CRIMINAL LAW
Presenting your defence with genuine intent.
Our criminal defence team, led by the experienced Charles Nikakis and Paul Tomlinson, have represented countless high-profile defendants in the most complex of criminal trials. That said, we represent clients in any range of matters, including minor driving infringements, thefts, and drug possession.
HOW WE CAN HELP
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We act for defendants facing drug charges at all levels of severity:
Possession: offenses for possessing drugs have numerous defences available. We can explore whether these are available to you.
Trafficking: the law in relation to drug trafficking is complex. Trafficking charges sit within a range of different levels of severity, some carrying significant periods of imprisonment if proven. We have acted in high-profile trafficking matters and consistently achieve favourable outcomes for our clients.
Importation: these types of offenses typically see numerous persons charged. Often, the wrong persons are charged and are wrongully accused of playing a role in an importation operation which they took no part in. We aim to expose fragilities in the police case, to take advantage of any defence available.
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Assaults: whilst some assault charges mightn't seem serious at first glance, Victorian courts regularly take a zero tolerance approach to phyical assaults and so you should promptly engage an experienced defence lawyer to ensure your side of a particular set of facts is heard.
Causing injury: acts of physical violence which result in injury may carry significant periods of imprisonment. The true cause of an injury mighnt't be as alleged by the police. Speak to our lawyers to explore whether a defence is available to you.
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Theft: we regularly act for defendants facing charges of theft of all ranges of monetary value.
Obtaining property by deception: these charges are premised on complex areas of law. It's critical that you seek the advice of an experienced property lawyer for advice as to whether your alleged conduct amounts to a deception offence.
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Burglary: a robbery charge may arise where a person is accused of entering a home with the intention to take property, or assault an occupant. These charges are complex and less obvious defences are often available once the allegations are considered by an experienced defence lawyer.
Home invasion: these charges sometimes carry a mandatory minimum period of imprisonment, and so expert legal guidance is critical.
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Defence Lawyers
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Charles Nikakis
Principal Lawyer
Charles began his tenure at the firm in 1981 and became a partner in 1989. Charles is one of Melbourne’s leading and most experienced criminal defence lawyers, having acted in countless high-profile cases seeing his name become synonymous with the Melbourne criminal law landscape.
Charles practises in all jurisdictions, however, with his level of experience, primarily appears in criminal proceedings concerning serious charges in the County and Supreme Courts of Victoria.
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Paul Tomlinson
Principal Lawyer
Paul is an accredited criminal law specialist and boasts an in depth, intricate understanding of legislation and regulations which apply to criminal prosecutions.Paul has worked as a criminal defence lawyer since 2005 and became a partner at Haines and Polites in 2011.
Paul appears in all jurisdictions and acts in a wide range of criminal matters, from serious criminal charges to charges of a less serious nature. Paul’s clients value his commitment to boldly advocating for their best interests in the course of prosecution.
Contact us.
reception@hplaw.com.au
(03) 9670 5085
Level 8, 179 Queen Street Melbourne VIC 3000