Six criminal law firms on the Central Coast, from Gosford and Erina to Tuggerah and Woy Woy, with what each one suits and how to reach a lawyer quickly.
Google ratings checked 23 October 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026
Free, private and confidential first consultation, according to the firm. It says most people get a call back within 30 minutes and it publishes an emergency after hours number.
Conditsis Lawyers is the Gosford firm that, it says, Manny Conditsis started in the early 1980s, and its head office is still in the Kensmen Building on Donnison Street. It covers most areas of law, but criminal defence is the core. The firm names three lawyers accredited by the Law Society of NSW as specialists in criminal law, and says Manny Conditsis and Michal Mantaj run jury trials themselves as solicitor advocates. Both are listed under Gosford in Doyle's Guide 2026. It suits people facing serious charges who want trial advocates in the same firm. The firm says the first consultation is free.
Founded in Gosford in the early 1980s
Also worth knowing
Manny Conditsis received the Law Society President's Award in 2012 for his pro bono work in Gosford, the firm says.
Lawyers
The site doesn't say which office each criminal lawyer works from.
Manny Conditsis, Director and Senior Trial Advocate Accredited criminal law specialist
Michal Mantaj, Director and Trial Advocate Accredited criminal law specialist
Natasha Konic, Criminal lawyer Accredited criminal law specialist
Free 15 minute phone case call to work out next steps, according to the firm, with a longer consultation booked after that if needed.
Office
79 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Tonkin Drysdale Partners, now branded TDP Legal, is a Woy Woy firm that, it says, Philip Tonkin started in 1958. It covers most areas of local law, and its criminal team is led by partner Nick Fagan, who spent two years prosecuting serious crime at the NSW ODPP before returning to the firm, his profile says. He sits on the Legal Aid NSW indictable criminal law panel and appears in jury trials as well as Local Court matters. It suits Peninsula locals who want a former prosecutor at a long established local firm. The firm offers a free 15 minute phone case call first.
Founded in 1958
Also worth knowing
The firm offers a free 15 minute phone case call for criminal matters.
Lawyers
These three are named on the criminal law page. Lee Pawlak's accreditation is in family law, not criminal law.
Free 15 minute consultation, according to the firm's contact page (the conditions behind its asterisk aren't shown).
Office
16/30 Karalta Road, Erina NSW 2250
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Karim Criminal Defence Lawyers is a criminal defence firm led by director and principal solicitor Michelle Karim, who the firm says is a Law Society of NSW accredited specialist in criminal law. She is listed in Doyle's Guide 2026, as she was in 2025, as a Leading regional NSW criminal lawyer under Gosford. The firm lists an Erina office and works across Gosford and Wyong as well as Sydney. It handles everything from traffic and AVOs to fraud, sexual offences and murder. It suits people facing serious charges who want a specialist. The firm offers a free 15 minute consultation.
Also worth knowing
The firm offers a free 15 minute consultation.
Lawyers
Michelle Karim is the only lawyer the site profiles.
Michelle Karim, Director and Principal Solicitor Accredited criminal law specialist
Areas of criminal law handled
AVOs
Assault charges
Domestic violence offences
Drug offences
Drink driving and traffic offences
Fraud and Centrelink fraud
Tax fraud and corporate crime
Sexual offences
Firearms offences
Robbery and break and enter
Murder and manslaughter
Bail applications
Office
16/30 Karalta Road, Erina NSW 2250
Other details
Other offices
Parramatta, with other locations listed across Sydney and the Hunter
First consultation terms aren't published. The firm asks people to call and ask for a member of the Criminal Law team.
Office
3/8 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Aubrey Brown Lawyers dates back to 1944 and calls itself the largest and longest serving firm on the Central Coast, with about 50 staff across Tuggerah and Erina. Criminal law is one of six practice areas. The team is led by director Ryan Finch, a Law Society of NSW accredited specialist in criminal law, according to his profile. He worked for the Aboriginal Legal Service in the Northern Territory and for Legal Aid NSW before joining in 2010. It suits northern Coast clients who want a specialist at a big local firm. First consultation terms aren't published.
