Free first conference of up to an hour, in person, by phone or Zoom. Fixed fees for each drink driving charge, according to the firm.
Office
Museum Towers, 503/267 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Sydney Criminal Lawyers works only in criminal and traffic law from Museum Towers, right across from the Downing Centre Local Court. The firm says principal Ugur Nedim has been an accredited specialist in criminal law since 2005, and that it has handled drink driving matters for more than 20 years. It covers every PCA range, from novice to high, and runs unsafe reading and two hour rule defences as well as section 10 pleas. It publishes fixed fees for each charge, and the first conference is free and runs up to an hour, in person, by phone or on Zoom. Offices in Parramatta and Liverpool help western Sydney drivers.
Also worth knowing
It covers all five PCA ranges and runs appeals and section 14 mental health applications.
Lawyers
The drink driving page lists the team but gives roles only for the principal.
Ugur Nedim, Principal Accredited criminal law specialist
Vinny Vijay, Lawyer
Mariecar Capili, Lawyer
Rachel Williamson, Lawyer
Enis Erdem, Lawyer
Patrick O'Sullivan, Lawyer
Michael Stelmach, Lawyer
Xing Hu, Lawyer
Areas of drink driving law handled
Low range PCA
Mid range PCA
High range PCA
Novice and special range PCA
Unsafe reading and two hour rule defences
Section 10 and non conviction orders
Traffic offender programs
Section 14 mental health applications
Severity appeals
Habitual traffic offender declarations
Office
Museum Towers, 503/267 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Parramatta and Liverpool, plus appointment only offices in Chatswood, Newcastle, Penrith, Wollongong, Bankstown, Sutherland and Cessnock
Free preliminary advice from a new client enquiry lawyer. Initial appointments mostly by phone or video, or in person in the CBD or Chatswood. A cost estimate is given at the first conference, according to the firm.
Office
Level 35, St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Armstrong Legal is a national firm with its Sydney office in St Martins Tower on Market Street and a second office in Chatswood. The firm says its Sydney criminal team includes four Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law, and that Doyle's Guide 2026 ranks Trudie Cameron and Andrew Tiedt as leading NSW traffic lawyers. Its traffic practice takes in drink and drug driving charges and appeals against police immediate suspensions, with representation in the Local and District Courts. It suits drivers facing a high range or repeat charge who want senior, specialist help. New clients get free preliminary advice by phone.
Also worth knowing
New clients get free preliminary advice from a dedicated enquiry lawyer, and offices are in the CBD and Chatswood.
Lawyers
Trudie Cameron, Principal Lawyer and Practice Leader NSW and ACT Accredited criminal law specialist
Angela Cooney, National Practice Director Accredited criminal law specialist
Andrew Tiedt, Trial Advocate Accredited criminal law specialist
Craig Robinson, Special Counsel Accredited criminal law specialist
Kent Park, Senior Associate
Sophie Ogborne, Associate
Emily Wood-Ward, Associate
Ruby Hasler, Solicitor
Areas of drink driving law handled
Drink driving defence
Drug driving defence
Dangerous driving
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Excessive speeding
Careless driving
Licence suspension appeals
Police immediate suspension appeals
Court representation in the Local and District Courts
Office
Level 35, St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Chatswood, plus offices in other states and territories
Free first consultation and case evaluation before signing anything. Fixed fees with no hidden fees, according to the firm.
Office
Level 45, 680 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Astor Legal is a criminal and traffic firm led by principal lawyer Avinash Singh, who the firm says is a Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. The firm says its traffic team includes former police prosecutors. For drink driving clients it handles drink driving and DUI charges, drug driving, appeals against police suspensions, applications to remove a disqualification early and the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program. It works from George Street in the CBD, with offices in Parramatta and Liverpool. It suits drivers who want a specialist led team close to home. Consultations are free and the firm offers fixed fees.
Also worth knowing
It lists offices in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Liverpool, with a free first consultation.
