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Fees About Blog ContactTraffic Lawyer Melbourne
A Melbourne traffic lawyer who spent 15 years on the other side
I investigated and prosecuted Road Safety Act matters inside Victoria Police. I’ve been defending drivers at the Victorian Bar since 2015, and I’ll give you a fixed fee before I start.
- 15 years with Victoria Police as a Senior Detective, then Senior Prosecutor
- Your case is run by me from the first call to the last appearance, never handed to a junior
- A free 15-minute phone consult, then a fixed fee agreed before any work starts
Before you call: I act for drivers police have charged, where the matter is going to court. I don’t handle fines or infringement notices.
- 15 yrs
- Victoria Police: Senior Detective, then Senior Prosecutor
- Since 2015
- Defending drivers at the Victorian Bar
- Fixed fee
- One agreed fee per court date, never hourly
- Melbourne
- Owen Dixon Chambers East, appearing across Victoria
Why it matters who defends you
I know how the case against you was built, because I used to build it
For 15 years I worked inside Victoria Police. I investigated traffic and driving offences, I was qualified in breath test analysis and radar speed detection, I served as a Senior Detective, and I finished as a Senior Prosecutor running Road Safety Act matters in court.
Since 2015 I’ve worked exclusively in defence. When I read the brief against you, I’m reading a document I once wrote. I know how the evidence is gathered, where the procedure has to be exact, and what a prosecutor is actually willing to negotiate on.
I’m also a qualified mediator, which is the reason a good number of my matters are resolved with police and prosecutors before they ever need to be argued.
I’m a barrister, which means I’m a lawyer who has done further study to specialise in courtroom advocacy. I spend more of my time in a courtroom than behind a desk. Your matter is run by me from the first conversation to the last appearance, and it doesn’t get passed down to a junior once the fee is paid.
I only take on matters where you have been charged. That focus is deliberate: it’s what gives me the court time to know how to present your case in the best light.
What that background actually changes
- The breath test
- I operated them, and I’m qualified in breath test analysis. I know how a sample has to be taken, and where the procedure has to be exact for the reading to stand up.
- Speed detection
- I’m qualified in radar speed detection. I know what a device can and cannot establish, and when a reading is worth questioning.
- The police brief
- I spent years preparing them. I know what should be in yours, and what it means when something isn’t there.
- The prosecutor
- I was one. I know what the prosecution will negotiate on and what it won’t, which is usually where a matter is really decided.
Traffic law services
Traffic and driving offences I defend
Charges under Victoria’s Road Safety Act 1986 and related offences, heard in Melbourne and across Victoria. Most of these matters are decided at a plea hearing, and how that plea is presented is what moves the result. Pick your charge to see what the process looks like and what’s actually at stake.
Briefing me directly
You don’t need a solicitor to hire a barrister
Most people assume they have to engage a law firm first, and that the firm then hires a barrister for the court date. You’re paying two sets of fees for that.
Where I appear
Melbourne courts, and across Victoria
My chambers are in the CBD at Owen Dixon Chambers East. Your matter is heard at the Magistrates’ Court nearest to where you were charged. I appear across Melbourne and Victoria.
Fixed fees
One fee per court event, agreed before I start
Legal costs are the second thing people worry about after their licence. I charge a set fee for each court event, covering everything leading up to it and the appearance itself. You get a written costs agreement after our initial consultation, and you decide from there.
How it works
Three steps, starting today
Step 1
Get in touch
Fill in the form below or call. Have your charge sheet and court date handy if you have them.
Step 2
Initial consultation
We go through your matter, what the police say happened, and I answer your questions about where it’s likely to land.
Step 3
A plan and a fixed fee
I set out how I’d run your defence and what it costs, in writing. Nothing proceeds until you agree to it.
Client reviews
What clients have said
Every review below is published on my Google Business Profile, where you can read them in full.
Chris was extremely helpful in assisting me with a driving offence.
An excellent outcome for me and highly recommended.
Definitely recommend his work 100%.
Common questions
What people ask me first
Will I have a criminal record if I’ve been charged with a traffic offence?
It depends on the outcome of the case. You can be found guilty and still have no conviction recorded, if the court considers it appropriate. In deciding, the court takes into account the nature of the offence, whether you have a history of similar offences, your personal circumstances, and the degree of responsibility you’ve shown. Avoiding a recorded conviction matters, because a criminal record can affect future employment, travel and insurance.
When should I get a lawyer involved?
As soon as possible after you receive a Notice of Charge, the document setting out the offence and your court date. The earlier I’m involved, the more time there is to build a strategy around protecting your licence and your record.
Can I hire you without going through a law firm?
Yes. Under the direct access rules you can brief me directly, without engaging a solicitor first and paying two sets of fees. Some matters, particularly serious ones, require a team approach. I’ll let you know if that would benefit your case.
Do you handle fines and infringement notices?
No. I act in matters where police have charged you or are about to. If you’ve received an infringement or penalty notice, or you’re appealing a matter that’s already been decided, I’m not the right person and I’d rather tell you that up front than take your money.
How much will my case cost?
I charge a fixed fee for each court event rather than billing by the hour. The fee is based on the circumstances of your matter and is confirmed in a written costs agreement after your initial consultation. You’ll know the number before you commit to anything.
Do I have to come into the city to see you?
No. Consultations are held over Zoom or Microsoft Teams by default, which keeps the service efficient and the costs down. If you’d prefer to meet in person, that can be arranged at Owen Dixon Chambers East in Melbourne for an additional fee.
Which courts do you appear in?
Melbourne and courts throughout Victoria, including the suburban and regional Magistrates’ Courts where most traffic matters are heard.
News & insights
Recent writing on Victorian traffic law
Get in touch
Book your initial consultation
Tell me a little about your matter and when suits for a call. If your court date is close, call instead. That is faster.
Level 9/205 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Consultations are held over Zoom or Microsoft Teams. In-person meetings at chambers can be arranged for an additional fee.
Court date coming up?
Two minutes now can change the outcome
Leave your number for a free 15-minute phone consult. I’ll talk you through the charge, what the court is likely to do, and what it costs.
Or call 0413 941 990 now.