Criminal Offences
- Criminal Offences Melbourne
Have you been charged with a criminal offence?
Do you have a criminal case or a driving matter in the Magistrates’ Court?
About Phil Simpson – Criminal Offences Melbourne
Phil Simpson has been a Barrister at the Victorian Bar for over 25 years. Over this time, he has appeared for thousands of clients in a wide variety of cases. The primary focus of Phil’s practice is representing clients in the Magistrates’ Court. Over the years he has appeared for thousands of people who have been charged by the Police and other agencies with a wide range of criminal and driving related offences. Some of these offences include:
- Suspended and disqualified driving
- Drink and drug driving
- Dangerous driving
- Hoon driving and Careless driving
- Theft and burglary
- Drug offences
- Assault charges
- Breach offences (Community Corrections Orders and Intervention Orders)
- Sex offences
Phil also appears for individuals and companies that have been charged with regulatory offences such as:
- Tax offences
- Local Council and Agency prosecutions
- Penalty Enforcement Warrants for Toll offences and driving offences
Phil’s approach
Phil is known for his down-to-earth approach. He is pragmatic and has a thorough knowledge of the law. He works extremely hard for his clients and he is determined to get every client the best possible outcome. Phil’s experience, preparation and approach in conjunction with a clear understanding of your personal circumstances is vital to achieving the best possible Court outcomes.
There is no question that the Court process can be a very stressful experience. It’s stressful for the person that is charged. But it can also be a very stressful experience for their parents, partner and family. Phil understands this. For this reason, 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 always explain the “legal speak” in a way that people understand. He will conference with you in the way that is the most convenient to you (in person, on Zoom or in a telephone conference). Throughout the process, Phil is also available to answer any questions that you may have via text and email.
Melbourne Criminal Barrister
If 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. The right advice at an early stage can maximise your chances of a favourable outcome. It can also provide an overview of the process that will often relieve some of the stress associated with an otherwise confusing and slow process.
Why should I get legal representation for my Court appearance?
While some people choose to represent themselves in the Magistrates’ Court, this can be a high-risk strategy. If you’re not familiar with the process and you don’t understand the law, then the chances are that you may not get the best outcome. 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. In addition to this, having representation also means that you don’t need to try and navigate the process yourself. Going to Court is stressful enough without having to work out where to go and what to say.
Being represented also shows the Court that you have gained appropriate insight and remorse. As a combination, the above 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 a favourable outcome.
Being charged by the Police can be very stressful
There can be many reasons why people find themselves appearing before the Magistrates’ Court. It’s easy to feel like a criminal, even if it’s your first time at Court. After more than 25 years as a Barrister, I recognise that good people can often find themselves before the criminal courts. This can be a very stressful time.
Common reasons for Criminal offending include:
- 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
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Possible Defences to Criminal offences
Criminal offences Community Corrections Orders
Criminal Offences Melbourne
Criminal offences Jail Sentences
Minimise the potential impact on you and your livelihood
Criminal offences Victoria
Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court – Criminal Offences Melbourne
I speak to clients at all stages of the process. Sometimes clients contact me at the very start of the process. Some will contact me immediately before or after their police interview. Some people ring me when they get served with their Charge and Summons documents, while others will make contact the day before they are listed to attend Court. Regardless of when you make contact, I am happy to discuss your rights and options with you. Oftentimes, people express their eagerness to finalise their matters in the most efficient way possible. This is a common position.
Regardless of your position or approach, getting the right advice will assist you to make an informed decision about the best way forward. The right advice and 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.
Melbourne Criminal Barrister
Pleading Guilty
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 with Police prosecutors, thorough preparation and appropriate personal and therapeutic reports and references are essential in order to achieve the best result. 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, knowledge and hard-work when seeking to achieve an excellent result in the Magistrates’ Court.
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 suggestions about materials that will assist to achieve the desired outcome. In addition to making recommendations about suitable and appropriate character references and therapeutic reports, Phil will liaise with the Police and the Court on your behalf. Feel free to make contact to discuss your matter.