Lawyers
Avinash Singh, Principal Lawyer Accredited criminal law specialist
Isaac Hoballah, Lawyer
Nandita Jagota, Lawyer
Benjamin Li, Lawyer
Areas of drink driving law handled
Speeding and camera offences
Drink driving and DUI
Drug driving
Negligent and dangerous driving
Heavy vehicle offences
Police pursuits
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Police suspension appeals
Transport for NSW suspension appeals
Disqualification removal applications
Traffic Offenders Intervention Program
Office
Level 45, 680 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Parramatta and Liverpool, plus Wollongong, Perth and Melbourne
Book a consultation by phone or online. Fixed fee guarantee, according to the firm.
Office
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ainsley Law calls itself the only NSW firm that practises only traffic law, and it shows in the depth of its drink driving work. It is run by two principals. Sarah Marinovic used to prosecute traffic and heavy vehicle matters for Transport for NSW before moving to defence, according to the firm, and Janelle Whale has worked only in criminal and traffic law. It covers every PCA range, refused breath tests, interlock orders and exemptions, and police immediate suspensions. Offices are in the Sydney CBD and Parramatta. The firm works on fixed fees and books consultations through its site, though it doesn't say whether the first one is free.
Also worth knowing
Its site shows a 5.0 Google rating from 171 reviews.
Lawyers
Sarah Marinovic, Principal, former Transport for NSW traffic prosecutor
Janelle Whale, Principal, criminal and traffic lawyer
Free first consultation and free phone advice 24/7. The firm says it charges a clear fixed fee. Meetings at the Elizabeth Street office, at your home or work, or by FaceTime or WhatsApp.
Office
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
MK Law Sydney is the practice of Michael Kuzilny, a criminal and traffic lawyer who says he has more than 30 years in the court system. The firm says he runs the cases himself and takes on a limited number of clients each month. His traffic work covers drink and drug driving, court elections on penalty notices, section 10 applications, written pleas and negotiations with police, plus licence suspension appeals. The office is on Elizabeth Street, opposite the Downing Centre. It suits drivers who want one senior lawyer from start to finish. The first consultation is free and phone advice runs 24/7.
Also worth knowing
The first consultation is free, and meetings can be at your home or work, or by FaceTime or WhatsApp.
Lawyers
The site names only Michael Kuzilny as a lawyer. A staff member, Mary, looks after operations and client contact.
Michael Kuzilny, Principal, criminal and traffic lawyer
Free first consultation with no obligation. Fixed fees, with the cost confirmed at the first meeting.
Office
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Australian Criminal Defence is a Sydney criminal and traffic practice led by principal Joseph Harb, who the firm says regularly appears in the Local, District and Supreme Courts. Drink driving and traffic offences sit alongside its wider criminal work, and the firm also runs severity appeals and mental health applications. It promises a lawyer with at least ten years in criminal law on every file. The CBD office is on Elizabeth Street, with Bankstown, Parramatta and Wollongong offices by appointment. The first consultation is free with no obligation, and fees are fixed and quoted at that meeting.
Also worth knowing
Besides the CBD office it sees clients in Bankstown, Parramatta and Wollongong by appointment.
Lawyers
The firm's site doesn't give admission dates or years in practice for its lawyers.
Joseph Harb, Principal
Robert Boulos, Criminal defence lawyer
Areas of drink driving law handled
Drug supply and importation defence
Bail applications
AVO and domestic violence matters
Sexual assault defence
Fraud and proceeds of crime
Murder and manslaughter
Jury trials
Severity and conviction appeals
Mental health applications
Commonwealth offences
Drink driving and traffic offences
Office
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Bankstown, Parramatta and Wollongong (all by appointment)
LY Lawyers is a criminal defence firm led by Adam Ly, who has practised for more than 20 years and only in criminal defence, according to the firm. The head office is in the World Tower on Liverpool Street, with offices in Liverpool, Parramatta, Wollongong, Newcastle and Gosford. Its drink driving work covers low, mid and high range PCA, DUI and drug driving, with section 10 applications, the traffic offenders program and plea negotiations with police. Lawyer Jason Rodrigues speaks Portuguese and Spanish. It suits drivers outside the CBD. The firm offers a free consultation and a 24 hour phone line.
