Avinash Singh is the Principal Lawyer of Astor Legal and one of Australia’s most respected and highly sought-after criminal lawyers. He has represented high-profile clients, including Olympians and National Rugby League (NRL) players.

Mr Singh commenced his legal career more than ten years ago as a law clerk to some of Australia’s most well-known barristers, working on some of the country’s most significant cases. During this time, he learned first-hand from Senior Counsel and Queen’s Counsel how to analyse complex evidence, manage voluminous material, and develop successful case strategies.

Since his admission as a lawyer, Mr Singh has appeared in courtrooms throughout New South Wales and has built a reputation as a formidable and persuasive advocate.

Some of Mr Singh’s most notable cases include:

• Representing rugby league great Andrew Johns and successfully forcing prosecutors to withdraw all proceedings before the first court date.
• Persuading the Court not to record a conviction against an Australian Olympian for serious drug charges, while also ensuring the client’s name was not published in media reports.
• A successful High Court appeal that significantly impacted evidence law in Australia and resulted in the prosecution being unable to present evidence against his client.
• Representing the son of a prominent overseas government official and obtaining not guilty verdicts for multiple sexual assault charges.
• Obtaining not guilty verdicts and a costs order against the DPP in historical sexual assault proceedings involving a prominent lawyer.
• Securing the only acquittal in the greyhound racing “live-baiting” scandal.
• Obtaining a not guilty verdict at trial for fraud charges exceeding $3 million.
• Achieving a no-jail outcome for a $1 million fraud scheme in the construction industry.
• Securing dozens of acquittals in sexual assault trials, commercial drug trials, complex fraud trials, grievous bodily harm, robbery, dangerous driving occasioning death, proceeds of crime, and other serious trial matters.
• Appearing in murder and manslaughter cases that have attracted media attention.
• Representing companies and individuals in corporate crime, white-collar crime, money laundering, bribery, corruption, and related investigations.

Mr Singh is respected by Judges and Magistrates as a persuasive advocate. He has an exceptional record of securing not guilty verdicts and helping clients avoid criminal convictions where they plead guilty. He is also frequently able to negotiate the withdrawal, dismissal, or downgrading of charges in difficult cases, making him one of the best criminal lawyers in Sydney.

He has been recognised by the Law Society as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, a title held by only a small percentage of lawyers. Mr Singh achieved this distinction before the age of 30 and has since been appointed to the Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee, the body responsible for developing and conducting assessments for lawyers seeking specialist accreditation in criminal law.

Mr Singh is also the exclusive criminal law expert for several organisations, including Leaders in Law and Advisory Excellence. Other members of the legal profession regularly seek his advice on complex criminal law matters.

His success has seen him recognised across television, radio, online, and print media. Journalists frequently contact him for legal commentary on breaking news, criminal law issues, and major legal developments.

Mickaela is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and the founder of Mate Lawyers. After graduating from the University of Newcastle with First Class Honours, she commenced her legal career at a boutique criminal defence firm in Kings Cross, where she gained extensive experience across a broad range of criminal matters, including traffic offences, drug importation, and murder cases.

In 2020, Mickaela established Mate Lawyers with a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. She takes an individualised and client-focused approach, understanding that involvement in the criminal justice system is often one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Mickaela is known for guiding clients through the process with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support.

While empathetic and approachable with her clients, Mickaela is also recognised as a fearless and highly effective advocate in the courtroom. She is particularly skilled in cross-examination and is regularly commended by judicial officers for her precise and strategic approach to questioning.

Mickaela has significant experience representing clients in matters involving:

• Sexual assault offences
• Drug possession, supply, and importation offences
• Assault matters, including domestic violence and assaults on police officers
• Weapons and firearms offences, including prohibition orders
• Robbery offences
• Driving offences, including drink driving and drug driving matters
• Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) proceedings
• Fraud and dishonesty offences

Mickaela regularly appears in all jurisdictions throughout New South Wales. While she predominantly practises in metropolitan Sydney, she also maintains a strong presence in her hometown of Newcastle.

