The 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Canberra to Defend Your Rights
Facing criminal charges is, no doubt, terrifying and overwhelming. One simple mistake can turn your life upside down, which is why you need someone in your corner who will listen and protect your rights.
Unfortunately, you can’t simply call your family lawyer because offences require specialised expertise.
So, to help you out, we rounded up the best criminal defense lawyers in Canberra who can handle simple and complex cases, from bailable to serious offences.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Canberra?
Hourly rates for a criminal defense lawyer in Canberra range from $220 to over $800, while fixed-fee cases fall between $1,000 and $100,000, depending on case complexity.
| Type of Legal Service / Offence | Estimated Cost Range |
| Traffic Offences (Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Speeding) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Minor Offences (Theft, Minor Assault) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Complex/Serious Offences (Drug Trafficking) | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
1. Andrew Byrnes Law Group
Website: http://andrewbyrneslawgroup.com.au/
Address: Level 6/28 University Ave
Contact: 02 6210 1075
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Andrew Byrnes Law Group operates as a Doyle’s Guide Recommended criminal defense firm in Canberra for 2026. This ensures they have the expertise and skill in their field, which is what you want for a firm that focuses on criminal offences.
We appreciate that they handle a wide variety of cases, from minor traffic issues to complex jury trials and appeals. Plus, they actively manage various protection orders like Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs).
They also combine strong courtroom advocacy with a dedicated Youth Pro Bono program, showcasing their passion for defending vulnerable minors.
A minor downside is their free initial consultation only lasts 30 minutes. You have to explain your situation fast before the clock runs out.
Compassionate support and an amazing outcome
During what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of my life, Ash proved to be an invaluable support. He navigated through my criminal proceedings with sensitivity and grace. Ash was thorough in his approach, making sure I understood all my options. Ash went above and beyond with strategic thinking and bold advocacy he worked extremely hard to help me achieve a favourable and amazing outcome.
His professionalism and timely communication helped alleviate my stress in this emotional process. I am deeply grateful for his service and highly recommend him to anyone facing any criminal charges.
- Priscilla Palombi, Google Review
Swift, efficient, and worth every penny
Swift, efficient and knowledgeable of the relevant provisions of the criminal law in my case (assault matter and the sentencing options available). Concise, no nonsense submissions and collaborative engagement with the DPP. Achieved best possible outcome- money well spent. Thank you Tiffany Wilken.
- Alex Carol, Google Review
2. Kamy Saeedi Law
Website: https://www.kslaw.com.au/
Address: Level 1, 1 University Avenue
Contact: 02 6230 6600 | Urgent line: 1800 266 830
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Kamy Saeedi Law ensures that every single case is managed exclusively by a senior practitioner. This ensures you get consistent, high-level representation for complex matters.
This approach also gives you direct access to a senior lawyer, and you won’t get passed to junior associates. This strategy also ensures your lawyer will have a deep understanding of your situation, allowing them to provide a personalised approach.
As for the cases, they dive deep into high-stakes murder and manslaughter charges, often working alongside expert witnesses. They also defend against a wide spectrum of assault charges, including serious drug trafficking cases and tricky traffic offenses.
But since they run a highly selective client base, they might not accept your case if their schedule is already full.
3. CODA Criminal Law
Website: https://www.codalaw.com.au/
Address: Level 7, 1 Hobart Place
Contact: 02 6279 4288
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
CODA Criminal Law is a highly specialized firm that features a legal team consisting entirely of partner-level attorneys.
They handle complex white-collar crimes like money laundering by collaborating with smart forensic accountants. They manage to tackle a lot of cases, too, from minor drug possession to major trafficking.
Another plusi s that they have decades of trial experience across both the ACT and NSW, showing that they know their way around a courtroom. They even help negotiate workable conditions for personal and family protection orders.
We also appreciate how they actively assess rehabilitation options with the Drug and Alcohol Court, where clients can address underlying issues whilst working towards a more considerable outcome for their futures.
One downside is their lack of weekend hours. You might struggle to reach them if an emergency pops up on a Sunday.
Passionate, dedicated, and always in your corner
I had the privilege of working with Carley Hitchins from CODA Criminal Law, and I cannot thank her enough for the incredible support she provided. Carley represented me in a criminal matter and achieved a successful outcome. Throughout the entire process, her communication with me was excellent—she kept me informed, explained everything clearly, and always made sure I felt supported.
What stood out most was Carley’s passion and dedication to ensuring I was treated fairly. She genuinely cared about my case and fought tirelessly on my behalf.
- Troy Gillett, Google Review
Flawless defense: No fine, no conviction
I was facing a drink driving charge that threatened my license and my record, but finding Carley at Coda Law changed everything. From the moment she called me, I felt a sense of calm; she listened intently to every detail and built a brilliant defense. She even went above and beyond by reviewing my character references to ensure they met the strict court requirements.On the hearing day, Carley was absolutely flawless—structured, confident, and incredibly persuasive. I walked away with no fine and no conviction. If you need legal help, don’t waste your time tossing around, go straight to Carley!
- Dorji Wangchuk, Google Review
4. BDN Lawyers
Website: https://www.bdn.com.au/
Address: Level 1, 1 Farrell Place
Contact: 02 6190 1240
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
One of our most trusted is BDN Lawyers because they provide integrated representation across both ACT and NSW criminal courts.
They even have physical offices in Canberra and Queanbeyan to handle these tricky cross-jurisdictional matters easily.
They also handle serious physical offenses, sexual charges, and protective order applications. And due to their wide range of expertise, they can handle cases that overlap with each other, providing a more comprehensive approach with multiple cases.
Another thing we appreciate is their fixed-fee pricing structures for clients who decide to plead guilty. This ensures transparent and predictable costs from the very beginning.
But you should know that due to their vast expertise, they juggle numerous legal fields, like conveyancing, instead of focusing solely on criminal defense.
5. Armstrong Legal
Website: https://www.armstronglegal.com.au/
Address: Level 6, AMP Building, 1 Hobart Place
Contact: 02 6288 1100 | 1300 038 223
Hours: 24/7
Armstrong Legal provides discreet, specialised defense strategies tailored specifically for high-profile professionals, protecting their public reputations.
They focus on protecting public reputations and helping clients remain eligible for requirements like the Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration.
Plus, they bring dedicated representation for complex corporate crimes, tax fraud, and insider trading. They even explore alternative justice routes for juvenile offenders.
They also offer a 24/7 support team for urgent matters, like sudden arrests and late-night bail applications.
Although we appreciate the multiple payment options to ease the financial burden, they don’t offer legal aid representation for clients, which is a bummer for low-income individuals.