McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers is based in Ballarat Central, directly opposite the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Dana Street. Principal lawyer Luke McMahon provides expert, fixed-fee criminal defence representation across all criminal matter types in Ballarat and the surrounding region.
With offices at Level 1, 15 Dana Street — steps from the front door of the Magistrates Court — we are ideally placed to respond quickly to urgent matters, short-notice bail applications, and same-day court attendances.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Ballarat or the surrounding region, contact us today for a free 30-minute initial consultation.
Criminal Defence in Ballarat
We represent clients across the full range of criminal and traffic matters. Whether you are facing a minor traffic infringement or a serious indictable charge, we provide the same high standard of fixed-fee representation.
Drug Offences
Drug charges are among the most common matters heard at the Ballarat Magistrates Court. We carefully examine the circumstances of any search or seizure, the chain of evidence, and the legal basis for any police action. Common charges we defend include possession of a drug of dependence, drug trafficking, cultivation of cannabis, drug driving, and possession of equipment.
Drink Driving and Traffic Offences
Traffic and drink driving matters are dealt with at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on a daily basis. A conviction can affect your livelihood, particularly if you rely on a driver’s licence for work. We represent clients charged with drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, driving whilst suspended or disqualified, and other traffic matters.
Assault and Violence
We represent clients facing common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, threatening to kill or harm, unlawful assault, and recklessly causing serious injury. We explore all available defences including self-defence, consent, and duress.
Family Violence and Intervention Orders
Family violence matters are treated with particular seriousness in the Victorian justice system. We represent clients in family violence criminal charges, contested FVIOs and PSIOs, and contravention of intervention order charges.
Theft, Fraud and Dishonesty Offences
We represent clients charged with theft, burglary, obtaining financial advantage by deception, handling stolen goods, fraud, blackmail, and related offences. We explore all available defences including lack of intent and honest claim of right.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offence charges require sensitive handling and specialist knowledge of the law. We provide discreet, experienced representation for clients in Ballarat and surrounding areas, including matters heard in the County Court.
Bail Applications
If you or a family member have been refused bail or remanded in custody, we can move quickly on urgent bail applications to the Magistrates Court or Supreme Court. Our location opposite the Magistrates Court allows us to respond without delay.
The Ballarat Magistrates Court and County Court
McMahon Criminal Defence Lawyers regularly appears in both the Ballarat Magistrates Court and the Ballarat County Court.
Ballarat Magistrates Court
The Ballarat Magistrates Court on Dana Street handles the vast majority of criminal matters in the region — summary offences, indictable offences dealt with summarily, bail applications, committal proceedings, and contested hearings. Our offices are directly opposite, allowing us to attend short-notice hearings without delay.
Ballarat County Court
More serious indictable offences — including serious assaults, drug trafficking, sexual offences, and matters involving significant terms of imprisonment — are dealt with at the Ballarat County Court. We represent clients through all stages from committal through to trial or plea.
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. Contact us for a free 30-minute initial consultation and a clear quote.
Areas We Serve
We act for clients throughout the Ballarat region and surrounding areas including Ballarat Central, Bacchus Marsh, Ararat, Stawell, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Creswick, and Maryborough, as well as other regional locations by arrangement.
Get in Touch
Contact us today for a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We are located at Level 1, 15 Dana Street, Ballarat Central — directly opposite the Ballarat Magistrates Court. This means we can respond quickly to urgent court matters and short-notice appearances.
How much will it cost?
All of our criminal defence work is charged on a fixed-fee basis. You will receive a clear quote before any work begins, with no hidden extras or hourly billing surprises. Contact us for a free 30-minute initial consultation.
Do you offer urgent appointments?
Yes. Given our proximity to the Ballarat Magistrates Court, we can often accommodate urgent and same-day appointments. If you have been charged or are due in court shortly, call us as soon as possible.
Do you represent clients at the Ballarat County Court?
Yes. We represent clients in both the Ballarat Magistrates Court and the Ballarat County Court, including for serious indictable matters such as drug trafficking, serious assault, and sexual offences.
What should I do if I have been arrested or charged?
Do not make any statement to police until you have spoken to a lawyer. Exercise your right to silence and contact us as soon as possible. We can advise you on your rights and help you prepare for your first court appearance.
Can you help with a bail application?
Yes. If you or a family member has been remanded in custody or refused bail, we can make an urgent bail application to the Magistrates Court or Supreme Court. Contact us immediately.
Do you cover areas outside of Ballarat?
Yes. We regularly appear in courts throughout the Ballarat region, including Ararat, Stawell, and Bacchus Marsh. We can also travel to other regional courts by arrangement.
What types of criminal matters do you handle?
We handle the full range of criminal matters including drug offences, drink driving and traffic charges, assault and violence, family violence and intervention orders, theft and dishonesty offences, sexual offences, bail applications, and appeals.
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.