If you are facing criminal charges in Ararat, Victoria, McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers can represent you at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court. Principal lawyer Luke McMahon appears regularly at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court and at courts across Western Victoria, providing experienced, fixed-fee criminal defence to clients in Ararat, Stawell, Beaufort and the wider Grampians region. Based directly opposite the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court, we are one of the closest dedicated criminal defence practices to Ararat.
Criminal Defence in Ararat
We represent clients across all criminal matter types heard at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court, including drug offences, drink driving and traffic offences, assault and offences of violence, family violence matters, intervention order proceedings, theft and dishonesty offences, and bail applications.
We understand that facing criminal charges in a regional area can be stressful, and that access to experienced criminal defence representation in towns like Ararat is limited. Many people charged in Ararat assume they must engage a Melbourne firm; in practice, a Ballarat-based criminal defence lawyer who routinely appears in Western Victorian courts can offer the same specialist representation with genuine local knowledge of the court, its Magistrates, and the local police prosecution unit — usually at a significantly lower cost.
The Ararat Magistrates’ Court
The Ararat Magistrates’ Court is located at the corner of Barkly and Ingor Streets, Ararat. The court hears summary criminal matters including traffic and drink driving offences, drug possession, assault, family violence intervention order applications and bail applications, and conducts committal proceedings for indictable matters. Serious indictable offences arising in the Ararat region are generally committed to the County Court sitting at Ballarat or Melbourne — courts in which we also regularly appear.
McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers is based in Ballarat Central, approximately one hour from Ararat, and appears regularly at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court. Because we are local to the region, we can frequently accept Ararat matters at short notice, including overflow and agency briefs for other firms.
Fixed Fees — No Surprises
All of our criminal defence work is charged on a fixed-fee basis. You will know the full cost of your defence upfront, with no hidden extras. See our fees and costs page for more information.
Get in Touch
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you appear at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court?
Yes. Principal lawyer Luke McMahon appears regularly at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court, as well as at the Stawell, Horsham and Ballarat Magistrates’ Courts. Because McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers is based in Ballarat, we can often accept Ararat matters at short notice.
What types of matters does the Ararat Magistrates’ Court hear?
The Ararat Magistrates’ Court hears summary criminal matters including drink driving and traffic offences, drug possession, assault, theft, bail applications and family violence intervention order proceedings. More serious indictable offences begin at the Magistrates’ Court before being committed to the County Court or Supreme Court.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost for the Ararat Magistrates’ Court?
McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers charges fixed fees for criminal defence work, so you will know the full cost of your representation upfront. Contact us for a free initial consultation and a clear quote for your matter.
Do I need to attend the Ararat Magistrates’ Court in person?
It depends on your charges and bail status. In some circumstances, such as certain adjournments or mentions, your lawyer may be able to appear on your behalf or arrange an online appearance. We will advise you clearly on whether your personal attendance is required.
Can you assist with bail applications at Ararat?
Yes. We conduct bail applications at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court and across Western Victoria, including urgent applications. If a family member has been remanded in custody, contact us as early as possible so a properly prepared application can be made.
Can I get legal advice without travelling to Ballarat?
Yes. We offer telephone and video consultations, so you can obtain advice and provide instructions from Ararat or anywhere in the region without needing to attend our Ballarat office.
Get Expert Legal Advice — Fixed Fees, No Surprises
McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers is located directly opposite the Ballarat Magistrates Court. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Find the Ararat Magistrates Court
Find the Ararat Magistrates Court