Criminal Law Experts
Professional criminal defense representation across New Zealand. Protecting your rights with experienced legal advocacy.
Charged with a Crime? Here's What You Need to Know Right Now
Quick Answer: Criminal lawyers in New Zealand handle all criminal charges from theft to serious offenses. Costs: $300-600/hour. Minor charges: $2,000-5,000. Serious charges: $10,000-50,000+. Legal aid available. Call immediately if arrested or under investigation.
Call a Lawyer If:
- • You've been arrested
- • Police want to interview you
- • You're under investigation
- • Served court documents
- • Any criminal charge
What It Will Cost:
- • Consultation: Often free
- • Hourly rate: $300-600
- • Minor charges: $2k-5k
- • Serious charges: $10k-50k+
- • Legal aid available
Your Rights:
- • Right to remain silent
- • Right to a lawyer
- • Don't answer without lawyer
- • Lawyer can be present
- • 24hr maximum hold
What Happens Next:
- • Free legal consultation
- • Review charges/evidence
- • Discuss defense options
- • Court representation
- • Negotiate with prosecution
🚨 Do NOT Do These Things:
Never:
- • Talk to police without a lawyer
- • Sign anything without legal advice
- • Try to represent yourself
- • Ignore court documents
- • Miss court appearances
Always:
- • Exercise your right to silence
- • Ask for a lawyer immediately
- • Get legal advice before any decisions
- • Be polite but don't volunteer info
- • Follow bail conditions exactly
💡 How Legal Aid Works in NZ:
Legal aid is government funding for legal representation. You may qualify if you meet income/asset tests:
Automatic Legal Aid:
Murder, manslaughter charges
Income Test:
Under $23,820/year (before tax)
You May Pay:
Contribution based on income
Criminal Law Services
Comprehensive criminal defense representation for all types of charges and proceedings.
Serious Criminal Charges
Defense against serious charges including assault, theft, fraud, and drug offenses.
Traffic & Driving Offenses
Drink driving, dangerous driving, license suspensions, and traffic violations.
Court Representation
Professional representation in District Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal.
Police Investigations
Legal advice during police interviews, searches, and investigations.
Appeals & Reviews
Appeals against convictions, sentences, and judicial review applications.
Legal Advice
Expert legal advice on criminal matters, rights, and potential consequences.
Get Matched with Criminal Law Experts
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Criminal Lawyers by Location
Find experienced criminal defense specialists in New Zealand's major legal centers:
Major Cities
- Criminal Lawyers Auckland - Complex cases, white collar crime
- Criminal Lawyers Wellington - Appellate work, regulatory prosecution
- Criminal Lawyers Christchurch - South Island's premier defense team
- Criminal Lawyers Hamilton - Regional crime and traffic matters
Regional Centers
- Criminal Lawyers Tauranga - Bay of Plenty defense services
- Criminal Lawyers Dunedin - Otago and Southland representation
- Criminal Lawyers Palmerston North - Manawatu region
- Criminal Lawyers Rotorua - Central North Island
Related Legal Services
Criminal matters often intersect with other areas of law:
Civil & Administrative
- Family Law - Domestic violence and protection orders
- Employment Law - Workplace misconduct and disciplinary proceedings
- Business Law - Corporate compliance and regulatory matters
Specialized Areas
- Personal Injury - Accident-related prosecutions and claims
- Immigration Law - Criminal convictions affecting visa status
- Tax Law - Tax evasion and financial crime defense
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