Criminal Lawyers in Darwin

We assist with criminal law cases involving drug charges, breaking and entering and more.

Have you been charged with drug offences: possession, selling or supplying? Are you being wrongfully accused of assault and intend to fight the accusations in court? It can happen to almost anybody; one day you’re going about business as usual and then all of a sudden, you find yourself in an unexpected and unwanted situation. When you find yourself being charged with a criminal offence, what do you do? Where do you start? The answer is to consult a criminal lawyer before taking any action.

Whereas civil law involves disputes between individuals and businesses related to money, criminal law can be significantly more serious, often involving the potential for substantial fines and imprisonment. At Bradley Solicitors, our criminal lawyers represent clients in bail applications, pleas and sentencing, and throughout trial. We’ll take the time to carefully advise you on the court processes you’re likely to encounter, answer any questions or concerns you may have, deal with the police and courts on your behalf, and ultimately protect your rights and alleviate some of the pressure you’ll be facing.

For representation or advice in Darwin, Katherine or elsewhere throughout the Northern Territory and Australia, contact our team on (08) 8941 1677.

Drug Charges in Darwin

Drug offences in the NT are governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1990 (NT). Schedule 1 substances including methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA and cocaine attract the harshest penalties, while Schedule 2 covers cannabis and certain prescription drugs.



Possessing a drug above the threshold quantity triggers a legal presumption of supply, which carries significantly greater penalties than personal possession. We represent clients charged with drug offences in the Darwin Local Court and the NT Supreme Court, reviewing the full brief of evidence to identify any grounds to have charges reduced or withdrawn early.

• Possession (Schedule 1 and Schedule 2)
• Supply and deemed supply
• Drug trafficking
• Manufacturing and cultivation

Assault Lawyers in Darwin

Assault under the Criminal Code Act 1983 (NT) covers everything from a single push through to unlawfully causing serious harm, which carries up to 14 years imprisonment and is finalised in the NT Supreme Court. Aggravated assault committed in company, against a public officer, or involving a weapon carries a maximum of 5 years and is one of the most common offences resulting in imprisonment in the NT. Defences including self-defence and accident are assessed from the first appearance. We appear in both the Darwin Local Court and the NT Supreme Court for all categories of assault.

• Common assault and aggravated assault
• Unlawfully causing serious harm
• Assault on a public officer
• Murder and manslaughter

Domestic Violence Lawyers in Darwin

A domestic violence matter in the NT typically involves two parallel proceedings: a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) under the Domestic and Family Violence Act 2007 (NT), and separate criminal charges such as assault or threats. An interim DVO can be granted the same day an application is filed and may require you to leave the family home before you have had any opportunity to respond. Breaching a DVO is a criminal offence carrying up to 2 years imprisonment, even where the protected person initiated the contact. We advise on contesting or negotiating DVO conditions and defend any related criminal charges.

• DVO and PVRO applications and hearings
• Contesting or varying DVO conditions
• Breach of a domestic violence order
• Related criminal charges: assault, threats, property damage

Bail Applications in Darwin

If you have been refused bail and remanded in custody in Darwin, specialist legal representation is needed urgently. The Bail Act 1982 (NT) creates presumptions against bail for serious offences and prior bail breaches, meaning release will not be granted without a well-prepared application that directly addresses the court's concerns. We make urgent bail applications in the Darwin Local Court and the NT Supreme Court, including outside business hours, and can apply to vary bail conditions that are unworkable after the fact.

• Urgent bail applications across all NT courts
• Applications where a presumption against bail applies
• Bail condition variation
• Bail breach and revocation hearings

Property Offences in Darwin

Property offences under the Criminal Code Act 1983 (NT) range from stealing, which carries up to 7 years imprisonment, through to aggravated burglary and armed robbery, both of which carry life imprisonment as a maximum. Even charges that appear minor can result in a criminal record that affects employment, professional licensing and international travel. We review the full prosecution evidence on every matter and advise on available defences including lack of intent and honest claim of right.

• Stealing and aggravated stealing
• Unlawful entry and burglary
• Robbery and armed robbery
• Receiving stolen property and fraud

Criminal law is used to regulate conduct in society and to sanction those who commit crimes. There are typically two parties involved in a criminal case: the Police and the defendant. Some examples may include:

• Illicit drug offences
  
• Public order offences
  
• Murder & manslaughter
  
• Assault & sexual offences
  
• Breaking & entering
  
• Domestic violence
  
• Theft
  
• Stalking, harassment & abduction
  
• Fraud or dishonesty
  
• Abduction

At Bradley Solicitors, we have experience in both the Local courts – where less serious matters are heard – and the Supreme Court, where the most serious cases are prosecuted such as major drug crimes, sexual assault and murder. When you find yourself having to defend a case, speak to our team about the options available to you. We stand by our clients' side, providing risk mitigation, advice and more.

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, and it’s important to seek legal advice that is careful, accurate and focused on protecting your rights. Choosing criminal lawyers Darwin residents rely on means having access to informed guidance at every stage of the legal process, from initial advice through to court representation.

The right legal support can helps you understand your position, your options and the possible outcomes, without making unrealistic promises. Bradley Solicitors is chosen by clients because we aim to offer:

• Clear legal guidance – Advice is provided in plain language, helping clients understand the charges they face, the legal process involved and the options available to them.
• Experience with criminal law matters – Ongoing involvement in criminal law matters ensures familiarity with procedures, evidentiary requirements and court expectations.
• Local knowledge of Darwin courts – Understanding local court processes and practices helps support informed preparation and effective representation.
• Client-focused communication – Matters are handled with discretion, respect and sensitivity, recognising the personal and legal impact criminal proceedings can have.
• Ethical representation – All advice and advocacy are delivered in line with professional obligations, focusing on lawful, appropriate strategies rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Engaging dedicated criminal lawyers helps ensure your matter is approached carefully, responsibly and with your legal rights at the forefront of every decision.