Joseph Harb is the Principal Lawyer of Australian Criminal Defence, one of Australia’s most trusted criminal law firms. Australian Criminal Defence has built a strong reputation for providing strategic, relentless, and results-driven representation in complex criminal matters throughout New South Wales.

The firm operates across six conveniently located Sydney offices and is known for offering free consultations and fixed fees for criminal law matters. Joseph Harb has earned significant respect within Sydney’s legal profession for his determination, advocacy, and ability to secure favourable outcomes in serious and high-profile criminal cases, particularly in matters involving drug supply and drug importation offences.

Mr Harb has successfully navigated highly complex criminal proceedings involving substantial quantities of prohibited drugs and has secured acquittals before judges, juries, and Local Court Magistrates alike. His attention to detail, strategic preparation, and strong working relationships with courts and prosecutors have consistently allowed him to achieve outstanding results for his clients.

Throughout his career, hundreds of Mr Harb’s Local Court matters have resulted in no convictions being recorded. He provides nuanced and practical advice tailored to each client’s circumstances, whether the matter proceeds by way of defended hearing, trial, or negotiated plea. He is particularly recognised for his skill in negotiating facts and charges with police and prosecutors.

Australian Criminal Defence is also renowned for the extensive work undertaken during pre-trial negotiations, including the preparation of detailed legal representations seeking the withdrawal of charges. This proactive approach has become a defining feature of the firm’s practice and a key reason why many clients choose Australian Criminal Defence.

In drug-related matters, Mr Harb has secured exceptional outcomes for clients facing serious allegations. These include persuading a judge not to record a conviction for a client charged with supplying 560 ecstasy tablets, as well as obtaining a non-conviction outcome for another client charged with possession of 88 pills and the supply of 22 pills. He has also secured hundreds of section 10 non-convictions for clients charged with drug possession offences.

Joseph Harb regularly appears in the Local, District, and Supreme Courts of New South Wales in matters involving offences such as murder, sexual assault, fraud, and serious drug offences. He also has extensive experience acting in proceedings involving the NSW Crime Commission, including proceeds of crime matters.

If you have been charged with a criminal or drug-related offence, the team at Australian Criminal Defence offers free consultations to discuss your matter and provide clear advice on the best path forward.

Mark Kryakos has built a strong reputation as a tenacious and highly effective lawyer, recognised for his fierce advocacy, strategic thinking, and skilful negotiation.

He has a proven track record of success across complex criminal and family law matters, regularly representing clients in high-pressure and challenging legal proceedings. Mark has also developed a respected niche practice acting for defendants in SafeWork NSW prosecutions, where his detailed preparation and strong courtroom advocacy have delivered favourable outcomes for clients.

Mark appears daily in Criminal and Family Law Courts throughout Australia and is known for his practical, client-focused approach. He is committed to achieving the best possible result for every client while providing clear and strategic guidance throughout the legal process.

Outside of his legal practice, Mark regularly volunteers his time to causes he is passionate about. He is a regular presenter at the SAVE Traffic Offenders Program and has previously volunteered with the Nepean Hawkesbury Family Law Service, reflecting his ongoing commitment to supporting the broader community.

Elie Srour is a leading criminal defence lawyer and the Principal of Criminal Law Group, one of Sydney’s top criminal law firms. With more than a decade of experience practising exclusively in criminal law, Elie has successfully represented thousands of clients in courts across New South Wales.

Elie is widely respected for his strong advocacy skills, strategic approach, and ability to secure favourable outcomes in even the most challenging criminal matters. His extensive experience in criminal defence gives clients a significant advantage when facing serious allegations, traffic matters, or complex criminal proceedings.

Known as a persuasive and fearless advocate, Elie prides himself on his ability to negotiate effectively with police and prosecutors while strongly representing his clients in court. He is committed to ensuring every client receives his full attention, honest advice, and unwavering support throughout the legal process.

Elie takes a client-focused approach to criminal defence, recognising the serious impact criminal charges can have on a person’s life, reputation, and future. Regardless of the seriousness of the allegations, he works tirelessly to ensure his client’s position is properly communicated, their voice is heard, and they receive a fair outcome.

