a free initial consultation. In-person meetings at our Canberra City office, plus phone and video appointments. After-hours availability for urgent bail and police interview matters.

Andrew Byrnes Law Group
Level 3, 1 Farrell Place
Canberra City ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6210 1075
Email: andrew@andrewbyrneslawgroup.com.au