Magistrates’ Court?

Phil Simpson has over 25 years experience and can assist with getting you back on the road sooner, with the possibility of having your criminal charges dropped. Contact Phil today.

Do you have a criminal case or a driving matter in the Magistrates’ Court?

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Phil Simpson has been a Barrister at the Victorian Bar for over 25 years. During this time, he has appeared for thousands of clients in a wide variety of cases. Phil spends most of his time appearing in the Magistrates’ Court for people that have been charged by the Police with all manner of criminal and driving offences, including:

Suspended and disqualified driving
Hoon driving
Drink and drug driving
Dangerous driving
Careless driving
Police charges arising from motor-vehicle accidents
Theft and burglary
Drug related offending
Assault charges
Breach offences (Community Corrections Orders and Intervention Orders)
Sex offences

Facing Criminal charges?

Phil also appears for individuals and companies that have been charged with regulatory offences such as:

Tax offences
Local Council and Agency prosecutions
Toll offences (City Link and Eastlink, including Penalty Enforcement Warrants)

Phil's approach

Phil has a thorough knowledge of the law and is also pragmatic. He is known for his down-to-earth approach. He works hard for his clients and he is determined to get each of his clients the best possible outcome. Preparation and a clear understanding of your personal circumstances is vital to achieving the best possible Court outcomes.

Phil understands that the Court process can be a very stressful experience, for the person charged as well as their partners, parents and family. Sensitive to this, Phil will always take the time to thoroughly explain to every client the steps that are involved in achieving the best possible outcome. He will explain the “legal speak” in a way that makes sense. He will meet with you in person and he is also available via text, phone and email to answer any questions that you may have.

Whatever the reason that you find yourself charged with an offence, it’s very important to get advice from a practitioner who understand the complexities of both the process and the law.

Why should I get legal representation for my Court appearance?

While there is no obligation to be represented, the presence of a Barrister definitely sends the right message to the Court. Among other things, it demonstrates to the Court that you are taking the matter very seriously. Magistrates often comment on the fact that a person has sourced and engaged legal representation. It also shows the Court that you have gained an appropriate level of insight and remorse. As a combination, these factors generally increase your chances of getting the best result in the circumstances. I will work extremely hard to minimise the overall impact for you and for those that depend on you. I am very happy to discuss your options with you in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Being charged by the Police can be very stressful

In my experience, there are many reasons why people find themselves involved in the criminal justice system. It’s easy to feel like a criminal, even if it’s your first time before a Court. After more than 25 years in the Criminal Courts, I recognise that good people can often find themselves before the criminal courts. This can be a very stressful time.

Common reasons for offending are as follows

An uncharacteristically bad decision
Challenging personal circumstances such as mental-health or family struggles
A misunderstanding about your rights and obligations
Peer group pressure
Lack of support from friends or family to assist you with your personal challenges and life management
For some driving offences, a lack of effective and reliable public transport can result in making the decision to drive when you shouldn’t
Being uninformed about the potential penalties for your behaviour

Feeling Unsure.. Concerned...

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Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court

Quite often, clients consult me after having already attended a police interview. Sometimes they’ve made admissions or partial admissions to behaviour that is likely to result in criminal charges. This will often result in charges being laid. Some clients readily acknowledge their wrongdoing and are eager to finalise their matter as quickly and efficiently as possible. They immediately take responsibility for their actions and circumstances and express appropriate remorse. Seeking the right advice will assist you to make an informed decision about the best way forward. The effective management of a criminal or driving matter can have a significant impact on the outcome. There are a range of administrative steps and processes that will maximise your opportunity for an excellent result.

I am frequently retained by individuals who ask me to prepare and conduct a plea in mitigation on their behalf. It’s no secret that the best way to achieve a great outcome will always require the consideration of a number of factors. In essence, effective negotiations, thorough preparation and appropriate personal and therapeutic references are essential in order to achieve the best result. In addition to managing this process for you, there are also a range of resolution options that can be explored. I am results-focused and I will work with you to maximise your chance of an excellent outcome. There is no substitute for experience when seeking to achieve a fair and sensible result in the Magistrates’ Court.

Criminal Charges Melbourne

Criminal charges Jail Sentences

Minimise the potential impact on you and your livelihood

Criminal charges Community Corrections Orders

Criminal charges Victoria

Where to from here?

.In preparation for your Court date, Phil will meet with you personally, listen to your side of the story, analyse the facts and provide advice on the law. He will also make some suggestions about individuals and agencies who can assist with the preparation of appropriate reports that will help to minimise your penalty. Phil will also make recommendations about suitable and appropriate character references.

FAQ's

Which Courts in Victoria Do I Work From?

I regulary attend all Melbourne Courts including:

Melbourne Magistrates Court
Heidelberg Magistrates Court
Moorabbin Magistrates Court
Wyndham Magistrates Court
Ringwood Law Courts

Sunshine Magistrates Court
Neighbourhood Justice Centre
Dandenong Magistrates Court
Frankston Magistrates Court
Broadmeadows Magistrates Court

I can represent clients at these regional Courts throughout Victoria

Ararat Magistrates Court
Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court
Bairnsdale Magistrates Court
Ballarat Magistrates Court
Benalla Magistrates Court
Bendigo Law Courts
Castlemaine Magistrates Court
Cobram Magistrates Court
Colac Magistrates Court
Corryong Magistrates Court
Dromana Magistrates Court

Echuca Magistrates Court
Edenhope Magistrates Court
Geelong Magistrates Court
Hamilton Magistrates Court
Hopetoun Magistrates Court
Horsham Magistrates Court
Kerang Magistrates Court
Korumburra Magistrates Court
Kyneton Magistrates Court
Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court
Mansfield Magistrates Court

Maryborough Magistrates Court
Myrtleford Magistrates Court
Portland Magistrates Court
Sale Magistrates Court
Seymour Magistrates Court
Shepparton Magistrates Court
St Arnaud Magistrates Court
Stawell Magistrates Court
Wangaratta Magistrates Court
Warrnambool Magistrates Court
Wonthaggi Magistrates Court

How Much Do You Charge?

Are your prices really high because you’re a Barrister? I’ve heard it’s cheaper just hiring a Solicitor or Lawyer..?