Also worth knowing
It offers a free consultation and a 24 hour phone line, and Jason Rodrigues speaks Portuguese and Spanish.
Lawyers
Adam Ly, Managing Director and Principal Lawyer
Shvan Karezi, Senior Associate
Jason Rodrigues, Criminal Defence Lawyer
Areas of drink driving law handled
Low, mid and high range PCA
Drug driving
Driving under the influence
Licence appeals for demerit points
Licence appeals for speeding
Habitual traffic offender declarations
Traffic offenders program
Section 10 applications
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Plea negotiations with police
Office
Unit 1511/87 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Liverpool, Parramatta, Wollongong, Newcastle and Gosford
Free initial consultation, which the firm says runs 30 minutes. Fixed fees for many Local Court stages, staged pricing for defended hearings and appeals, payment plans for eligible clients and a written estimate. Phone line open 24/7.
Office
Level 57, 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Criminal Law Group is a criminal and traffic firm with six offices across Sydney, from Martin Place in the CBD out to Liverpool, Campbelltown and Oran Park. The firm says it works only in criminal and traffic law. Its drink driving page covers every PCA range, refusing a breath or blood test, immediate suspension appeals, interlock orders and exemptions, and Traffic Offenders Program referrals. It suits drivers in south west Sydney who want a local office and quick contact. The firm says its free first consultation runs 30 minutes, and fixed fees apply to many Local Court stages, with payment plans for eligible clients.
Also worth knowing
It offers a free first consultation and fixed fees for many Local Court stages, with payment plans for some clients.
Areas of drink driving law handled
Drink driving (low, mid and high range PCA)
Drug driving
Speeding offences
Licence appeals
Immediate suspension appeals
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Refusing a breath or blood test
Interlock orders and exemptions
Negligent driving occasioning death
Traffic infringement reviews
Traffic Offenders Program referrals
Office
Level 57, 25 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Other details
Other offices
Liverpool, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills and Oran Park
Not stated on the site. Call the firm or send an enquiry.
Office
Level 1, 299 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
McKenzie McLoughlin Law is a small criminal and traffic practice run by two directors, Josh McKenzie and James McLoughlin, who both prosecuted for NSW Police and the DPP before switching sides, according to the firm. James McLoughlin was also a police officer. The firm works from the Sydney CBD, Manly and Mona Vale, which makes it a natural fit for Northern Beaches drivers facing Manly Local Court. Low, mid and high range PCA, drug driving and stays of police suspensions sit at the centre of its traffic work. The site doesn't spell out first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
In 2019 the firm reported getting a police licence suspension stayed by the Local Court for a low range drink driving client.
Lawyers
The site also lists two paralegals.
Josh McKenzie, Director and Solicitor, former prosecutor
James McLoughlin, Director and Solicitor, former NSW police officer, police prosecutor and ODPP solicitor
Free, confidential first consultation, which the firm says is available 24/7. Fixed fee options for traffic matters, with costs set out up front.
Office
Suite 36, Level 4, 402-410 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Blackridge Law is a Bankstown criminal defence firm founded by partners Mustafa Agar and Mohamed Bejjaoui, with a paralegal team behind them. Traffic is a core practice, and its pages cover drink driving and breath test refusals, drug driving, interlock matters, licence appeals and enrolment in the Traffic Offender Intervention Program. The firm says it appears at Bankstown, Parramatta, Liverpool, the Downing Centre and other Local Courts. It suits south west Sydney drivers who need help out of hours. The firm says its free first consultation is available 24/7, and it offers fixed fees for traffic matters.
