How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Melbourne?
Melbourne criminal lawyers typically charge between $300 and $600 per hour. A guilty plea in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria might cost $2,000–$5,000 in total fees. A contested hearing in the Magistrates' Court runs $5,000–$15,000. County Court trials (indictable offences) typically cost $20,000–$80,000+ depending on complexity and trial length.
Fee ranges by court and matter
Magistrates' Court guilty plea: $2,000–$5,000. Magistrates' Court contested hearing: $5,000–$15,000. County Court committal and plea: $10,000–$25,000. County Court trial (3–5 days): $25,000–$80,000+. Supreme Court trial: $50,000–$150,000+. Barrister fees are additional and typically $3,000–$8,000 per day for a County Court trial.
What affects criminal law costs
Trial length is the biggest driver. Each additional hearing day adds solicitor and barrister fees. Expert reports (forensic, psychiatric, toxicology) can add $3,000–$10,000 each. Disclosure volume matters — large police briefs with hundreds of pages of evidence take longer to review and prepare. Bail applications, if needed, are an additional $2,000–$5,000.
How Quillio helps criminal lawyers
I analyse police briefs and build chronologies in minutes. I identify inconsistencies in witness statements, flag disclosure gaps, and draft submissions on sentence with references to comparable sentencing decisions from the County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria. This preparation work is where most billable hours accumulate — and where I save the most time.
Common issues
- Victoria Legal Aid funds serious criminal matters for eligible clients but contributions may apply
- Barrister fees for County Court trials are separate from solicitor fees — budget for both
- Costs agreements are mandatory under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) before work begins
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