50+ Years of Legal Excellence
Deeply established with proven experience you can trust.
Big Firm Capability, Personalised Attention
Leading-edge infrastructure with the dedicated, 1-on-1 care you deserve.
Specialists in Every Area of Law
A comprehensive, full-service team—whatever your legal need, we’ve got you covered.
Working With You. For You.
Genuine advice and practical solutions tailored to your unique goals.
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Trusted legal support across Sydney, Wollongong, and the entire Illawarra region
Here To Help
Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience. The pressure of court proceedings, the risk to your reputation, and the potential impact on your family can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain.
Whether you need robust legal representation or clear advice on what your options are, our criminal defence lawyers work to protect your rights and help you move forward with a clear plan of action.
Our Shellharbour criminal lawyers have worked on a wide range of matters across multiple courts. We examine every detail, assess the evidence, and build a defence strategy designed to secure the best possible result in your circumstances.
How Can Our Shellharbour Criminal Lawyers Help?
At Kells, we focus on defending your position and minimising the consequences of criminal charges. With leadership from a former senior police prosecutor and ex-officer, our team brings practical insight into how cases are investigated and prosecuted.
We act in matters before the Local Court, District Court, Children’s Court, Supreme Court, and other jurisdictions including appeals and coronial inquests. Many summary matters are managed in-house without needing to brief external counsel, which helps keep representation accessible and cost-effective. For more complex or serious charges, we collaborate with skilled barristers to cover every angle of your defence.
Our Shellharbour criminal lawyers provide legal assistance in cases involving:
If you’ve been charged with affray, we examine the circumstances, assess your defence options, and advocate for a result that avoids long-term consequences.
Affray
We provide representation in all types of assault matters and prepare strong defence strategies aimed at reducing or dismissing charges.
Assault
If you are in custody or facing court for bail, our lawyers can act quickly to prepare and present your application.
Bail Applications
We represent families and individuals involved in coronial investigations, providing experienced legal representation throughout each stage.
Coronial Inquests
When facing sentencing, we provide a clear explanation of potential outcomes and work to achieve the most favourable result.
Sentencing & Criminal Penalties
If you have been charged with drink driving, we assess the facts of your case and seek outcomes that avoid criminal records where possible.
Drink Driving
We assist in licence appeals and advocate for reinstatement or reduction in suspension periods where permitted by law.
Licence Suspensions
From possession to supply matters, we provide strategic representation that takes into account the broader impact on your future.
Drug Charges
If you have been charged with unlawful possession or use of firearms, we build a defence that challenges the prosecution’s case and supports a reduction or withdrawal of charges.
Firearms Offences
If mental health is a factor in your matter, we can prepare applications under relevant legislation that may divert the matter out of the standard criminal process.
Mental Health and Criminal Charges
We represent clients facing charges or intervention orders related to domestic violence. We help you understand the process and respond appropriately to court orders or allegations.
Domestic Violence
From speeding to more serious driving offences, we assist with court representation, sentence reduction, and licence appeal matters.
Traffic Offences
Where alcohol and drug readings are involved in a combined offence, we bring experience in both areas to build the strongest possible defence.
Drink & Drug Driving
Facing criminal charges and need Legal Aid representation? Kells’ criminal lawyers are able to take on cases funded by Legal Aid NSW.
Legal Aid Representation for Criminal Charges
Get Expert Criminal Law Advice
If you would like to discuss your criminal case with our team, please get in touch. We are available 24/7 to help you and offer a free initial consultation.
Criminal Lawyers Shellharbour FAQs
Our Shellharbour criminal lawyers are available around the clock. Whether you’ve been called in for a police interview, need urgent help with bail, or are facing an unexpected legal issue, you can reach us any time. The first consultation is free. This gives you the opportunity to discuss your situation, understand your rights, and decide how you want to move forward.
We represent clients across a wide range of criminal charges. This includes offences such as assault, drug possession and supply, theft, fraud, traffic matters, and serious indictable offences like manslaughter, homicide, and complex white-collar crimes. Each case is reviewed thoroughly to identify legal risks, build a strong defence, and protect your position at every stage.
In most summary matters, we represent clients directly without the added cost of engaging a barrister. This approach is both efficient and cost-effective. For more serious or contested matters, we work with experienced barristers who bring additional depth to the case. If your matter requires court appearances in higher jurisdictions or presents complex legal issues, we will discuss the benefits of involving additional legal counsel with you upfront.
Yes. Where a person’s mental health has played a role in the circumstances of a charge, we assess the situation and prepare legal arguments that reflect this. In many cases, we seek alternatives to standard sentencing such as treatment plans, non-conviction outcomes, or entry into diversion programs. We collaborate with mental health professionals to obtain reports and clinical evidence that support a fair result in line with your condition and legal rights.
We regularly assist with bail applications and have a strong track record in this area. Our lawyers prepare detailed applications that address concerns around community risk, history, and personal circumstances. We present information about your home life, employment, family responsibilities, and treatment options to strengthen your case. If your initial application is denied, we review the decision and advise whether there is potential for a new application or appeal.
Speak to a Criminal Lawyer
We’ll stand by you and protect your rights every step of the way—no matter the charge.