When you’re staring down criminal charges in Perth, your choice of lawyer can literally make the difference between walking free and facing serious consequences. The legal system doesn’t mess around, and neither should you when it comes to selecting your defense team. Whether you’re dealing with a minor traffic infringement or facing serious felony charges, having the right criminal defence lawyer by your side is absolutely critical.
Perth’s legal landscape is filled with lawyers claiming to be the best at criminal defence, but the reality is that not all lawyers are created equal. Some have decades of courtroom experience and a track record that speaks for itself, while others might be fresh out of law school or primarily focused on other areas of law. The difference in outcomes can be staggering.
We’ve spent considerable time researching Perth’s criminal defence legal market, analyzing everything from case success rates to client testimonials, professional recognition, and specialisation areas. What you’ll find below is our carefully curated list of the top five criminal defence law firms in Perth, each selected for their proven ability to deliver results when it matters most.
This guide will help you understand what sets these firms apart, what types of cases they excel in, and how to determine which one might be the best fit for your particular situation. Remember, when your freedom is on the line, there’s no room for guesswork.
Our Selection Process
Choosing the top criminal defence firms in Perth wasn’t a decision we made lightly. We developed a comprehensive evaluation framework that looks beyond flashy websites and marketing promises to examine what really matters when your future is at stake.
Our research focused heavily on years of experience practicing specifically in Western Australian criminal law. General practice lawyers who occasionally handle criminal cases simply don’t have the depth of knowledge and courtroom experience that dedicated criminal defence specialists possess. We prioritized firms where the lead lawyers have spent years, often decades, focusing exclusively or primarily on criminal defence work.
Track record and case success rates played a major role in our evaluation process. While lawyers can’t guarantee specific outcomes, patterns of success in similar cases provide valuable insight into their capabilities. We looked for firms with documented histories of achieving favorable outcomes for their clients, whether through successful trials, negotiated plea agreements, or charges being dropped entirely.
Client testimonials and online reviews offered another crucial perspective. Real clients sharing their experiences provide insights that you won’t find in any marketing material. We examined Google reviews, testimonials on firm websites, and feedback from legal directories to understand how these firms actually treat their clients during what are often the most stressful periods of their lives.
The range of criminal law specializations was also important in our assessment. Criminal law encompasses everything from minor traffic violations to serious violent crimes, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and sexual assault charges. The best firms either have broad expertise across multiple areas or deep specialization in specific types of cases.
Professional reputation and peer recognition within the legal community provided additional validation. Awards, professional memberships, and recognition from other lawyers often indicate a firm’s standing within the legal profession.
Finally, we considered accessibility and client service approach. Being available when clients need them most, communicating clearly about complex legal processes, and providing transparent information about fees and expected outcomes are all crucial factors that distinguish excellent criminal defence firms from average ones.
It’s important to note that this ranking represents our editorial opinion based on publicly available information and research. Every legal case is unique, and what makes one firm the best choice for one person might not apply to another situation.
Perth’s Top 5 Criminal Defence Law Firms
Podmore Legal (Our Top Pick)
Podmore Legal has earned our top recommendation for several compelling reasons, starting with the exceptional leadership of Justin Podmore himself. With over two decades of combined legal and business experience, Justin brings a unique perspective to criminal defence that sets him apart from many of his peers. This combination of extensive legal knowledge and business acumen means he understands not only the intricacies of criminal law but also the broader implications that criminal charges can have on a client’s professional and personal life.
What really distinguishes Podmore Legal is their approach to client service. Rather than treating criminal defence as a one-size-fits-all operation, they recognise that every case involves unique circumstances that require tailored strategies. Justin’s extensive experience means he’s seen virtually every type of criminal case that comes through Perth’s courts, giving him invaluable insight into how different judges, prosecutors, and juries are likely to respond to various defence strategies.
The firm’s reputation within Perth’s legal community is outstanding. Other lawyers often refer their most challenging criminal cases to Podmore Legal, which speaks volumes about the respect Justin has earned among his peers. This professional recognition translates into real advantages for clients, as prosecutors and judges know they’re dealing with a serious, prepared advocate who won’t be intimidated or caught off guard.
