3 / 6 / 2025

Dealing With Criminal Charges Overseas

Navigating criminal charges in a foreign jurisdiction can be a daunting and complex experience. Laws vary significantly from country to country, and individuals facing legal issues abroad often struggle to understand their rights, obligations, and potential consequences. Our firm provides specialist criminal law consultancy services to assist individuals dealing with foreign legal matters, ensuring they receive the best possible advice and representation.

What we do

We assist individuals and their families in the following ways:

  1. Liaising with the Australian Consulate

For Australian citizens facing legal difficulties overseas, we facilitate communication with the Australian consulate to ensure clients receive consular support, legal guidance, and any necessary diplomatic assistance.

  1. Engaging Local Specialist Criminal Lawyers

Every country has its own legal system and procedures. We connect our clients with experienced local criminal lawyers who understand the intricacies of the jurisdiction’s legal framework, ensuring they receive expert representation tailored to their specific case. Where appropriate and necessary, we will travel to the foreign jurisdiction to liaise directly with the local lawyers working on the case.

  1. Assessing Criminal Liability Upon Re-Entry to Australia

Criminal charges or convictions abroad can have implications upon returning to Australia. We provide strategic advice on whether an offence committed overseas could lead to further prosecution or penalties in Australia, including under extraterritorial laws such as those governing child exploitation, foreign bribery, or terrorism offences.

  1. Advising on Deportation and Immigration Consequences

Legal issues in a foreign country may result in deportation or future travel restrictions. We assist our clients by considering these potential consequences, and whether it is necessary to obtain specialist immigration advice regarding re-entry to Australia and future travel.

  1. Managing Public Relations and Reputation

Criminal allegations in a foreign jurisdiction can attract media attention, impacting both personal and professional reputations. Our team assists in managing public relations strategies, ensuring that clients navigate the legal process while safeguarding their privacy and reputation.

Why Choose Us?

  • Expertise in International Criminal Law – We have extensive experience in dealing with cross-border legal matters.
  • Strong Global Network – Our partnerships with local legal experts ensure our clients receive the best possible legal representation.
  • Comprehensive Legal Strategy – We consider not just immediate legal issues, but also long-term implications such as immigration, travel, and re-entry concerns.

 

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges overseas, early legal intervention is crucial. Contact our team at Hugo Law Group in Sydney, NSW (02 9696 1361), Canberra (02 5104 9640), Perth (08 6255 6909) or Northern NSW (02 5552 1902) for discreet, strategic, and expert legal consultancy to protect your rights and future.

Lindsay Stankovic

Lindsay Stankovic

Lindsay appears regularly in NSW Courts, advocating for her clients in a range of matters including release applications, sentences, defended hearings and applications for Apprehended Violence Orders.
In 2023 Lindsay’s success as a criminal defence lawyer was recognised with her nomination as a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards in Criminal Law. In 2024 she was recognised as a rising star in the Doyles Guide rankings for criminal law in NSW.