Criminal Defence Lawyers — Melbourne & Victoria
Charged with a criminal offence? Speak with an experienced criminal defence lawyer before court.
Most people wait, guess, or rely on informal advice — and only realise later what they should have done. We give you clear, practical guidance from your very first conference so you can make informed decisions and protect your future.
✓ Speak directly with an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
A clear defence strategy before your court date
Understand exactly what you're facing — in plain English
Explore every available option before your court date
Protect your licence, job, and reputation where possible
Transparent costs — fixed fee options available
All Melbourne and regional Victorian courts
Phone
Office Hours
9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday
(Conferences by appointment only)
Clarence Chambers,
Level 11, 456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Appointments
After-hours & virtual appointments available.
All conferences by appointment only.
Please note: We do not offer Legal Aid.
If you hold a healthcare card or pension card, you may be eligible for free or subsidised legal representation through Victoria Legal Aid. Please check your eligibility before booking with us.
Testimonials & Reviews
★★★★★
Client Reviews
20+ Years
Courtroom Experience
Victoria-Wide
Melbourne & Regional Courts
Clear Fees
Fixed-Fee Options Available
Why Shamac Lawyers
Strategic criminal lawyer representation when the outcome matters
Whether you've been charged with a traffic offence, assault, drug offence, theft or another criminal matter, our criminal lawyers provide practical advice, strategic representation and strong courtroom advocacy from your first conference through to resolution.
Courtroom Experience
Our Principal Solicitor and criminal defence lawyer, Shane McClure, appears regularly in Victorian courts, from the Magistrates’ Court through to the County Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Evidence-First Strategy
We carefully examine how evidence was obtained, whether it is admissible and whether the prosecution can prove each element of the charge. Effective preparation begins well before the matter is determined in court.
Available When It Counts
Criminal matters don't always arise during business hours. Where circumstances require, urgent and after-hours appointments may be available, and we also offer virtual conferences for clients across Victoria.
Plain-English Advice
No jargon. We explain your rights, your options, and the likely outcomes in language you can actually act on — from the very first call with clear, honest guidance provided.
Transparent Costs
We explain our fees and anticipated costs upfront. If the scope of the work changes, we will discuss any revised estimate with you so you can make informed decisions as the matter progresses.
All of Victoria
We act in matters across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Frankston. Virtual conferences are also available.
What We Handle
Criminal charges we defend
From summary offences to serious indictable matters, our criminal lawyers provide strategic and thorough representation across a broad range of criminal law matters.
Assault & Violent Offences
Common assault through to serious aggravated assault — we build your defence from the facts up, challenging evidence and pursuing the best available outcome.
Drug Offences
Possession, trafficking, cultivation and other drug-related charges — we analyse the prosecution evidence, challenge unlawful searches where appropriate and provide strategic advice about your available options.
Traffic & Driving Offences
Drink driving, dangerous driving, excessive speed, and licence disqualification matters. Your licence and livelihood matter — we fight to protect both.
Theft, Fraud & Dishonesty
From shoplifting to complex financial fraud and white collar crime — we challenge the prosecution's evidence at every stage of the proceedings.
Intervention Order Breaches
Defending alleged breaches of family violence and personal safety intervention orders, including urgent applications and related criminal proceedings.
Sexual Offences
Sensitive, confidential, and rigorous representation in serious sexual offence matters — handled with discretion and thoroughness at every stage.
Bail Applications
Urgent advice and representation in bail applications. We act promptly where a person is in custody or bail is at issue.
Summary & Indictable Offences
From Magistrates' Court pleas through to County and Supreme Court trials — we prepare thoroughly and advocate strongly at every level.
We act in a broad range of Victorian criminal and traffic matters. If your charge is not listed above, contact us to discuss whether we can assist.
How We Work
What happens when
you book with us
From your first conference through to appearing in court — here’s exactly what to expect when you engage Shamac Lawyers.
01
Initial Conference
We listen to what happened, review the charges and police allegations, identify any immediate risks, and explain what you should and should not do before your next court date.
02
Advice and Strategy
We explain the prosecution case, your rights, your available options and the likely court process. Where relevant, we also discuss diversion, negotiations and whether a no-conviction outcome may be available.
