MELBOURNE’S
MELBOURNE’S leading
Melbourne's Best Criminal Defence Lawyers
Aggressive Defence For When You’ve Been
Charged With A Criminal Offence.
We’re featured on:
We’re featured on:
Are you a first time offender?
Ask us how we can keep your record clean.
EXPERTISE
Engage with Melbourne's
Best Criminal Lawyers
Drug Possession / Trafficking
Offences involving illegal drugs or
controlled substances.
traffic charges
Drug Driving
Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the degree.
Crypto Currency
It imposes stringent reporting and registration obligations on digital currency exchange providers.
War Crimes
This includes prohibitions against intentionally targeting civilians, inflicting unnecessary suffering.
Extradition Laws and defence
Legal mechanism by which one nation transfers an individual to another for criminal prosecution.
INTERPOL Red Notices
Serves as the primary liaison between that country’s law enforcement and INTERPOL.
Drink Driving
People caught on numerous occasions driving motor vehicle over the prescribed blood alcohol limit.
Assault charges
Family Violence
Behaviour by a person towards another person with whom the first person is in a relevant relationship.
Weapons Firearms
Fraud & theft
bail
Temporary release of an individual who has allegedly committed an offence for the duration between being arrested and charged and their proceeding court date.
Need to Contact a
Loved One in Custody?
If you or a loved one is being held in custody anywhere in Greater Melbourne or across Victoria, Garde Wilson Lawyers can provide rapid representation and expert advice to take on your fight for justice.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our
Clients
Are Saying?
What Our Client Are Saying?
meet our team
Choose What Is Right, Choose Garde Wilson Lawyers
GARDE WILSON
ZARAH GARDE-WILSON
Barrister & solicitor
Criminal defence law expert renowned for handling tough cases and championing her client’s rights before the courts.
AMANDA O’BRIEN
Amanda O’Brien
Amanda expertly supports our Gold Coast team and as a clerk at Garde Wilson Lawyers, she is entrusted to help our clients through a challenging period.
RAY RAHEEM
Ray Raheem
Currently in the final year of his law degree, which he will complete in late 2025, Ray brings a profound passion for the law and a genuine commitment to helping people.
Go to Court with the Leading Melbourne Criminal Lawyers by Your Side
If you are facing criminal charges ranging from simple traffic matters through to the most serious offences, we provide the services you need to secure the best outcome.
Our 24 hour emergency helpline will provide you with the immediate advice you need, ensuring you avoid making any mistakes, in the critical first few hours of arrest, that will damage your case.
our process
What happens when I’m charged?
01Initial Interview
This takes place either on the side of the road or at the police station when the police first contact you about an alleged offence and your involvement in it.
You should always seek legal advice before speaking to any member of the Victorian police when concerned with an allegation.
02You Are Charged
Once police have completed their interview with you, if they feel they have sufficient evidence to have the allegations found proven, they will charge you.
They will issue you with paperwork outlining the offences you are charged with. This paperwork is vital to our defence.
03Summon Or Bail?
Whether you are summoned to court or bailed to appear at court depends on the charges.
Bail is when the police have released you into the custody of a person who gives an undertaking that you will appear at a specified time and place to answer the charge against you. Have you been bailed to appear at court?
04Court Appearance
The final step is attending court for your case to be heard by a magistrate or judge. Any case that goes before a court is serious. Court opens at 9am each day and we will be there to ensure you do not face this stressful task alone.
We speak to the prosecutors, court staff and manage the whole process by standing by you and speaking on your behalf for your best interests.
ABOUT US
We are experts in criminal defence, it's the only law we practice
Firm founder, Zarah Garde-Wilson is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and is a registered practitioner with the High Court of Australia.
With over 20 years experience as a Melbourne criminal lawyer, Zarah has a track record of fighting and winning complex criminal law cases and has established a reputation as one of Australia’s most sought-after and trusted criminal defence lawyers.
