Criminal Defence Lawyers — Melbourne & Victoria
Got a court date? The right advice early leads to better outcomes.
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 the very first conference so you can make informed decisions and protect your future.
A clear defence strategy before your court date
Understand exactly what you're facing — in plain English
Maximise your chances of avoiding a conviction
Protect your licence, job, and reputation where possible
Transparent costs — fixed fee options available
All Melbourne and regional Victorian courts
Book a conference
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
Why Shamac Lawyers
The difference between a good
outcome and a devastating one
Searching for a conveyancer near you in Melbourne or Victoria? Our experienced and knowledgeable team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Get started on your stress-free property transaction today.
Courtroom Experience
Our Principal Criminal Law Shane McClure appears regularly at every level of Victorian courts — Magistrates' through to the Supreme Court of Appeal. Real courtroom presence, not just paperwork.
Evidence-First Strategy
We scrutinise how evidence was obtained and whether it can legally be used against you. A strong challenge to the prosecution's case starts before trial.
Available When It Counts
Police don’t work 9–5 and neither do we — after-hours consultations, virtual meetings, and urgent same-day appointments available for all clients whenever needed.
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
No hidden fees. We discuss what your matter is likely to cost upfront, so you can make informed decisions without nasty surprises or unexpected costs arising later.
All of Victoria
Melbourne CBD and regional Victoria — Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Frankston, and beyond. We travel to where you need us, providing flexible and reliable legal support.
What We Handle
Criminal charges we defend
From minor summary offences to serious indictable matters — we provide
strategic, thorough representation across all areas of criminal law.
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
Common assault through to serious aggravated assault — we build your defence from the facts up, challenging evidence and pursuing the best available outcome.
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 and appearing in urgent intervention order proceedings — including family violence and personal safety orders..
Sexual Offences
Sensitive, confidential, and rigorous representation in serious sexual offence matters — handled with discretion and thoroughness at every stage.
Bail Applications
Urgent applications to secure your release — acted on immediately. We move fast when bail is at stake and appear in court as soon as possible.
Summary & Indictable Offences
From Magistrates' Court pleas through to County and Supreme Court trials — we prepare thoroughly and advocate strongly at every level.
We handle all Victorian criminal charges. If yours isn’t listed above, contact us — we almost certainly handle it.
How It Works
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
Understanding your complete position
We map out your assets, contributions, and entitlements — including superannuation, business interests, inheritances, and future needs — so you have a clear picture before any negotiations begin.
02
We Have a Chat
Shane sits down with you to understand your situation in plain English. We listen carefully, explain your rights and the likely outcomes, and give you honest advice about your options — including whether diversion or a no-conviction outcome may be available.
03
Documents & Costs Agreement
We'll tell you exactly what documents we need — charge sheets, police summaries, any correspondence. Once you're ready to proceed, a costs agreement is signed and funds are held securely in trust before work begins.
04
We Deal with the Police & Prosecutors
Where appropriate, we engage directly with police and prosecutors on your behalf — negotiating charges, challenging evidence, and working to achieve the best possible outcome before your matter reaches open court.
05
We Tell You What We Need
To prepare the strongest possible defence, we'll guide you on what to gather — witness details, character references, records, or anything else that strengthens your case. You're never left guessing what's required.
06
We Appear on Your Behalf
Shane represents you in court — Magistrates', County, or Supreme — presenting your defence professionally, assertively, and with your best outcome as the only priority.
We'll tell you straight what matters and what doesn't
A Strategic Defence — Not Just Representation
You don’t need a lawyer for everything. But getting the wrong advice — or no advice — early can limit your options later. We’ll tell you straight what matters and what doesn’t.
Led by Shane McClure, our team combines more than 20 years of courtroom experience with a strategic, down-to-earth approach that clients trust. We provide expert legal support for matters ranging from minor charges to complex criminal trials.
When you contact Shamac Lawyers, you receive focused attention, straightforward advice, and a realistic plan of action from the very first consultation. We take the time to understand your circumstances, identify every available defence, and build a case designed to protect your future.
From simple road traffic offences to complex criminal trials — our criminal defence lawyers are ready to work with you and for you. No matter your legal issue, no matter your circumstances or background.
We Appear In all City, Suburban and Regional Magisrates' 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
County Court of Victoria, Supreme Court of Victoria, Court of Appeal · and all other courts throughout regional Victoria.
What's at Stake
A conviction can
follow you for life
Most people focus on avoiding jail. But the consequences of a criminal
conviction go far beyond the courtroom.
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
Countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK may refuse entry to people with criminal convictions — even minor ones.
Housing
Rental applications, social housing eligibility, and mortgage approvals can all be affected by a criminal record.
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.
Family & Parenting
A conviction can be raised in family law proceedings and may affect parenting arrangements, custody orders, or intervention order applications.
Licences & Registrations
Professional licences — from working with children to security, real estate, and trade licences — may be cancelled or refused after a conviction.
Early legal advice changes outcomes. The earlier you get proper representation, the more options are available — including diversion, plea negotiations, and strategies to avoid a conviction recording altogether.
Not Sure Where You Stand?
You don't have to
figure this out alone
We understand your concerns and provide clear, confidential advice, upfront costs, and prompt support—so you can move forward with confidence.
I don't know if I even need a lawyer
Even if you think your matter is minor, the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. A single conference gives you a clear picture of what you're actually facing — with no obligation to proceed.
I'm worried about the cost
We discuss costs upfront at the first conference, clearly and without pressure. Fixed-fee options are available for many matters. The cost of good legal advice is almost always less than the cost of a bad outcome.
I'm embarrassed about what happened
Everything you tell us is strictly confidential. Shane has seen every situation imaginable — there's nothing you could say that would change the quality of the advice and representation you receive.
My court date is coming up fast
We handle urgent matters. If you have a court date approaching, book a conference as soon as possible —
the earlier we get involved, the more we can do for you.
Principal Lawyer
Shane McClure — Principal Criminal Defence Lawyer Shamac Lawyers
Shane is the founding director of Shamac Lawyers and has spent over two decades defending Victorians in criminal matters. He appears regularly in the Magistrates’, County, Supreme, and Supreme Court of Appeal — across both Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a strong and consistent presence at Kyneton, Bendigo, Bacchus Marsh, and Castlemaine courts.
His approach is direct, strategic, and empathetic. Shane understands that facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through — and he treats every client’s case with the urgency and focus it deserves. Every matter is guided personally by Shane from the first conference through to resolution.
20+
Years'
Experience
5★
Client
Reviews
All
Victorian
Courts
24h
Urgent
Availability
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions to help you understand your options
and next steps with ease.
What should I do if I've been charged with a criminal offence?
The most important thing is to get legal advice before you do anything else — particularly before speaking further to police. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you. Contact us as soon as possible and we’ll guide you through exactly what to do next.
Do I have to talk to the Police?
It depends. In most circumstances, no. You have the right to remain silent when questioned by police. While you must provide your name and address if asked, you are not required to answer questions about an alleged offence. We strongly recommend speaking to a lawyer before any police interview — contact us first, so we can determine your best possible strategy.
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 — with no hidden fees. 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.