Established in 1944
Also worth knowing
It has offices at Tuggerah and Erina.
Lawyers
Ryan Finch is the only criminal lawyer the site names; the staff list gives no roles for anyone else.
Ryan Finch, Director and Head of Criminal Law Accredited criminal law specialist
First consultation terms aren't published. The firm invites people to call or arrange a conference.
Office
Element, Suite 4.09, Level 4, 200 Central Coast Highway, Erina NSW 2250
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Riviere Law is a one lawyer criminal practice in Erina run by Marc Riviere, a solicitor advocate who came to law after a career with NSW Police. His profile says he spent almost ten years as a crime scene investigator and also ran police prosecutions in the Local Court, and he holds forensic science qualifications as well as his law qualifications. The firm says it handles criminal and traffic work only, from Local Court charges up to murder and manslaughter. It suits people whose case turns on forensic or police evidence. First consultation terms aren't published.
Also worth knowing
It won the 2013 Central Coast Business Excellence Award for business ethics, the firm says.
Lawyers
Marc Riviere is the only lawyer the site names.
Marc Riviere, Founder, Director and Solicitor Advocate
Areas of criminal law handled
Assault charges
Sexual assault charges
Drug charges
Larceny and break and enter
Affray
Fraud and Centrelink fraud
Proceeds of crime
Murder and manslaughter
AVOs
Bail and police interviews
Children's Court matters
Traffic offences and licence appeals
Office
Element, Suite 4.09, Level 4, 200 Central Coast Highway, Erina NSW 2250
Confidential first consultation that reviews your documents and police material, according to the firm. It says simple Local Court matters may be on fixed fees, with serious or defended matters charged hourly or in stages after a cost estimate. Phone and after hours appointments are offered.
Office
Suite 5/5 Baker Street, Gosford NSW 2250
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Spencer Lawyers is a small Gosford practice founded in 2010 by principal David Spencer, who the firm says spent 20 years in NSW Police, including criminal investigation and work as a police prosecutor, before he was admitted in 2007. Solicitor Stephen Paick works with him. Most of the work is criminal and traffic, with some family law and wills. It says fixed fees may apply to simple Local Court matters, and it offers phone and after hours appointments. It suits people with Local Court charges who want an ex police lawyer. The office is by appointment only.
Founded in 2010
Also worth knowing
The Gosford office in Baker Street is open by appointment only.
Lawyers
The homepage also mentions Jayne Tayler as having criminal and family law experience but gives no role.
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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How we compiled this list
We include firms that do criminal defence as a main part of their work and have an office on the Central Coast. Some are criminal law only practices, and some are general firms with a criminal team, and we say which. For each one we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. Where a firm says a lawyer is a Law Society of NSW accredited specialist we say so, and where we mention Doyle's Guide we name it. Free consultations and fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them, and we leave out self-reported success rates.
No firm pays for its position on this page. The order is our own editorial judgement. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and programs are as published by the NSW Government, the NSW courts and Legal Aid NSW in October 2026.
Where Central Coast criminal charges are heard
Most charges start in the Local Court, which sits on the Coast at Gosford, Wyong and Woy Woy. Gosford's courthouse is shared by the Local Court and the District Court. Your court attendance notice tells you which court to go to and when.
Court
Address and contact
Gosford Local and District Court
Corner of Donnison Street and Henry Parry Drive, Gosford. 1300 679 272, registry 9am to 4:30pm weekdays
Wyong Court House, corner of Hely Street and Anzac Avenue, Wyong. 1300 679 272
Summary offences stay in the Local Court, and charges generally have to be laid within 6 months. Table 1 and Table 2 offences are also dealt with there unless the prosecution, or for Table 1 either side, elects a higher court, and the Local Court can generally give up to 2 years' jail per offence. Strictly indictable offences go to the District Court, or the Supreme Court for the most serious. Young people's cases go to the Children's Court. Woy Woy is one of four courthouses specifically set aside for the Children's Court, and the court also sits at Wyong. Check the court and date on your court attendance notice and tell your lawyer straight away.
