Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Canberra
Every story has two sides. We defend yours.
Call now on (02) 5104 9640 or email us at [email protected] for a consultation with our criminal defence team.
The whole time I felt supported and well informed about what would happen and what our desired outcome was. Adrian was also very knowledgeable and was always on hand with good advice about anything I had questions about.
Overall, my experience was one of profound professionalism and excellent service.
Thank you Adrian and the team at Hugo Law.
– Luci
Max was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly caring. He took the time to listen to my concerns and was always available whenever I needed him. Whether it was a quick phone call or an in-depth discussion about the details of my case, Max made sure I felt supported and informed every step of the way.
The dedication and expertise that Max and the HUGO Law Firm demonstrated have truly made a difference in my life. I highly recommend Max Hasler and the entire team at HUGO Law Firm to anyone in need of legal advice in the ACT. Their professionalism, compassion, and availability are second to none.
Thank you, Max and HUGO Law Firm, for your exceptional service!
The negative reviews appear to be fake and do not represent a true experience with McKenna Taylor.
They are your Number 1 criminal lawyers to go to nothing is ever to complex for these guys they will always find a way to defend you and your situation.
At the end of the day, Max achieved the best possible outcome for me.
Max was very professional in his dealings regarding my situation from beginning to end, everything was explained to me and Max followed through.
I would highly recommend Max to anyone & I would gladly use Max again if I needed him.
This is my tribute to send 100% positive feedback for Adrian McKenna at McKenna Taylor, to give heartfelt thanks for helping get part of my life back when found not guilty by the ACT Magistrates Court.
I first started being represented by Adrian in late 2018 after having false criminal charges laid against me by my estranged wife. Adrian McKenna did not judge me, showed me respect whist my prior life was betrayed in front of him as me being violet man, one thing I have always prided myself on that I wasn’t. Adrian supported me completely in my decision to plead not guilty to all charges.
From the very beginning, as I was escorted to interview, Adrian was on point only wanting the facts, he was easy to understand and stuck by me through everything and never once made me feel unsupported. He worked closely with my family in getting prepared and assisted in finding me a Family Lawyer to help me navigate and understand the complexity of the charges laid against me and the impact it would have on me and my 5 children.
My hearing took 4 days and Adrian was nothing short of brilliant, myself and family were taken back by his knowledge and preparation into my case that was masterful and clever to keep it simple that the evidence does not lie.
Adrian McKenna is just put simply an amazing Criminal Lawyer that communicates with conviction and passion in the court room. His intellect and ability to show empathy and then uplift the situation with positivity was noted by my family and appreciated so much throughout the hearing.
Throughout the whole ordeal, Adrian reassured me with honesty, very directly kept me on point that Criminal cases are based on evidence and at no point does Family Court have any place in a Criminal matter. Words that were hard to hear, but now I understand.
I also worked with other members of McKenna Taylor and all within the firm were professional and respectful. I strongly recommend Adrian McKenna and McKenna Taylor for your criminal matter. You will be doing yourself a disservice from the beginning if you don’t.
very well together and were very thorough and very experienced.Rebecca knows what she is talking about. All in all, I had a positive experience and I highly recommend Hugo law 10 stars 🌟 for me .
The other reviews appear to be fake and from a competing law firm as all accounts only have one other review (being the other firm) and were made at the same time. Very damaging and should be legal.
If you have any doubt, just give the team a call and talk to them yourself!
Highly recommend
Communication was excellent throughout—he regularly updated me, clarified important points, and made sure my concerns were heard and addressed. His preparation was thorough, and he approached the case with seriousness and confidence, anticipating the challenges ahead.
Ultimately, the case concluded successfully with all charges dismissed by the prosecutor. The legal fees were reasonable, and the quality of service exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this lawyer for anyone seeking knowledgeable and committed legal representation.
They took the time to meticulously review every detail of my case, leaving no stone unturned. Their thorough understanding of the law and attention to detail were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the situation. What truly sets them apart, however, was the compassion and empathy they showed me throughout the entire process.
In moments of uncertainty, they were pillars of strength and reassurance. They listened attentively to my concerns, provided clear and concise explanations of legal procedures, and always kept my best interests at heart. It was evident that they genuinely cared about my well-being and was dedicated to achieving a favourable outcome for me.
Thanks to their diligent efforts and unwavering support, my case concluded with a positive resolution. Their legal expertise, combined with their heartfelt compassion, made all the difference. I cannot thank them enough for their outstanding representation.
I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients are truly unparalleled.
I was as stressed as stressed could be and after ringing around for a few lawyers I did not make another call after Adrian .