Clients consistently praise Podmore Legal for their clear communication throughout the legal process. Criminal law can be incredibly complex and intimidating for people who have never been through the system before. Justin and his team excel at explaining legal concepts in plain English, keeping clients informed about developments in their cases, and setting realistic expectations about possible outcomes.
The firm handles a comprehensive range of criminal matters, from relatively minor charges like traffic violations and disorderly conduct to serious felonies including assault, drug trafficking, fraud, and violent crimes. This breadth of experience means that regardless of what charges you’re facing, Podmore Legal likely has specific experience with similar cases and understands the nuances involved.
HHG Legal Group
HHG Legal Group has earned their spot as our second-ranked firm primarily because of their exceptional accessibility and emergency services. Criminal charges don’t always happen during convenient business hours, and HHG Legal understands this reality better than most firms. Their provision of 24/7 emergency assistance through experienced criminal lawyers like Lisa Riley and April Jarmoszewicz sets them apart in Perth’s legal market.
Lisa Riley, reachable at (08) 9211 2626, brings years of criminal defence experience to emergency situations. Whether you’ve been arrested late at night, over the weekend, or during holidays, having immediate access to an experienced criminal lawyer can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your case. Early intervention can often prevent charges from being filed, influence the conditions of bail, or ensure that your rights are protected during police questioning.
April Jarmoszewicz, available at (08) 9211 2603, provides another layer of emergency coverage that ensures clients are never left waiting for critical legal assistance. This level of availability demonstrates HHG Legal’s commitment to their clients and their understanding of how time-sensitive criminal defence work can be.
The firm’s team approach to criminal defence means that clients benefit from multiple perspectives and areas of expertise. Rather than relying on a single lawyer, HHG Legal draws on the collective knowledge and experience of their criminal defence team to develop the strongest possible defence strategies for their clients.
Their established relationships within Perth’s legal system provide significant advantages during negotiations with prosecutors and appearances before judges. These professional relationships, built over years of ethical practice and successful outcomes, often translate into better results for clients through more favorable plea agreements or alternative sentencing options.
HHG Legal Group’s comprehensive approach to criminal defence means they handle cases ranging from traffic violations and minor drug possession to serious violent crimes and complex white-collar offenses. This diversity of experience ensures that regardless of the charges you’re facing, you’ll be working with lawyers who understand the specific legal issues and potential consequences involved.
Chambers Legal
Chambers Legal has secured their position in our top five primarily because of their impressive specialization coverage across multiple areas of criminal law. Rather than claiming to handle “everything,” they’ve focused their expertise on specific areas where they consistently deliver exceptional results: traffic law, assaults, drug offences, robbery, fraud, and sexual offence charges.
Their traffic law expertise is particularly valuable in Perth, where traffic-related charges can have serious consequences for people’s ability to work and maintain their livelihoods. From drink driving charges to dangerous driving and license suspensions, Chambers Legal understands the nuances of Western Australian traffic law and has successfully helped numerous clients avoid or minimize the impact of traffic-related convictions.
When it comes to assault charges, Chambers Legal recognizes that these cases often involve complex circumstances where self-defence, provocation, or other mitigating factors may apply. Their experience with assault cases means they know how to investigate the circumstances thoroughly, identify witnesses who can support their client’s version of events, and present compelling arguments for reduced charges or alternative penalties.
Drug offence defence requires specific knowledge of search and seizure laws, chain of custody procedures, and the various legal challenges that can be mounted against drug charges. Chambers Legal’s focus in this area means they stay current with evolving drug laws and understand the most effective defence strategies for different types of drug charges, from simple possession to trafficking allegations.
Their expertise in robbery and fraud cases is particularly important because these charges often carry serious penalties and can have lasting impacts on a person’s reputation and career prospects. These complex cases typically involve detailed financial records, surveillance evidence, and multiple witnesses, requiring lawyers who understand how to analyze and challenge this type of evidence effectively.
Sexual offence charges represent some of the most serious and sensitive criminal matters that come before Perth’s courts. Chambers Legal’s experience in this area means they understand the unique challenges these cases present, including the importance of thorough investigation, expert testimony, and sensitive handling of all parties involved.