03
Documents & Costs Agreement
We’ll tell you exactly what documents we need, including charge sheets, police summaries and any relevant correspondence. Once you decide to proceed, we provide a written costs agreement, explain the total estimated costs and confirm the staged payments required as the matter progresses. Any advance payments are held in our trust account and applied to your legal costs in accordance with the costs agreement.
04
We Deal with the Police and Prosecutors
Where appropriate, we engage directly with police and prosecutors on your behalf - challenging evidence, negotiating charges, narrowing the issues and seeking to improve your position before the matter is determined by the court.
05
Building Your Defence
To prepare your matter properly, we guide you on the information and supporting material required, which may include witness details, character references, medical records or other relevant documents. You will know what is needed and why.
06
We Appear on Your Behalf
We arrange appropriate representation in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court or Court of Appeal. Depending on the nature and complexity of the matter, you may be represented by Shane or an experienced barrister briefed by our firm. We prepare your case thoroughly and advocate for the best outcome reasonably available in your circumstances.
Don't Wait Until Court
The decisions you make today
can affect the outcome of your case
The decisions you make in the hours and days after being charged can significantly affect your case. Whether you're deciding whether to participate in a police interview, applying for bail, preparing for court or considering a plea, obtaining legal advice from a criminal lawyer early can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes, preserve your options and put yourself in the strongest possible position from the outset.
Prepare
We carefully review the prosecution material, identify the key issues and develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances before your matter comes before the court.
Challenge
We assess the strength of the prosecution case, identify weaknesses, consider whether evidence can be challenged and explore every available option before advising you on the best way forward.
Advocate
Whether negotiating with police or prosecutors, appearing in court or briefing an experienced barrister where appropriate, we work to achieve the best outcome reasonably available in your circumstances.
The sooner you obtain legal advice, the more options may be available. Book your conference before your first court date.
Our Approach
Every criminal matter requires a strategy tailored to the allegations, the evidence and the client’s circumstances. We provide direct advice about the realistic options and the steps most likely to improve your position.
Depending on the matter, this may involve negotiations, diversion, a plea, a contested hearing or briefing an experienced barrister. Throughout the process you will receive clear advice, responsive communication and professional representation delivered respectfully and without judgement.
We appear in metropolitan, suburban and regional Victorian courts, including:
Bacchus Marsh Magistrates' Court
Bendigo Magistrates' Court
Castlemaine Magistrates' Court
Kyneton Magistrates' Court
Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court
Dandenong Magistrates' Court
Frankston Magistrates' Court
Heidelberg Magistrates' Court
Melbourne Magistrates' Court
Moorabbin Justice Centre
Sunshine Magistrates' Court
Wyndham Magistrates' Court
Echuca Magistrates' Court
We also appear in the County Court of Victoria, Supreme Court of Victoria and Court of Appeal.
What's at Stake
A criminal conviction can
have long-term consequences
The consequences of a criminal conviction may extend beyond the immediate court penalty and can affect employment, travel, professional licensing and other parts of your life.
Employment
Many employers require criminal history checks. A conviction can end job prospects, cost you a current role, or disqualify you from licensed occupations.
Travel & Visas
A criminal record may affect your ability to enter or obtain a visa for some countries. The consequences depend on the country, offence and individual circumstances.
Reputation
A criminal allegation can affect your personal and professional reputation long before your matter is finalised. Obtaining legal advice early can help you respond appropriately and protect your interests.
Family & Parenting
A criminal charge or conviction may be relevant in parenting or intervention order proceedings, depending on the allegations and the circumstances of the family.
Professional Licences
Professional licences — from working with children to security, real estate, and trade licences — may be cancelled or refused after a conviction.
Visa & Residency Status
If you are not an Australian citizen, a criminal conviction could put your visa, permanent residency, or citizenship application at serious risk.
Getting legal advice before important decisions are made can help protect your position, preserve available options and prevent avoidable mistakes. Depending on the circumstances, this may include challenging evidence, negotiating charges, seeking diversion or pursuing an outcome where no conviction is recorded.
Charged with an Offence? Here's What We Hear Most Often.
You don't have to
figure this out alone
Whether you've just been charged or your court date is approaching, we'll explain your options, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps with confidence.
I don't know if I even need a lawyer
You don't need to engage us before you understand your options. During your first conference, we'll explain the allegations, the court process and the likely outcomes, so you can decide what level of legal assistance is right for your circumstances.
