Criminal Lawyers in Auckland
How many criminal lawyers are there in Auckland?
We list 12 lawyers in Auckland who name "Criminal" as an area of practice on the New Zealand Law Society register, read in September 2026. By register role, 8 are partners, directors or shareholders, 1 is an employed lawyer and 3 are sole practitioners. 5 were admitted in 2006 or earlier.
How do I choose a criminal lawyer in Auckland?
We do not rank lawyers. Each card below shows what the register records: role and practice, year of admission, and practising certificate. Seniority is not the same as experience with matters like yours, so ask how many similar matters a lawyer has handled, who will do the work, and for the basis of their fees in writing, which lawyers other than barristers sole must give you in advance (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4).
How do I check a criminal lawyer is registered?
Every practising lawyer in New Zealand must hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. Search the Law Society's Find a Lawyer page, or open a profile here: each links to the lawyer's register entry and shows the certificate type and expiry date as we last read them. The Law Society does not accredit specialisations.
Coverage: we hold 1,322 of about 19,126 register entries (roughly 7%), so these are our counts, not the size of the profession. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice.
Need a Criminal Lawyer in Auckland?
Quick Answer: Auckland has a wide range of criminal lawyers. Hourly rates: $350-550. Defended hearings: $15,000-50,000+. Critical: Exercise your right to silence and call a lawyer immediately if arrested. If you are detained, you can ask police for free advice from a duty lawyer at any hour under the Police Detention Legal Assistance scheme. Legal aid for eligible clients.
Typical Costs:
- - Simple guilty plea: $2,500-5,000
- - Defended hearing: $15,000-50,000
- - Jury trial: $30,000-100,000+
- - Bail application: $1,500-3,000
What We Handle:
- - Drug offences: Possession, supply, manufacturing
- - Violence: Assault, domestic violence, serious crime
- - Fraud: Dishonesty, financial crime, theft
- - Driving: Drink driving, dangerous driving
Criminal Law Services
- 💊Drug Offences
- 👊Assault & Violence
- 💰Fraud & Dishonesty
- 🚗Drink & Dangerous Driving
- 🔗Bail Applications
- ⚖️Jury Trials
Auckland Courts
- 🏛️Auckland District Court
- 🏛️Auckland High Court
- 🏛️Manukau District Court
- 🏛️North Shore District Court
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Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Auckland?
Auckland criminal lawyers charge $350-550/hour. A simple guilty plea costs $2,500-5,000, while defended hearings range from $15,000-50,000+.
Can I get legal aid for criminal charges?
Yes, legal aid is available if you meet income and asset tests. For serious charges, you're more likely to qualify.
What should I do if I'm arrested?
Exercise your right to silence and ask for a lawyer immediately. You have the right to consult a lawyer before answering police questions.
Criminal Defence in Auckland
Auckland's criminal lawyers handle the full spectrum of criminal matters, from minor offences to serious jury trials. With Auckland District Court being one of the busiest in New Zealand, local lawyers have extensive courtroom experience and established relationships with prosecutors and judges.
Related Services
- Criminal Law Overview
- Auckland Lawyers - All practice areas
Facing Criminal Charges? Act Now.
Get immediate advice from Auckland's top criminal defence lawyers. If you are detained, you can ask police for free advice from a duty lawyer at any hour under the Police Detention Legal Assistance scheme.
Request a Quote12 criminal lawyers in Auckland
Lawyers on the New Zealand Law Society register who list this area of practice, as read from the register in September 2026. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice. Confirm current standing on the register before engaging.