Why Choose Garde Wilson Lawyers?
EXPERience
Never leave your future or freedom in the hands of anyone but the best. Avoid jail, minimise or avoid licence loss and call our legal team today.
Reputation
Garde-Wilson Lawyers reputation in matters of criminal defence is unmatched.
Focus on You
Frequently asked question
Do you still have questions?
01Does Garde Wilson Lawyers handle both traffic offences and serious criminal charges in Victoria?
Yes. Garde Wilson Lawyers represent clients across the full spectrum of criminal matters — from traffic and driving offences, including drink and drug driving, to serious indictable crimes such as assault, drug trafficking, sexual offences, and homicide. No matter the charge, our team provides strong, experienced defence and clear guidance at every stage of the process.
02What questions should I ask when contacting a criminal defence lawyer in Melbourne?
If you’re calling a firm like Garde Wilson Lawyers in Melbourne about a criminal defence matter, it’s important to ask the right questions to understand your options and feel confident in your representation. We recommend asking:
Have you handled cases like mine in Victorian courts before?
What’s your approach to defending this type of charge?
Based on your experience, what are the possible outcomes in my situation?
How are your legal fees structured — do you offer fixed or capped fees?
What are the next steps if I decide to proceed with your firm?
Is there anything urgent I should do before my first court date?
Who will be my main point of contact throughout the process?
How often will I receive updates about my case?
Do you provide after-hours or emergency legal support?
What should I bring or prepare before our first consultation?
These questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re working with a lawyer who’s experienced, transparent, and committed to protecting your rights.
03What steps should I take right away if I’m arrested or charged with a criminal offence in Melbourne?
04What are the chances of avoiding a criminal conviction for a first-time offence?
05I live in regional Victoria — can Garde Wilson Lawyers still represent me?
06Will I know the total cost of representation upfront?
07How do legislative changes in Victoria, including updates to bail or hoon laws, impact my case?
08Can digital evidence, such as mobile phone data or social media posts, be used in a criminal case against me?
Yes. Police and prosecutors can use digital evidence — including mobile phone data, text messages, photos, videos, and social media activity — to support their case. It’s important to avoid posting or sharing anything related to your matter and to seek legal advice immediately. Your lawyer can guide you on how to protect your privacy and ensure your rights are protected.
Why Choose Garde Wilson Lawyers?
We understand better than most the stress and angst that a criminal charge or circumstance can cause. From the moment you are charged, it is crucial to be informed of your legal rights and have a lawyer made available to you as per the criminal procedure enacted in the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.
We know the law, the procedure that must be followed and will ensure your liberties, well being and future are taken care of with the utmost professionalism and expertise
Criminal defence specialist with more than 20 years of successful practice.
A reputation for winning complex cases and achieving successful outcomes in all courts throughout Australia.
No judgement, ever! We carry each of our clients through the system with care and expertise.
Be careful of lawyers who charge excessive legal fees and just plead you guilty. Get sound advice and protect your future.
Garde Wilson Lawyers know the courts, know the system and know what is most important to you and your family.
Your case matters, get the best criminal lawyers in Melbourne to protect your freedom and future.
Affordable Fixed Legal Fees, we always keep our fees fixed and see out your case from start to finish.
IT PAYS TO BE PREPARED
Get your FREE courtroom survival guide HERE
Get your FREE character reference HERE
Get a Free Case Assessment
Avoid Jail. Avoid Serious Fines. Get the Best Defence.
Our Offices
Conveniently Located to Serve Your Legal Needs
We connect with clients from Victoria and South Eastern Queensland at our Offices in Williams Street, Melbourne City and Cavil Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Garde Wilson Lawyers also serves clients Australia-wide seeking justice from higher courts.
Melbourne CBD, Vic
Surfers Paradise, QLD
to Zara and Ryan they all are amazing criminal lawyers. After living 30 years of my life in Australia I dealt with many lawyers in my career but at last I found these who saved my life.