Criminal Law Blog | Tringali Lawyers

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Plain-English reading on Victorian criminal procedure, offence types, and what to expect at each stage of a matter.

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What to do if you're charged with a criminal offence in Victoria

A plain-English guide to the steps you should take after being charged with a criminal offence in Victoria, from the police station to your first court date.

7 min read4 May 2026

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12 articles on Victorian criminal law.

Covering the most common charges, procedures, and decisions that face people in the Victorian Magistrates’ Court system.

Criminal Defence

Summary vs indictable offences explained

The difference between summary and indictable offences determines which court hears your matter, what procedural rights you have, and what penalty ranges apply. This guide explains how Victoria's classification system works.

7 min read

Criminal Defence

The Victorian Magistrates' Court process for first-time accused

If you have never been to the Magistrates' Court before, the process can feel opaque. This guide walks through each stage of a criminal matter from the first mention through to resolution, with practical notes on what to expect at each step.

7 min read

Criminal Defence

Pleading guilty vs not guilty: what changes

Deciding how to plead is the most consequential decision in any criminal matter. This guide explains what changes depending on whether you plead guilty or not guilty in Victoria, and what factors should inform that decision.

7 min read

Assault Offences

Common assault vs aggravated assault under VIC law

Victoria's assault framework spans from minor common assault through to intentionally causing serious injury, each carrying different penalty ranges and procedural pathways. This guide explains the distinctions and what they mean for your matter.

7 min read

Assault Offences

Self-defence claims under the Crimes Act 1958

Self-defence is a complete defence to assault and related charges in Victoria. Whether it applies depends on what you honestly believed about the threat and whether your response was reasonable in the circumstances as you perceived them. This guide explains how the law works.

7 min read

Assault Offences

Assault charges and your employment

An assault charge in Victoria can affect your employment before any conviction is recorded. Certain professions have mandatory disclosure obligations and regulatory reporting requirements that are triggered by a charge alone. This guide explains the key risks and what to do.

7 min read

Drug Offences

First-time drug possession charges in VIC

A first drug possession charge in Victoria does not automatically result in a conviction. The available pathways depend on the drug, the quantity, your circumstances, and how the matter is run. This guide explains your options.

7 min read

Drug Offences

Diversion programs and their eligibility criteria

The Victoria Police Diversion Program allows eligible accused to resolve certain criminal charges without a conviction. This guide explains who qualifies, how the process works, and what happens if conditions are not met.

7 min read

Theft Offences

Shoplifting charges and the role of intent

A shoplifting charge in Victoria requires the prosecution to prove dishonest intent. That element is often contested. This guide explains how the charge works, why intent matters, and what options are available for first-time accused.

7 min read

Firearm Offences

Section 49 of the Firearms Act 1996 explained

Section 49 of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) makes it an offence to possess, carry or use an unregistered firearm. The penalty depends on the category of firearm and can include mandatory minimum terms for the most serious categories. This guide explains how the offence works.

7 min read

Intervention Orders

Contesting a final intervention order in VIC

A final intervention order in Victoria can be contested. The applicant must prove the statutory grounds at a contested hearing. Whether to contest, consent without admissions, or negotiate undertakings is a decision that requires careful legal advice.

7 min read