Can I get legal aid?
Most of our clients pay privately under our fixed-fee arrangements. However, if you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for a grant of legal assistance from Victoria Legal Aid (VLA).
Tony Hannebery Lawyers is a member of Victoria Legal Aid’s Summary Crime and Indictable Crime panels. If you are eligible, we can apply for legal aid on your behalf and continue to act for you.
Who is eligible?
VLA applies strict guidelines. Eligibility generally depends on:
- A means test: your income, assets and financial circumstances
- The type of matter: for example, whether there is a real risk of imprisonment, or whether you are charged with an indictable offence
- Merit: whether the case has reasonable prospects or legal aid is otherwise justified
You may be asked to make a contribution towards your legal costs.
What legal aid can cover
- Pleas of guilty where there is a risk of imprisonment
- Contested hearings and jury trials
- Bail applications
- Children’s Court matters
- Some appeals
- Some intervention order matters
How to apply
Call us on (03) 9670 4357 with details of your charges and your financial situation. We will tell you whether you are likely to qualify and lodge the application for you. If you are not eligible, we will give you a clear fixed-fee quote.
For more information, see Victoria Legal Aid.
Frequently asked questions
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You may qualify for a grant of legal assistance from Victoria Legal Aid. Eligibility depends on your income and assets, the type of charge and the risk of imprisonment.
Tony Hannebery Lawyers is a member of Victoria Legal Aid’s Summary Crime and Indictable Crime panels. If you are eligible, we can apply on your behalf. See Legal aid.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
We offer a free initial consultation and, for most matters, a fixed fee agreed in advance, so you know the cost before we start. The fee depends on the type of matter, the court, and whether it is a plea or a contested case.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid.