Also worth knowing
The site shows a 5.0 rating from more than 220 reviews.
Lawyers
The firm also lists a paralegal team of six, unnamed.
Mustafa Agar, Principal and Partner
Mohamed Bejjaoui, Partner
Areas of drink driving law handled
Drink driving and breath test refusal
Drug driving
Speeding offences
Dangerous and negligent driving
Police pursuits and fail to stop
Driving while suspended or disqualified
Unlicensed driving
Licence appeals
Interlock matters
Traffic Offender Intervention Program enrolment
Section 10 applications
Office
Suite 36, Level 4, 402-410 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200
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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Tell us a little about your matter and we'll put you in touch with a Sydney drink driving lawyer. It's free and there's no obligation.
How we compiled this list
We include firms that defend drink and drug driving charges as a main part of their work and take Sydney clients. For each one we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. NSW has no drink driving or traffic law accreditation, so where a firm says a lawyer is a Law Society of NSW accredited specialist in criminal law we say so. 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.
Some firms pay for a featured listing, which affects where they appear on this page. Payment doesn't buy the write-up. We write those ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. 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, penalties and programs are as published by the NSW Government, Transport for NSW, the Local Court of NSW and Legal Aid NSW in October 2026.
NSW drink driving ranges and penalties
NSW sorts drink driving charges into ranges, based on your blood alcohol reading and the licence you hold or the vehicle you were driving.
Range
Who and what level
Novice
Learner or provisional drivers, any alcohol above zero
Special
Special category drivers, 0.02 to 0.049
Low
0.05 to 0.079
Mid
0.08 to 0.149
High
0.15 and above
These are the court penalties for a first offence, as published by the NSW Government. The magistrate decides the actual penalty within these limits.
First offence
Maximum fine
Maximum jail
Minimum disqualification
Automatic disqualification
Interlock
Low, special or novice range
$2,200
None
3 months
6 months
No
Mid range
$2,200
9 months
6 months
12 months
Yes
High range
$3,300
18 months
12 months
3 years
Yes
Driving under the influence
$3,300
18 months
12 months
3 years
Yes, for alcohol
Illicit drug present
$2,200
None listed
3 months
6 months
No
Refusing to give a breath or blood sample is a separate charge. For a first offence it carries a fine of up to $3,300, an automatic 3 year disqualification with a minimum of 6 months, and an interlock order.
A second or later offence costs a lot more. A repeat low range offence carries up to $3,300, a minimum 6 month disqualification and an interlock. A repeat mid range offence carries up to $3,300 and 12 months' jail, with a minimum 12 month disqualification. A repeat high range offence carries up to $5,500 and 2 years' jail, with a minimum 2 year disqualification. Disqualification periods can differ if you're put on an interlock order.
On the night: suspension and the $722 penalty notice
Police can suspend your licence on the spot for drink driving, driving under the influence or refusing a breath or blood test. For low range drink driving the suspension is 3 months. For mid or high range, or a refused test, it lasts until your case is decided.
For a first low, special or novice range offence, or a first drug presence offence, police can give you a $722 penalty notice instead of a court attendance notice, with a 3 month licence suspension. Before you pay it, know what that means:
Paying settles it. Paying the fine means you accept the penalty and the matter doesn't go to court. Legal Aid NSW says paying isn't an admission of guilt, but the offence still goes on your driving record and the licence suspension still applies
When the suspension starts: for a low, novice or special range drink driving notice, police suspend your licence on the spot for 3 months. For a drug presence notice, the 3 month suspension starts once the fine is paid or the time to pay under the reminder notice runs out, and you should get a letter telling you the start date
Going to court instead: apply to Revenue NSW before the due date on the reminder notice. A court attendance notice can be issued very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, and once it is, you can't change your mind
What court can do: a magistrate can find you guilty without recording a conviction, but can also record a criminal conviction, give a higher fine than the notice, disqualify you, and order court costs and a victims support levy. A penalty notice doesn't give you a criminal conviction. Get advice before you elect
Appealing a police suspension. Any on the spot suspension can be appealed to the Local Court within 28 days of getting the suspension notice, and before your charge is decided. It stays in force until the hearing, and to lift or shorten it you have to show exceptional circumstances, which is hard. The magistrate can't look at whether you committed the offence, and if the appeal is dismissed you may have to pay the police's legal costs.
