Criminal Lawyer Ballina
Every story has two sides. We defend yours.
Call now on (02) 9696 1361 or email us at [email protected] for a consultation with our Ballina criminal defence team.
In Need of Legal Help? Contact Us Today
Carol Younes
Partner — Sydney
ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law)
Carol is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and founding partner of Hugo Law Group. She has been recognised in the Doyles Guide as Market Leader in the Sydney criminal lawyers listing.
Carol appears in the superior and appellate courts in some of the most notorious criminal cases. She works tirelessly on matters representing clients charged with murder, serious sex offences, complex frauds, tax evasions, drug manufacture, supply and importation, and terrorism offences. She also appears in complex hearings, sentence proceedings and bail applications.
She was nominated for Criminal Law Partner of the Year in the 2022 Lawyers Weekly Awards.
Carol recognises the need to always think two steps ahead and to ensure her clients are making the right decisions early on. She is best known for her persuasive advocacy, strategic thinking and determination to win every case. She understands the need to help her clients navigate their way through what is often one of the most challenging times in their life. Her clients feel supported and confident having her on their team.
Helen Christinson
Partner — Sydney
Helen is an experienced advocate who brings compassion, positivity and a sharp legal mind to every matter.
In 2025 Helen was recognised by members of the profession as a Leading Lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide Leading Lawyers Listings for Criminal Lawyers in Sydney. She was also nominated as a New Partner of the Year in the 2024 Lawyer’s Weekly Awards.
Whether appearing in Coronial inquests, bail applications, sentence matters, defended hearings or other applications in the Children’s Court or Local Court, conviction and severity appeals in the District Court, or high-profile trial and sentence matters for State and Commonwealth offences, Helen is a detail-focused, empathetic, energised and tenacious advocate.
Helen ensures her clients understand the nature of their charges, providing them with clear information to help them make informed choices about how to progress their matter. She is known for her succinct and effective advocacy, common-sense approach to analysing evidence and thorough preparation in support of each and every case.
Damien Mahon
Senior Associate — Northern NSW
Damien Mahon
Senior Associate — Northern NSW
Northern NSW
t. (07) 5552 1902
m. 0410 883 533
e. [email protected]
Damien provides representation and advice in all areas of State and Commonwealth criminal law. As a confident and proficient advocate, Damien has demonstrated success acting in a diverse range of matters including murder and offences of violence, terrorism offences, sexual assault, drug offences, fraud and white-collar crime.
Damien has successfully defended a large volume of contested matters. He has a strong understanding of the rules of evidence and subjects all material relied upon by the prosecution to a high level of scrutiny.
In sentence matters, Damien has an aptitude for identifying mitigating factors and extenuating circumstances which are favourable to his clients and promote the need for leniency and rehabilitation in place of punishment.
Damien has a genuine passion for criminal defence law. He provides timely, clear and considered advice and works tenaciously to obtain positive results for his clients.
In 2025, Damien was recognised as a Leading Lawyer in the Doyles Leading Criminal Lawyers list for Regional New South Wales.
Nick Morrow
Graduate Lawyer – Northern NSW
Nick Morrow
Graduate Lawyer – Northern NSW
Northern NSW
t. (07) 5552 1902
m. 0497 742 128
e. [email protected]
Nick graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Arts at Monash University. He later completed his Practical Legal Training with the College of Law.
Prior to joining Hugo Law Group, Nick gained valuable experience in criminal law with a prominent Victorian Criminal Defence firm. He contributed to matters across a range of proceedings in the Magistrates, Children’s, and County Courts, gaining insights into bail applications, pleas, and contested hearings.
Nick brings to the firm a strong sense of fairness and passion for social justice. He approaches each matter with empathy, and an understanding that criminal proceedings can be a very difficult time for clients and their families. Nick works hard to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.
Criminal Law Services in Ballina
Hugo Law Group proudly supports the Ballina community with expert criminal defence representation. Our experienced lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and providing personalised, effective defence in all criminal matters.
Criminal law covers a broad range of offences, each requiring a unique approach. Our Ballina criminal lawyers understand the local legal system and are dedicated to building a defence strategy that considers your individual circumstances.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. At Hugo Law Group Ballina, we are here to support you throughout the entire legal process, from initial charges through court appearances and beyond.
Specialist Criminal Lawyers in Ballina
We recognise that criminal charges carry serious consequences, both immediately and in the long term. From fines and community service orders to imprisonment and a criminal record, the impact can be profound.
Our team provides strategic advice and robust defence for a wide variety of offences including
- Assault
- Dishonesty offences
- Drug offences
- Firearm offences
- Robbery
- Murder and manslaughter
- Perjury
- Property damage offences
- Sexual offences
We are committed to thorough preparation and strong representation to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Our Expertise
What Sets Hugo Law Group Apart in Ballina
Our Ballina criminal lawyers combine local insight with extensive criminal law experience to deliver personalised and effective representation. We prioritise understanding your unique circumstances and developing a defence strategy that suits you.
We maintain clear communication and provide support throughout your case to ensure you are informed and confident in every step.
Choosing Hugo Law Group means partnering with a team dedicated to protecting your rights and your future.
Our legal team can represent anyone from the following and their surrounding suburbs:
- Alstonville
- Bangalow
- Bogangar
- Brunswick Heads
- Byron Bay
- Casino
- Drake
- Evans Head
- Grafton
- Iluka
- Kingscliff
- Kyogle
- Lennox Head
- Lismore
- Maclean
- Mullumbimby
- Murwillumbah
- New Brighton
- Nimbin
- Nymboida
- Ocean Shores
- Pottsville
- Suffolk Park
- Whiporie
- Wollongbar
- Yamba
- Tweed Heads
Criminal Law FAQs
Criminal law is the only area of law where, if the charges are proven, courts can impose imprisonment and other severe penalties that restrict an individual’s freedom.
Criminal law differs from civil law, where breaches generally result in fines or other penalties that do not involve loss of liberty.
Criminal cases are usually initiated by the state—through the police or the Director of Public Prosecutions—against an individual or company. In contrast, civil law typically involves disputes between private parties, which can include individuals, businesses, organisations, or even government entities.
Penalties for drug use and possession vary depending on the specifics of each case. Factors such as the amount of drugs involved, the circumstances of the offence, an individual’s role within a potential drug trafficking hierarchy, and the applicable maximum penalties for offences like trafficking or cultivation all influence the sanctions imposed.
In some cases involving small quantities, individuals may be issued a police caution or warning. However, even possession of small amounts can lead to fines and, in rare situations, imprisonment.