Lauren Tye Legal · Resources

Criminal Law Insights

Clear, practical articles on Victorian criminal law, court process, intervention orders, bail, traffic offences, sentencing, and preparing for court.

What Happens After You Are Charged With a Criminal Offence in Victoria?

After you are charged, the next steps usually depend on the offence, the court, whether bail applies, and whether the matter may resolve by negotiation, plea, diversion, or hearing.

By Lauren Tye
6 min read
Updated April 18, 2026

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Driving While Suspended in Victoria: Penalties and What Happens in Court

Driving while suspended in Victoria is a criminal offence under section 30 of the Road Safety Act 1986, carrying up to 240 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment. It is heard in the Magistrates’ Court, though a suspension for unpaid Fines Victoria fines is treated less seriously.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated October 3, 2026

How Can You Defend a Driving While Disqualified Charge in Victoria?

A driving while disqualified charge in Victoria can be defended. Real defences include an honest and reasonable mistake that you were entitled to drive, that you were not the driver, or that you were not actually disqualified. Each turns on the facts and the evidence.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated October 2, 2026

Repeat Driving While Disqualified in Victoria: Can You Go to Prison?

Yes, you can go to prison for repeat driving while disqualified in Victoria. The offence carries up to 2 years imprisonment under section 30 of the Road Safety Act 1986, and repeat offending moves imprisonment from unlikely to a real prospect, though it is not automatic.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated October 1, 2026

Driving While Disqualified in Victoria: Penalties and What Happens in Court

Driving while disqualified in Victoria is a criminal offence under section 30 of the Road Safety Act 1986, carrying up to 240 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment. It is heard in the Magistrates’ Court, and the court usually extends your disqualification on top of any other penalty.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 30, 2026

Intervention Orders and Firearms in Victoria: How Can You Apply to Be Declared a Non-Prohibited Person?

A final intervention order makes you a prohibited person for firearms in Victoria, which cancels your licence. You can apply to the Magistrates’ Court under section 189 of the Firearms Act 1996 to be deemed a non-prohibited person, unless the order itself cancels your licence.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 29, 2026

Sentencing for Firearm Offences in Victoria: What Can Affect the Outcome?

Sentencing for a firearm offence in Victoria depends on more than the charge. The type of firearm, whether it was loaded or in a public place, your status and history, and any link to other offending drive the outcome, while an early plea, remorse, and rehabilitation can reduce it.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 28, 2026

How Are Text Messages and Phone Data Used as Evidence of Drug Trafficking in Victoria?

In Victoria, police use text messages, call records, and other phone data as circumstantial evidence of drug trafficking, arguing that they show dealing. This evidence can be powerful, but it can also be challenged on how the phone was obtained, what the messages actually prove, and whether it is admissible.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 26, 2026

Bail Refused in Victoria: When Can You Make Another Bail Application?

After bail is refused in Victoria, you can generally only make another application if there are new facts or circumstances that were not before the court, or you were not legally represented last time. You can also apply to the Supreme Court, which can hear a fresh bail application.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 26, 2026

Can You Get Bail for Large Commercial Quantity Drug Trafficking in Victoria?

Bail for large commercial quantity drug trafficking in Victoria is very difficult but not impossible. It is a Schedule 1 offence under the Bail Act 1977, so you must first show exceptional circumstances, then satisfy the court there is no unacceptable risk. A strong, well-prepared application is essential.

By Lauren Tye
3 min read
Updated September 25, 2026

Start Here

Three foundational guides for understanding common stages and outcomes in Victorian criminal matters.

Guide 01

Bail Refused in Victoria: When Can You Make Another Bail Application?

Guide 01

Someone Has Been Remanded: What Should Their Family Prepare for a Bail Application?

When someone is remanded in Victoria, their family can make a real difference by preparing a bail application. The most useful things to gather are a genuine surety, a stable address, proof of work, and character references, all aimed at reducing the risk the court is concerned about.

Guide 01

Urgent Bail Applications in Victoria: What Needs to Be Prepared Before Court?

An urgent bail application in Victoria is won on preparation. Before court you need a genuine surety, proof of accommodation and work, character references, and a realistic set of conditions, all ready to present so the first application is your strongest.

More from the insights library

Foundational explainers and recently updated guides.

These resources are general information only and are not legal advice.

What Happens After You Are Charged With a Criminal Offence in Victoria?

After you are charged, the next steps usually depend on the offence, the court, whether bail applies, and whether the matter may resolve by negotiation, plea, diversion, or hearing.

Charges We Defend
. 6 min read

Common Assault vs Aggravated Assault: What’s the Difference?

Common assault and aggravated assault are both charged under the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), but aggravated assault involves specific circumstances of aggravation, such as acting in company with another person or using a weapon, which carry higher maximum penalties than common assault alone.

Charges We Defend
. 5 min read

Hoon Driving Laws in Victoria: Impounding and Charges Explained

Victoria’s anti-hoon laws let police impound or immobilise a vehicle on the spot for up to 30 days for a first hoon offence. A magistrate can order impoundment or immobilisation for up to 3 months for a second offence within six years, and a third offence within that period opens the door to permanent forfeiture.

Charges We Defend
. 6 min read

Need Advice on Your Specific Situation?

The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Speak with a criminal defence lawyer about your matter before making decisions about court, police, or prosecution.