I was looking at serious charges and after Adrian sorted me out I got minimal sentencing , even from the moment I talked to him on the phone I felt comfortable , cannot Reccomend Adrian enough . Thanks mate
She achieved the result I hoped for
and I am so pleased that the Hugo Law Group was recommended to me. They really do adhere to their motto of there being two sides to every story.
With appreciation and gratitude
Sue Mitchell
Adrian was so professional with his explanations of what to expect. He was also compassionate and listened to me. I asked so many questions. He looked at me and said “let us do our job”, and “follow his directions”.
The Barrister he engaged to my case was excellent. Over weeks and months, with hearings in between, waiting for the court date and the final hearings I was so nervous and asked too many questions again. Again, “let us do our job”. A confidence boost again from Adrian.
The Barrister asked all the right questions which I wanted him to ask. He and Adrian provided all the facts and statements that were vital to the Magistrates decisions.
We got the best outcome, no convictions.
I thank Adrian and his team for their patience, guidance, advice, and compassion through my heartbreaking ordeal. His advice “let us do our job” was the best advice leading to the best result.
I would highly recommend Adrian at HugoLaw. He gets the job done!
She achieved the result I hoped for
and I am so pleased that the Hugo Law Group was recommended to me. They really do adhere to their motto of there being two sides to every story.
With appreciation and gratitude
Sue Mitchell
Max took over one of the legal disagreement of mine. He was highly professional, understanding and compassionate. Max is highly educated, informed with current legislation and provides a welcoming environment. He is honest about recommendations.
Dealing with complex disabilities both staff member were accommodating to myself, my needs and my support animal.
Highly recommend Hugo Law group!
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Your Team
If you are accused of a criminal offence, you need a specialist criminal lawyer in your corner. With some of the most highly regarded lawyers in Canberra, our team of criminal lawyers will provide you with comprehensive, honest and strategic advice.
Adrian McKenna
Partner — Canberra
ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)
Tom Taylor
Partner — Canberra
Rachel Fisher
Associate — Canberra
Max Haesler
Senior Lawyer — Canberra
Mitchell Greig
Lawyer — Canberra
Tom Tiffen-Oakes
Lawyer — Canberra
Sarah Higgs
LAWYER – CANBERRA
Angus Mackie-Williams
Graduate Lawyer — Canberra
Adrian McKenna
Partner — Canberra
ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)
Tom Taylor
Partner — Canberra
Rachel Fisher
Associate — Canberra
Max Haesler
Senior Lawyer — Canberra
Mitchell Greig
Lawyer — Canberra
Tom Tiffen-Oakes
Lawyer — Canberra
Sarah Higgs
LAWYER – CANBERRA
Angus Mackie-Williams
Graduate Lawyer — Canberra
Criminal Law Canberra
As a leading criminal defence law firm in Canberra, ACT, Hugo Law Group is steadfast in utilising our wealth of expertise to defend your rights.
Criminal law in Australia is a vast area of the law, involving a diverse range of charges and procedures. Each charge involves its own set of circumstances that require careful consideration.
Combining our experience and understanding of criminal law with a tailored approach to each case, we are here to push your side of the story. As a distinguished team of criminal law specialists, we explore every avenue to construct a strong defence for any criminal charges you may be facing.
Confronting allegations or charges for a criminal offence can be an overwhelming and stressful time. Hugo Law Group Canberra serves as a helping hand during this challenging period, ensuring that you are well-informed about your case progression, your options in defending the matter, and what expectations you should have about the situation.
Our criminal defence lawyers in Canberra make regular appearances in court, and will bring for you the experience required to navigate the criminal law system and secure the most favourable outcome for you.
Canberra criminal law experts
Being accused of a crime in Canberra can be emotionally daunting, carrying potential repercussions for both the short and long term. Hugo Law Group is dedicated to offering strategic advice tailored to all potential sentencing outcomes, from fines to imprisonment.
Short-term consequences may involve good behaviour orders, fines, community service, or imprisonment, depending on the offence. In the long term, the recording of a criminal conviction can impact your life in a number of ways, such as restricting the places you are able to travel to, or limiting your career prospects.
Our experienced and comprehensive approach to criminal law is evident when engaging a lawyer from Canberra’s Hugo Law Group. We have accredited specialists in criminal law and we operate across a spectrum of criminal offences, including assault, dishonesty, firearms, murder, manslaughter, perjury, robbery, sexual assault, and more.
Our Expertise
The Hugo Law Group difference
Criminal charges can be complex and stressful. At Hugo Law Group Canberra, we provide both you all the information you need and the very best in legal representation, ensuring you understand the charges, burden of proof, and all available options.
Your life and future may be at stake, and understanding your unique situation is crucial. Combined with strategic advice, our commitment to defending your side of the story remains unwavering, whether you plead guilty or not guilty.