Interlocks, and getting your licence back
Mid range, high range, repeat and other serious drink driving offences, including refusing a sample and driving under the influence of alcohol, mean a mandatory interlock order. An interlock is a breath testing device fitted to your car. The court must make either an interlock order or an exemption order, and exemptions are only given in exceptional circumstances.
You serve a shorter disqualification, then drive with an interlock fitted.
First offence
Disqualification
Then drive with an interlock for
Mid range
3 to 6 months
12 months
High range
6 to 9 months
24 months
You pay for the device. The NSW Government puts the cost at about $2,200 to $3,000 a year, depending on which of its figures you use, plus a $200 administration fee when the interlock licence is issued. If you don't get an interlock licence, you can't drive for 5 years from your conviction.
When the disqualification ends: you need to get your licence back before you drive. Driving before then can be driving while cancelled, which carries the same penalties as driving while disqualified
Driving while suspended or disqualified: up to 30 penalty units and 6 months' jail for a first offence, and up to 50 penalty units and 12 months for a repeat, plus a further disqualification, automatically 6 months (minimum 3) for a first offence or 12 months (minimum 6) for a repeat
Ending a disqualification early: after 4 offence free years for a major offence such as drink driving, you can ask the Local Court to remove the disqualification. You need a driving record assessment from Transport for NSW first, and if the court says no you have to wait 12 months to try again. You can't use it to remove a disqualification that comes with a mandatory interlock order
Drug driving and the presence offence
NSW has two main drug driving charges, and they work very differently.
Illicit drug present: covers THC (cannabis), methylamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. Police only need to detect the drug in your system, not show you were affected, so you can be charged even if you no longer feel it. A first offence can be dealt with by a $722 penalty notice and a 3 month suspension, once lab testing confirms the drug. Unlike low range drink driving, the suspension usually starts after the fine is paid or the time to pay runs out, not on the spot
Driving under the influence: a separate, more serious charge that does need proof you were affected, by alcohol or any other drug. For a first offence the maximum fine is $3,300 and the automatic disqualification is 3 years
Medicinal cannabis. A law passed on 17 September 2026 will exempt registered medicinal cannabis patients on an unrestricted NSW licence from the drug presence offence. To register you'll need proof of a valid prescription and to complete an online education program. It won't cover learner, provisional or interlock licences, or bus, taxi, rideshare, some heavy or dangerous goods vehicle drivers and driving instructors, and you can still be charged if you're affected. It isn't in force yet. Transport for NSW expects it to start in late 2026 or early 2027, and until then a prescription doesn't protect you.
Section 10 and the Traffic Offender Intervention Program
Under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, a court can find you guilty without recording a conviction, and either dismiss the charge, make a conditional release order of up to 2 years, or require you to complete an intervention program. With a section 10 there's no fine and no licence disqualification, though court costs or a levy may apply.
Once in 5 years: you can only get one section 10 for a major traffic offence, which includes drink and drug driving, in any 5 year period. Section 10 is rarely used for serious traffic offences
Still on record: a section 10 still appears on your driving record and on the police list of matters you went to court for, but it isn't a conviction. A dismissal is spent straight away. A conditional release order or intervention program is spent once you complete it
Traffic Offender Intervention Program: a Local Court program for people who have pleaded guilty or been found guilty of a traffic offence. The magistrate can adjourn your case so you can do the course, and the provider reports your attendance to the court. Legal Aid NSW says completing it may reduce your penalty
On the day, don't drive to court, bring your licence unless police already have it, and make sure any character references are addressed to the magistrate. Local Court decisions can be appealed to the District Court within 28 days, or within 3 months with leave.