The Defence Lawyers
The Defence Lawyers have earned their position in our rankings through their unwavering focus on criminal defence work. Alex, who was admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2016, has dedicated his entire legal career exclusively to criminal law. This level of specialization is relatively rare and provides significant advantages for clients facing criminal charges.
Since his admission to practice, Alex has focused entirely on criminal defence, which means every case he handles adds to his specialised knowledge and courtroom experience. This exclusive focus allows him to stay current with the latest developments in criminal law, build relationships with key players in Perth’s criminal justice system, and develop the kind of instinctive understanding of criminal defence strategy that comes only with dedicated practice.
The firm’s approach to criminal defence emphasizes thorough case preparation and aggressive advocacy for their clients. Rather than encouraging clients to accept the first plea offer from prosecutors, The Defence Lawyers are known for carefully analyzing every aspect of a case to identify potential defences, procedural errors, or mitigating factors that could lead to better outcomes.
Their exclusive focus on criminal defence means they understand the importance of acting quickly when someone is facing criminal charges. Early intervention can often make a crucial difference in the outcome of a case, whether by preventing charges from being filed, influencing the conditions of bail, or gathering evidence that supports the defence while it’s still available.
The Defence Lawyers’ commitment to criminal defence specialization means their clients benefit from focused expertise rather than the divided attention that comes from general practice lawyers who handle criminal cases alongside other areas of law. This specialization translates into more effective representation and better outcomes for clients facing criminal charges.
Nigams Legal
Nigams Legal rounds out our top five with an impressive 4.9-star rating based on 57 Google reviews, which speaks volumes about their client satisfaction and service quality. In the legal profession, where clients are often dealing with stressful and potentially life-changing situations, maintaining such a high level of client satisfaction is a significant achievement.
The firm has built their reputation on being “the criminal lawyers Perth trusts,” and their consistently positive client feedback supports this claim. High client satisfaction ratings in criminal defence work typically indicate several important qualities: clear communication, realistic expectations setting, aggressive advocacy, and successful outcomes.
Nigams Legal’s approach to criminal defence emphasizes building strong attorney-client relationships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Their clients consistently report feeling heard, understood, and well-represented throughout their legal proceedings. This level of client care is particularly important in criminal defence, where clients are often facing their first experience with the legal system and need lawyers who can guide them through the process with patience and understanding.
The firm’s expertise spans a wide range of criminal charges, and their track record suggests they’re equally effective whether handling relatively minor offenses or serious felony charges. Their ability to maintain high client satisfaction across this range of case types indicates a level of competence and professionalism that serves clients well regardless of their specific legal situation.
Their reputation within Perth’s legal community appears to be equally strong, as evidenced by referrals from other lawyers and their standing with judges and prosecutors. This professional respect often translates into advantages for clients during plea negotiations and court proceedings.
Quick Comparison Guide
Understanding the key differences between these top firms can help you make a more informed decision about which one might be the best fit for your specific situation. Each firm brings unique strengths to criminal defence work, and what matters most will depend on your particular circumstances and priorities.
Podmore Legal stands out for their combination of extensive experience and comprehensive approach to criminal defence. With Justin’s two decades of legal and business experience, they’re particularly well-suited for clients facing complex cases or those whose criminal charges could have significant professional or personal consequences beyond the immediate legal penalties.
HHG Legal Group’s primary advantage is their 24/7 emergency availability, making them the obvious choice for anyone who needs immediate legal assistance outside normal business hours. If you’ve been arrested or are facing imminent criminal charges, having access to experienced criminal lawyers like Lisa Riley or April Jarmoszewicz can make a crucial difference in your case outcome.
Chambers Legal excels in specific areas of criminal law, making them an excellent choice if your charges fall within their areas of specialization. Their focused expertise in traffic law, assaults, drug offences, robbery, fraud, and sexual offence charges means they bring deep knowledge and proven strategies to these types of cases.
The Defence Lawyers’ exclusive focus on criminal defence makes them particularly appealing to clients who want lawyers whose entire practice revolves around criminal law. Alex’s dedication to criminal defence since his admission to practice means clients benefit from focused expertise and current knowledge of criminal law developments.