As experts in criminal law, our Canberra criminal defence lawyers have the experience and dedication required to guide you in defending the charge in court.
Canberra Criminal Law FAQs
Criminal law covers the only area of law where, if the allegation is proved, sentences of imprisonment and other highly punitive penalties or restrictions of liberty can be imposed by courts.
Criminal law can be contrasted with civil law where a breach may only involve civil fines and other consequences that do not involve a deprivation of liberty.
A criminal case is typically brought against an individual or company by or on behalf of the state, through police or the director of public prosecutions. In civil law, disputes will often be between parties and these parties can be individuals, companies, organisations and even governments.
Penalties for drug possession vary based on the quantity of the relevant drug, the maximum available penalty, the seriousness of the offence and an offender’s past history of criminal convictions, if any. Small quantities may result in cautions or warnings, while larger amounts can lead to fines or imprisonment.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Although I am based thousands of miles away, Hugo Law Group was recommended to me by two independent sources from the legal sector in the UK and I am so glad I went to them.
When my son became involved in a very stressful situation, Hugo Law Group picked up the baton and ran with it from responding immediately to my initial enquiry to taking control of the situation and giving me an immediate sense of calm reassurance that my son’s case was in the hands of extremely competent professionals who kept me up-to-date throughout.
Their advice was delivered in an easy to understand, practical and strategic manner which helped obtain the best and just result for my son in what was for us all an unknown, stressful, and frightening situation.
Lindsay: I cannot recommend Lindsay highly enough. Not only was she proactive, pragmatic, strategic, and easy to deal with, she also has a personality which is easy to warm to and her calm, efficient and friendly manner meant not only that my son knew he had someone on his side delivering the best advice, but that more importantly as a mother, I could sleep at night knowing that my son’s case was in the best possible hands. All of this concluding with the right and best possible result for my son. Thank you so much for what you have achieved for our family.”
PG
“Hi Carol, from the bottom of my heart thank you for everything that you have done for me over the last couple of weeks. I was seriously completely lost with everything to do with this matter and you were nothing but sincere and genuine the entire time and for that I wanted to say thank you. I really wouldn’t have been able to attend today without you. Thank you.”
– K’s Family
“Hugo Law group helped our family through an extremely challenging time and secured an excellent result in the Magistrate’s court. Their communication was precise and clear, and their legal thinking was intelligent, effective and compassionate. We have no hesitation in recommending them to others.”
“I highly recommend Adrian McKenna and his team at Hugo Law Group Canberra! I was referred to Adrian by a friend and for good reason. Adrian did an unbelievable job defending my DUI charge, leading to a non-conviction. He was calm and collected in Court, and more importantly throughout the life of the matter, such that he alleviated what was initially a very stressful process. Thanks again!”
CD
“Stephanie Beckedahl was terrific!!! She is experienced and has intimate knowledge of the inner workings within the ACT Magistrates Court. She briefs out to quality counsel who will set you up for success on the day. Don’t waste your time going anywhere else.”
RW
“Highly recommend Mitchell Greig. He made the experience seamless, relieved the stress of the situation and was very informative through the whole process.”
“Good morning Tom Tiffen, What a fantastic outcome! Thank you for your involvement in that, and I also want to extend my thanks to Tom for his exceptional work. Tom went above and beyond, attending to every detail and ensuring that all aspects of the case were covered. He engaged in an epic battle of words with Sidu, outwitting his side of the story that could rival a Shakespearean drama. Thank you once again for the great result. Cheers,”
H
Dearest Helen, It is difficult to put into words how deeply I thank you for all you have done for my brother and family. The last 2+ years was a version of hell on a nightmarish rollercoaster, supporting my darling brother – innocent of the accusations. It is not lost on me all that you (and the rest of the gang at Hugo Law Group) have done to collect meticulous detail, evidence, continual correspondence and helping to keep my brother together in this awful process. You are a savant of law, justice, helping people in human despair and helping to get a resolution. I really do feel you became part of our family during the trial.
“Hi Carol,
Thank you so much for getting the best result for me today. I am very pleased with the result and your professional advice along the way.
I have no doubt Hugo will be standing firm on the top of the hierarchy of this field. Best wishes and take care.”
“Dear Karen, Thanks to you, I had the dream team on my side. My family and I will never forget you.”
C.P.
In order to assist me with a fee reduction for the services, Carol, without hesitation coordinated Associate Damien Mahon to assist my case. From the first meeting, Damien’s calm and professional manner was great and felt comfortable. His eagerness to ensure we explored all avenues to prepare for the case, again provided me with extreme confidence that I had chosen the right legal Counsel. Damien’s calm and articulate manner continued into the courtroom and this, combined with our preparedness, we achieved the right outcome.