Criminal Lawyers Northern Beaches
If you have been charged with a criminal offence on the Northern Beaches, getting the right advice early is critical.
Whether you are facing a common assault charge or an ADVO, the decisions you make now can significantly impact the outcome.
At Wallen Family Law, we provide clear, strategic criminal defence for clients across the Northern Beaches. We focus on practical advice, strong preparation and guiding you through the process with certainty.
Our Services
Common assault charges
If you have been charged with common assault, it is important to get clear advice early. These matters can arise in a wide range of situations and can carry serious consequences, including a criminal record. We provide practical guidance on your options and the best way to approach your matter from the outset.
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (AOABH)
AOABH is a more serious assault offence involving allegations of injury and requires a careful, strategic approach. We assist clients by analysing the evidence, advising on options and preparing the matter properly if it proceeds to hearing.
ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order) matters
ADVO matters can have immediate and significant impacts on your day-to-day life, including contact, living arrangements and parenting issues. We provide clear advice on how to respond, negotiate or defend an ADVO application, with a focus on practical and workable outcomes.
Domestic violence-related allegations
We assist clients facing allegations arising from domestic incidents, including matters involving both criminal charges and ADVO applications. These situations are often complex and can have immediate consequences for living arrangements, contact and family law proceedings. We provide clear advice on how to manage both the criminal and ADVO aspects, with a focus on practical outcomes and minimising unnecessary impact.
Advice before first court appearance
Getting legal advice before your first court date can significantly affect how your matter progresses. We review the allegations, explain the court process, and advise on your options so you can approach your first appearance with clarity and confidence. Early advice can also assist in identifying opportunities to resolve matters or better prepare your position from the outset.
Defended hearings and sentencing
Where a matter proceeds to a defended hearing or sentencing, careful preparation is essential. We assist with preparing evidence, developing a clear strategy and ensuring your case is presented effectively in court. If a plea is entered, we focus on presenting your circumstances in the strongest possible way to achieve a fair and appropriate outcome.
What Happens After You’re Charged?
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, your matter will usually proceed through the Local Court process, beginning with your first court date.
Early legal advice can assist with:
Understanding the allegations and police evidence
Identifying possible defences
negotiating with police where appropriate
preparing your matter properly from the outset
Getting advice early often places you in a significantly stronger position.
We regularly assist in matters where criminal allegations overlap with family law proceedings, including parenting disputes.
Assault Charges in NSW
Assault offences in NSW range from common assault through to more serious charges such as AOABH.
Even less serious charges can carry significant consequences, including:
a criminal conviction
fines or community-based orders
impact on employment and travel
implications for family law matters
Each matter depends on its facts, and early advice is important to understand your options.
Know your legal fees upfront with our fixed fee options
We offer fixed fee pricing for selected criminal matters so you have clarity from the outset.
Assault matters from $13,900 + GST (including Barrister Fees)
ADVO matters from $9,500 + GST (including Barrister Fees)
We will confirm whether your matter is suitable for a fixed fee and clearly explain what is included.
ADVO Matters on the Northern Beaches
ADVOs are often closely connected to criminal allegations and can have immediate practical consequences.
They can affect:
where you live
who you can contact
your ability to return home
parenting arrangements
We regularly advise clients where ADVOs intersect with family law proceedings and work to ensure outcomes are practical and manageable.
We assist clients across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Brookvale and surrounding suburbs.
We provide advice that is practical, realistic and tailored to your circumstances.
Experienced Representation
Your matter will be handled by Melody van der Wallen, Principal Solicitor and Director of Wallen Family Law.
Melody has extensive litigation experience in contested court proceedings, including complex criminal and family law matters involving serious allegations, urgent applications and defended hearings.
This experience is directly relevant in criminal and ADVO matters, where:
allegations must be carefully analysed
evidence must be tested and understood
strategy must be considered from the outset
Melody is known for providing clear, practical advice and taking a measured, strategic approach to litigation.
We work with experienced criminal defence barristers, including those with backgrounds as former police prosecutors - Barristers We Brief.
Our approach is focused on helping clients understand their position, reduce uncertainty and move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. We represent clients attending Local Courts servicing the Northern Beaches and surrounding areas, and provide advice from the earliest stage through to final resolution.
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Yes. Getting advice before your first appearance can make a significant difference. It helps you understand the allegations, your options and how best to approach your matter from the outset.
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This depends on your circumstances and the conditions proposed. In some cases, an ADVO may be agreed to without admissions. We will advise you on the implications and whether it is appropriate to negotiate or defend the application.
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It can. Criminal charges and ADVOs can impact parenting arrangements and family law proceedings. We regularly advise on matters where these issues overlap.
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As soon as possible. Early advice can help you understand your position, avoid common mistakes and ensure your matter is properly prepared from the beginning.
If you have a court date coming up or have been charged with an offence, it is important to get advice as soon as possible.