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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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.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 25, 2026

Charged With Large Commercial Quantity Drug Trafficking in Victoria: What Happens Next?

Large commercial quantity drug trafficking in Victoria is the most serious drug charge, under section 71 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981, carrying a maximum of life imprisonment. It is dealt with in the County Court, and being charged sets a committal and a contested process in motion.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 24, 2026

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.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 24, 2026

Drugs Found in a Shared House: How Does the Prosecution Prove Possession?

When drugs are found in a shared house in Victoria, the law can deem them to be in the possession of an occupier unless that person satisfies the court they had no knowledge. The prosecution relies on your occupation and the drugs being on the premises, but where areas are shared, that can be genuinely in issue.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 23, 2026

Can Residential Rehabilitation Help a Drug Trafficking Bail Application in Victoria?

Yes, residential rehabilitation can help a drug trafficking bail application in Victoria. Where drug use is connected to the offending, a confirmed place in treatment addresses the risk of reoffending, supports the bail test, and can form a bail condition the court relies on.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 23, 2026

Police Found Drugs in Your Car: Can You Be Charged With Possession?

Yes, you can be charged with possession if police find drugs in your car in Victoria, but a charge is not a conviction. The prosecution must prove you had custody or control of the drugs and knew they were there, and where others were present, that can be genuinely in issue.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 22, 2026

What Evidence Helps a Drug Trafficking Bail Application in Victoria?

A drug trafficking bail application in Victoria is won on evidence. The strongest applications gather a genuine surety, stable accommodation, employment or study, character references, and a treatment plan, all aimed at meeting the bail test and reducing any unacceptable risk.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 22, 2026

First Drug Possession Charge in Victoria: Can You Get Diversion?

Often, yes. A first drug possession charge in Victoria is frequently suitable for diversion, which lets you complete a plan and have the charge resolved without a conviction or a finding of guilt. It is a pre-plea option aimed at first-time offenders, so it is well worth pursuing.

By Lauren Tye
4 min read
Updated September 21, 2026

Bail for Drug Trafficking Charges in Victoria: What Will the Court Consider?

Bail for drug trafficking in Victoria is hard to get. Commercial and large commercial quantity trafficking are Schedule 1 offences under the Bail Act 1977, so you must show exceptional circumstances, and then satisfy the court there is no unacceptable risk. Community safety is the paramount concern.

By Lauren Tye
5 min read
Updated September 21, 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?

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.

Guide 01

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

Guide 01

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

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

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.

Charges We Defend
. 4 min read

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.

Charges We Defend
. 4 min read

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.

Charges We Defend
. 4 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.