Bail in NSW
Under the Bail Act 2013, bail must be refused if there's an unacceptable risk, after considering whether bail conditions could manage it, that you would fail to appear, commit a serious offence, endanger someone's safety or interfere with witnesses or evidence.
Show cause offences: for serious charges, including offences carrying life imprisonment, serious domestic violence offences against an intimate partner carrying 14 years or more, coercive control, some firearm and commercial drug offences, and serious offences committed while on bail or parole, you must first show why you shouldn't be held. This doesn't apply to people under 18
Domestic violence: bail for a serious domestic violence offence must include electronic monitoring unless there are good reasons not to
Young people: for 14 to 17 year olds charged with certain motor vehicle theft, serious break and enter or related 'performance crime' offences while already on bail for one of those offences, bail can only be granted if the court has a high degree of confidence they won't commit a serious indictable offence while on bail. Parliament extended this rule again in September 2026
If the Local Court refuses bail, you can apply to the Supreme Court. The first bail hearing matters a lot, so it's worth having a lawyer prepare your application.
Police powers and your rights
After an arrest, police can generally hold you for up to 6 hours of investigation time, which doesn't count breaks such as waiting for a lawyer, interpreter or medical care, so you may be held longer. Police must then release you or bring you before a court or an authorised officer
The custody manager must caution you that you don't have to say or do anything, and give you a summary of your rights
Before any questioning, you must be told you can contact a friend or relative and a lawyer of your choice. Questioning should be delayed for a reasonable time so you can, and for up to 2 hours for a lawyer to arrive
In most cases you have the right to stay silent, though there are exceptions, such as some vehicle and car crash matters
Legal Aid NSW lawyers don't attend police stations. If you want advice before an interview, call a private lawyer or, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Aboriginal Legal Service. If you're under 18, call the Legal Aid NSW Youth Hotline on 1800 10 18 10.
Outcomes, MERIT and the Drug Court
Section 10: the court can find you guilty without recording a conviction, and either dismiss the charge, make a conditional release order or require an intervention program. A dismissal can avoid a licence disqualification for some offences
Conditional release order: can be made with or without a conviction, with conditions such as supervision or treatment
Community correction order: up to 3 years, and can include a curfew or community service
Intensive correction order: a jail sentence served in the community, not available for under 18s
MERIT is a voluntary Local Court program for adults with a drug or alcohol problem, with about 12 weeks of treatment before your case is finalised. You need to be on bail or not need bail, and it isn't available for sexual assault charges or matters going to the District Court. It only runs at some courts. On the Coast that's Gosford and Wyong Local Courts, not Woy Woy. You also need to live in, or have a connection such as full time work to, an area MERIT covers, and the magistrate decides if you're eligible. The local MERIT team is on (02) 4320 3057. The statewide list marks the courts that also offer alcohol services, and Gosford and Wyong aren't marked, so check with the team if your problem is alcohol.
The Drug Court is for adults with a drug dependency who are likely to go to jail, plead guilty and live in a listed area. It isn't available if you're charged with an offence involving violence or sexual assault, or a drug supply charge that can't be dealt with in the Local Court. The Central Coast isn't one of the listed areas, so if you live on the Coast the Drug Court generally isn't an option. Ask your lawyer about MERIT instead.
Local Court decisions, including sentences, can be appealed to the District Court.
Spent convictions and young people
Under the Criminal Records Act 1991, most convictions become spent after a crime free period, and then generally don't have to be disclosed.
Outcome
When it's spent
Section 10 dismissal without conviction
Straight away
Finding of guilt with a CRO and no conviction
Once the conditions are completed
Adult conviction
After 10 years in a row with no further jailable conviction and no time in prison
Children's Court conviction
After 3 years
Full time jail of more than 6 months, or a sexual offence
Never. An intensive correction order doesn't count as jail for this rule
Spent convictions still have to be disclosed for some roles, including police, teaching and Working with Children Checks.