Sydney courts, costs and free help
Drink and drug driving charges are usually heard in the Local Court. In the city that's Downing Centre Local Court, Level 4, 143 to 147 Liverpool Street. Parramatta Local Court is at 12 George Street, and there are Local Courts across Sydney, including Bankstown, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Hornsby, Liverpool, Manly, Mt Druitt, Newtown, Sutherland and Waverley.
Temporary court changes: Burwood Local Court is sitting at John Maddison Tower, 86 to 90 Goulburn Street, Sydney, from 6 October to 11 December 2026. Penrith Local Court moves to Parramatta Courthouse, 12 George Street, from 21 December 2026 to 12 March 2027. North Sydney Local Court is closed until further notice, with enquiries going to the Downing Centre. Check your court attendance notice and the Local Court website before you go.
NSW lawyers must give you a written costs disclosure if your costs are likely to be more than $750. No win, no fee agreements aren't allowed in criminal proceedings, which include drink driving charges. Several firms on this list say they offer fixed fees, so ask what's included.
LawAccess NSW: 1300 888 529, 9am to 5pm weekdays, for free legal information and referrals
Duty lawyers: Legal Aid NSW duty lawyers are at Local Courts and seeing one is free. Help is limited to that day, so arrive about an hour early. Legal Aid says you should see the duty lawyer if you could go to jail
Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT): 1800 765 767
Accredited specialists: NSW has no drink driving or traffic accreditation, but the Law Society of NSW accredits criminal law specialists. Search its Find a Lawyer tool with the accredited specialist filter
Sydney drink driving law: common questions
Will I lose my licence straight away?
Often, yes. Police can suspend your licence on the spot for drink driving. For low range it's a 3 month suspension. For mid or high range, or if you refused a test, it lasts until your case is decided. You can appeal to the Local Court within 28 days of getting the suspension notice, but you have to show exceptional circumstances.
Should I pay the $722 penalty notice or go to court?
Paying means the matter doesn't go to court, and Legal Aid NSW says it isn't an admission of guilt, though the offence goes on your driving record. For drink driving, the 3 month suspension already started when police suspended you on the spot. In court you could get a section 10 with no disqualification, but the magistrate can also record a conviction, give a higher fine or disqualify you. Talk to a lawyer before the due date on the reminder notice, because once a court election is accepted you can't change your mind.
Can I get a section 10 for drink driving?
Possibly. A court can find you guilty without recording a conviction, which means no fine and no disqualification. But you can only get one section 10 for a major traffic offence, including drink or drug driving, in any 5 year period, and it's rarely used for serious matters.
Do I have to get an interlock?
For a mid range, high range, repeat or other serious drink driving offence, yes, unless the court makes an exemption order, which is only for exceptional circumstances. If you don't get an interlock licence, you can't drive for 5 years from your conviction.
I use medicinal cannabis. Can I be charged with drug driving?
Yes, for now. A law passed in September 2026 will exempt registered patients on an unrestricted licence from the presence offence, but it isn't in force yet and is expected to start in late 2026 or early 2027. Until then a prescription doesn't protect you, and even afterwards you can be charged if you're affected.
Will I go to jail for drink driving?
A first low range offence has no jail term. A first mid range offence carries up to 9 months and a first high range offence up to 18 months, rising to 2 years for a repeat high range offence. If jail is possible and you don't have your own lawyer, Legal Aid says you should see the duty lawyer.
Is there such a thing as an accredited drink driving lawyer?
Not in NSW. The Law Society of NSW accredits specialists in criminal law, which covers drink driving charges. On this list, Sydney Criminal Lawyers, Armstrong Legal and Astor Legal say they have Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law.