I'm worried about the cost
We discuss legal costs openly from the outset. You'll receive a written costs agreement, an estimate of the likely costs involved and clear staged payment arrangements, so you know exactly what to expect before making any commitment.
I'm embarrassed about what happened
Many of our clients have never been in trouble with the police before. We understand how stressful and confronting criminal charges can be. Whatever your circumstances, you'll be treated professionally, respectfully and without judgement, and your matter will be handled confidentially, subject to our legal and professional obligations.
My court date is coming up fast
The earlier you obtain legal advice, the more options may be available to you. If your matter is urgent, let us know when you enquire and we'll do our best to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
The police want to interview me
You don't have to make important decisions on your own. Before participating in a police interview or providing a statement, it's sensible to understand your rights and the potential consequences. We can advise you on the best approach based on your individual circumstances.
I think I'll just plead guilty
Pleading guilty isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Before making any decision, it's important to understand the strength of the prosecution case, the available options and the possible consequences. A conference before making any decisions may help you better understand your options and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Principal Lawyer
Shane McClure — Principal Lawyer and Founding Director
Shane McClure is the founding director of Shamac Lawyers and has more than 20 years of experience representing clients in criminal and traffic matters across Victoria.
He regularly appears in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court, including matters heard in Melbourne and regional centres such as Kyneton, Bendigo, Bacchus Marsh and Castlemaine. Where appropriate, Shane also works closely with experienced barristers in more complex proceedings.
Shane’s approach is direct, strategic and practical. He understands the stress and uncertainty that can arise when someone is charged with an offence and provides clear advice about the allegations, the available options and the court process.
Each matter is supervised by Shane from the initial conference through to resolution, with a focus on thorough preparation, responsive communication and achieving the best outcome reasonably available in the circumstances.
★★★★★
Client Reviews
20+ Years
Courtroom Experience
Victoria-Wide
Melbourne & Regional Courts
Clear Fees
Fixed-Fee Options Available
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions to help you understand your options
and next steps.
What should I do if I've been charged with a criminal offence?
One of the most important things you can do is obtain legal advice before making important decisions about your matter, particularly before participating in a police interview or providing a statement. In many circumstances, you have the right to remain silent, although police may require certain identifying information. Anything you say may be used as evidence. Contact us as soon as possible and we’ll explain your rights, obligations and the best next steps based on your circumstances.
Do I have to talk to the police?
In many circumstances, you have the right to remain silent and are not required to answer questions about an alleged offence. Police may require certain identifying information in particular situations. Speak with a lawyer before participating in an interview or providing a statement so you understand your rights and obligations in your circumstances.
How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost?
Costs depend on the nature and complexity of your matter. We discuss costs clearly and upfront at your first conference. Fixed-fee options are available for many matters. The cost of proper legal representation is almost always significantly less than the long-term consequences of a conviction or a poorly handled case.
Do you offer Legal Aid?
No — Shamac Lawyers is a private practice and does not offer Legal Aid. If you hold a healthcare card or pension card, you may be eligible for free or subsidised legal representation through Victoria Legal Aid. We encourage you to check your eligibility before booking with us.
Will my case go to court?
Not necessarily. Many matters are resolved before reaching a contested hearing — through negotiations with prosecutors, charge amendments, diversion programs, or plea agreements. We always explore every option to resolve your matter in the most favourable way possible before it proceeds to trial.
What should I bring to my first conference?
Provide us with any documents you have and any evidence you think might be helpful— charge sheets, bail conditions, court notices, or any correspondence from police or the court. Any photographs you have taken, or notes you have prepared. If you don’t have anything yet, that’s fine — just come with a clear outline of what happened and we’ll guide the conversation from there.
Can I change lawyers if I'm already represented?
Yes. You have the right to change lawyers at any time, including if you are unhappy with your current representation or you want a second opinion. However, timing matters. Changing lawyers too close to a court date can create unnecessary risk, especially if your new lawyer has limited time to review the brief, take instructions, negotiate with prosecution, or prepare properly for court. If you are concerned about your current representation, contact us as early as possible. We can discuss your situation confidentially, explain your options, and let you know whether we can assist.
Don't Wait Until Court
Ready to Speak With an Experienced
Criminal Defence Lawyer?
Whether you've been charged with an offence, contacted by police or have a court date approaching, we're here to provide clear advice, practical guidance and experienced representation.
Book your conference today and understand your options before making important decisions.