Young people. From 1 July 2026, young people can be dealt with by a warning, caution or youth justice conference without admitting the offence, as long as they don't deny it. More offences are now eligible, and a child who has already been cautioned three or more times in the past three years is no longer entitled to a caution. The Legal Aid NSW Children's Legal Service has duty lawyers at the Woy Woy and Wyong Children's Courts. Call (02) 9068 1790 for Woy Woy or (02) 4929 5482 for Wyong. The Youth Hotline, 1800 10 18 10, runs 9am to midnight on weekdays and 24 hours from 9am Friday to midnight Sunday and on public holidays.
Costs and free legal help on the Central Coast
NSW lawyers must give you a written costs disclosure if your costs are likely to be more than $750, and you can ask for an itemised bill. No win, no fee agreements aren't allowed in criminal matters, and lawyers can't charge a percentage of any amount recovered.
LawAccess NSW: 1300 888 529, 9am to 5pm weekdays, for legal information and referrals
Legal Aid NSW Gosford: 92 to 100 Donnison Street, Gosford, (02) 4324 5611. It's the only Legal Aid NSW office listed on the Coast, so call to ask how it can help with a criminal matter
Duty lawyers: Legal Aid NSW has duty lawyers at Local Courts across NSW who can give limited help on the day. They can't represent you if you've pleaded not guilty and your hearing is that day. Get to court early so you have time to see one. For ongoing representation you usually need a grant of legal aid
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT): 1800 765 767, 9am to 5pm weekdays. Police contact its custody notification service whenever an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person is detained
Central Coast Community Legal Centre: the Coast's community legal centre. Check centralcoastclc.org.au for what it helps with and how to book
Accredited specialists: search the Law Society of NSW Find a Lawyer tool with the accredited specialist filter
Central Coast criminal law: common questions
Where is the criminal court on the Central Coast?
Most charges start in the Local Court at Gosford, Wyong or Woy Woy. Gosford Local Court shares its courthouse with the District Court, on the corner of Donnison Street and Henry Parry Drive, and its phone number is 1300 679 272. Charges against young people go to the Children's Court, which sits at Woy Woy and Wyong. Your court attendance notice says which court you need.
Will I get a criminal record?
Not necessarily. A court can find you guilty without recording a conviction under section 10, and a section 10 dismissal is spent straight away. If a conviction is recorded, most become spent after 10 years in a row with no further jailable conviction and no time in prison, or 3 years for a Children's Court conviction. Full time jail of more than 6 months and sexual offences never become spent, but an intensive correction order doesn't count as jail for this rule.
Do I have to answer police questions?
In most cases you have the right to stay silent, though there are some exceptions, such as certain car crash matters. Before questioning, police must tell you that you can contact a lawyer and a friend or relative, and give you a reasonable chance to do it. If you're under 18, you can call the Legal Aid NSW Youth Hotline on 1800 10 18 10.
Can I get a free lawyer on the Central Coast?
Legal Aid NSW duty lawyers can give limited help on the day of your court date. For ongoing representation you usually need a grant of legal aid. The Legal Aid NSW Gosford office is at 92 to 100 Donnison Street, (02) 4324 5611, and LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 can tell you where to start.
Can I get into the Drug Court from the Central Coast?
Generally not. The Drug Court only takes people who live in its listed areas, and the Central Coast isn't one of them. MERIT is the local option. It runs at Gosford and Wyong Local Courts for adults with a drug or alcohol problem who are on bail or don't need it, and who live in or have a connection to an area MERIT covers. It isn't available for sexual assault charges or matters going to the District Court, and the magistrate decides if you're eligible. Ask the local MERIT team, (02) 4320 3057, whether it can help with alcohol at your court.
What is an accredited criminal law specialist?
A solicitor accredited by the Law Society of NSW after at least 5 years in practice, 3 of them in criminal law, and a set of assessments. It isn't needed to practise, but it shows depth in the area. On this list, Conditsis Lawyers names three, and Karim Criminal Defence Lawyers and Aubrey Brown Lawyers each name one.
Can a criminal lawyer work on a no win, no fee basis?
No. NSW law doesn't allow no win, no fee agreements in criminal matters. Some firms offer fixed fees for simpler matters instead, and any lawyer must give you written costs disclosure if costs are likely to be more than $750.
General information only, not legal advice.
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