Nigams Legal’s outstanding client satisfaction ratings make them an attractive option for clients who prioritize proven client service and positive experiences. Their 4.9-star rating suggests they excel at communication, case management, and achieving outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations.
Choosing the Right Firm for Your Situation
Selecting the right criminal defence firm requires careful consideration of several factors that relate specifically to your case and personal circumstances. The stakes are simply too high to make this decision based on price alone or which lawyer returns your call first.
Start by matching the firm’s expertise to your specific charges. While all of these firms handle general criminal defence, some have particular strengths in certain areas. If you’re facing traffic-related charges, Chambers Legal’s specific expertise in traffic law might give you an advantage. For emergency situations requiring immediate legal assistance, HHG Legal Group’s 24/7 availability could be crucial.
Consider the complexity of your case and the potential consequences you’re facing. More serious charges or cases involving multiple legal issues might benefit from Podmore Legal’s extensive experience and comprehensive approach. If you’re facing charges that could impact your professional license or career, you’ll want lawyers who understand these broader implications.
Your comfort level with the lawyer and their communication style is equally important. Criminal defence cases can stretch over many months, and you’ll be working closely with your chosen firm throughout this period. Schedule consultations with multiple firms to get a sense of their approach, how they communicate, and whether you feel confident in their ability to represent you effectively.
Don’t overlook practical considerations like location, availability, and fee structures. While you shouldn’t choose based solely on price, you need to understand what you’ll be paying and ensure the firm’s fee structure aligns with your financial situation. Some firms offer payment plans or alternative fee arrangements that might make quality representation more accessible.
Essential Questions for Your Consultation
When you meet with potential criminal defence lawyers, come prepared with specific questions that will help you evaluate their suitability for your case. These consultations are your opportunity to assess not only their legal expertise but also their communication style, case management approach, and likelihood of achieving favorable outcomes.
Ask specifically about their experience with cases similar to yours. How many cases like yours have they handled in the past year? What were the outcomes? While past results don’t guarantee future success, patterns of favorable outcomes in similar cases provide valuable insight into their capabilities and approach.
Inquire about their assessment of your case and potential strategies for your defence. While they won’t be able to provide detailed strategy without thoroughly reviewing all evidence, experienced criminal defence lawyers should be able to discuss general approaches and identify potential issues or opportunities in your case.
Discuss their expected timeline for your case and what factors might influence how quickly it progresses. Criminal cases can sometimes drag on for months or even years, and understanding the likely timeline helps you plan accordingly and set appropriate expectations.
Be direct about fee structures and total expected costs. Criminal defence can be expensive, but you need to understand what you’ll be paying and when payments are expected. Ask about payment plans, retainer requirements, and whether their quoted fees include all aspects of your representation or if there might be additional costs for specific services.
Finally, ask about their communication practices. How often will they update you on developments in your case? What’s the best way to reach them if you have questions or concerns? How quickly can you expect responses to calls or emails? Clear communication is essential during criminal proceedings, and you want lawyers who prioritize keeping their clients informed.
Making Your Decision
Choosing among Perth’s top criminal defence firms ultimately comes down to finding the best match between your specific needs and each firm’s strengths. While Podmore Legal has earned our top recommendation through Justin’s exceptional experience and comprehensive approach to criminal defence, the other firms in our top five each offer unique advantages that might make them the better choice for your particular situation.
The most important thing is to act quickly. Criminal charges don’t improve with time, and early intervention by experienced criminal defence lawyers often makes a significant difference in case outcomes. Whether you choose Podmore Legal for their proven track record, HHG Legal Group for their emergency availability, or any of the other excellent firms on our list, the key is to get quality legal representation as soon as possible.
Remember that this ranking represents our research and editorial opinion, but every legal case is unique. What matters most is finding lawyers who understand your specific situation, communicate effectively with you, and have the experience and skills necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Schedule consultations with multiple firms, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts about which lawyers you feel most confident representing you.
Your choice of criminal defence lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when facing criminal charges. Take the time to choose wisely, because when your freedom and future are at stake, you deserve nothing less than the best legal representation Perth has to offer.
