Criminal Defence

Criminal Defence Lawyers Across NZ

How many criminal lawyers are there in New Zealand?

We list 30 lawyers who name "Criminal" as an area of practice on the New Zealand Law Society register, read in September 2026. Most are in Auckland (12), Wellington (6) and Bay of Plenty (3).

How do I check a criminal lawyer?

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.

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Criminal defence and court representation

Facing Criminal Charges? Here's What You Need to Know

Quick Answer: Criminal lawyers cost $250-500/hour. Simple matters: $2k-5k, serious charges: $20k-100k+. Legal aid available if you qualify. Call a lawyer immediately if arrested - you have the right to silence. Don't sign anything without legal advice.

If You're Arrested:

  • • Stay calm and polite
  • • Exercise right to silence
  • • Ask for a lawyer immediately
  • • Don't sign anything
  • • Don't resist arrest

What It Costs:

  • • Hourly rate: $250-500
  • • Simple matters: $2k-5k
  • • Mid-range: $5k-20k
  • • Serious charges: $20k-100k+
  • • Legal aid: Free if eligible

How Long It Takes:

  • • Summary offences: 2-6 months
  • • Indictable offences: 12-24 months
  • • Appeals: 6-12 months
  • • Complex trials: 2+ years

Your Rights:

  • • Right to silence
  • • Right to a lawyer
  • • Right to know charges
  • • Right to fair trial
  • • Right to bail application

Do You Need a Lawyer?

You Might Manage Without If:

  • • Minor traffic infringement only
  • • Pleading guilty to minor charge
  • • No risk of prison or conviction
  • • Diversion offered

You Definitely Need a Lawyer If:

  • • Any chance of prison sentence
  • • Serious charges (violence, drugs, sexual)
  • • Pleading not guilty
  • • Conviction would affect job/visa
  • • Police want to interview you

Free Legal Help Available:

Legal Aid:

Income-tested free defence

Duty Lawyers:

Free at court appearances

Community Law:

Free initial advice

Flexible Availability:

Many lawyers offer after-hours consultations

Our Services

Criminal Law Services

Comprehensive criminal defence across all New Zealand courts

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Serious Offences

Expert defence for serious criminal charges including violence, drugs, fraud, and sexual offences at District and High Court.

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Traffic Offences

Defence for drink driving, dangerous driving, speeding, and licence-related charges. Protecting your driving privileges.

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Youth Court

Specialized representation for young people (10-17) in Youth Court proceedings, focusing on rehabilitation and alternatives to conviction.

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Bail Applications

Bail applications to secure release from custody. Experienced lawyers who understand the bail process and court requirements.

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Appeals

Appeals against conviction or sentence to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Reviewing and challenging court decisions.

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How LawyerFinder Works

✓ Lawyer details from the NZ Law Society register
✓ Free to use
✓ No obligation to engage anyone
✓ A directory, not a law firm

Find an Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer

Don't face criminal charges alone. Connect with experienced defence lawyers who will fight for your rights.

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Criminal Defence in New Zealand

LawyerFinder lists criminal defence lawyers from the NZ Law Society register, covering legal services across all New Zealand courts. Whether you're facing minor charges or serious criminal allegations, our lawyers understand the stress and uncertainty you're experiencing and are committed to achieving the best outcome available in your case.

Types of Criminal Charges We Handle

Serious Criminal Offences

  • Violence Offences: Assault, grievous bodily harm, manslaughter, murder
  • Drug Offences: Possession, supply, manufacturing, importing
  • Sexual Offences: Sexual assault, indecent assault, offences against children
  • Fraud & Dishonesty: Theft, fraud, burglary, robbery

Traffic & Driving Offences

See our dedicated drink-driving / DUI lawyer guide →

  • Drink Driving: DUI, excess breath/blood alcohol, refusing tests
  • Dangerous Driving: Reckless driving, dangerous driving causing injury/death
  • Driving While Disqualified: Licence suspension violations
  • Hit and Run: Failing to stop and ascertain injury

Court Representation

  • District Court: Most criminal matters, summary and indictable offences
  • High Court: Serious indictable offences and jury trials
  • Youth Court: Young offender proceedings with specialist approach
  • Court of Appeal: Appeals against conviction and sentence
  • Supreme Court: Final appeals on matters of public importance

Related Legal Services

Quick Answers About Criminal Lawyers

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in New Zealand?

Criminal lawyers in NZ charge $250-500/hour. Simple guilty pleas cost $1,500-4,000. Defended hearings run $8,000-30,000. Jury trials can cost $20,000-80,000+. Legal aid is available for eligible clients.

What should I do if I'm arrested in New Zealand?

If arrested, exercise your right to silence and ask for a lawyer immediately. You must give your name and address, but you don't have to answer other questions. A duty lawyer is available free at your first court appearance.

Can I get legal aid for criminal charges?

Yes, legal aid is available for criminal cases if you meet income and asset tests. Most serious charges qualify. Your lawyer can help you apply at your first court appearance. You may need to repay some costs later.

How long does a criminal case take in NZ?

Simple guilty pleas resolve in 1-3 months. Defended hearings take 6-12 months. Jury trials can take 12-24 months from charge to verdict. Complex cases may take longer.

Criminal Lawyers by Location

Find experienced criminal defence lawyers across New Zealand:

Major Centers

Regional Centers

Other Locations

Related Criminal Legal Services

Criminal charges often involve other areas of law:

Personal & Family

Business & Employment

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