Elie provides professional representation for all criminal and traffic law matters across New South Wales and is known for being accessible, responsive, and dedicated to achieving the best possible result for his clients.

Michael Moussa is the Principal Lawyer of National Criminal Lawyers® and practises exclusively in criminal law. He is widely recognised for his strong courtroom advocacy, strategic approach to criminal defence, and involvement in some of Sydney’s most high-profile criminal matters.

Michael is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales and the Criminal Law Division of the Legal Aid Panel. Throughout his career, he has worked with and managed some of Sydney’s leading criminal law firms, consistently achieving exceptional results in highly complex and serious criminal cases.

Known for his fearless advocacy and rigorous testing of prosecution evidence, Michael has earned a reputation as a formidable courtroom lawyer. His ability to effectively cross-examine witnesses and challenge even the strongest prosecution cases has led to national recognition within the criminal law field.

Michael regularly appears in the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. He has represented clients in a broad range of high-profile matters, including indecent assault, acts of indecency, fraud, manslaughter, abduction, and other serious criminal offences.

In addition to criminal trials and hearings, Michael has extensive experience in Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) proceedings, parole hearings, NSW Crime Commission matters, and Coronial Inquests. He has also been mentored by some of Australia’s leading advocates, including Supreme Court Judges and Senior Counsel. Michael is among a limited number of criminal lawyers in Australia to have completed a Master of Laws specialising in Criminal Practice.

Michael is fluent in Arabic and has a strong connection with the Middle Eastern community throughout Western Sydney. He is highly experienced in managing complex and document-heavy criminal matters, with a particular ability to analyse extensive material, identify critical issues, and formulate effective defence strategies aimed at securing charge withdrawals, dismissals, and not guilty verdicts.

He is also a passionate advocate for individuals who have been mistreated or unfairly targeted during police investigations and arrests. Michael is committed to ensuring that both NSW Police and Federal Police conduct investigations lawfully and within the proper limits of their authority.

Michael prides himself on providing clear, honest, and strategic legal advice tailored to each client’s individual circumstances. He is dedicated to protecting the rights of those accused of criminal and traffic offences and works tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for every client.

Some of Michael’s notable matters and outcomes include:

• Successfully obtaining bail in serious kidnapping allegations
• Representing high-profile individuals in Apprehended Violence Order proceedings
• Securing the withdrawal of charges in serious criminal matters
• Obtaining bail in complex fraud and organised crime proceedings
• Achieving reduced sentences and favourable plea outcomes
• Securing Intensive Correction Orders for serious offences
• Obtaining dismissals and favourable outcomes in a wide range of criminal and traffic matters

National Criminal Lawyers® offers free consultations for individuals facing criminal or traffic law matters, with Michael and his team committed to providing professional, strategic, and results-driven representation.

Michael Kuzilny is one of Australia’s most respected and results-driven criminal defence lawyers. With more than 30 years of experience, thousands of successful outcomes, and a reputation built on integrity, compassion, and relentless advocacy, Michael has successfully represented clients in Local and District Courts throughout New South Wales.

Known for his approachable and client-focused manner, Michael combines extensive legal knowledge with genuine care for the people he represents. He is recognised for taking the time to understand each client’s circumstances while fighting passionately to achieve the best possible result in every matter.

Michael brings a unique depth of experience to criminal law, having previously served as a police officer before completing his Bachelor of Laws with Honours. His background provides him with valuable insight into police procedures, investigations, and the criminal justice system, allowing him to strategically defend clients facing criminal and traffic charges.

In addition to his legal career, Michael is also a certified life coach and the long-time host of the inspirational television program Tough Times Never Last on Foxtel. Through both his legal practice and public work, he has become widely known as “Australia’s Favourite Legal Eagle” — a lawyer recognised not only for achieving strong legal outcomes, but also for listening, understanding, and supporting clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Michael continues to advocate passionately for his clients, providing experienced, strategic, and results-focused representation across a broad range of criminal law matters throughout New South Wales.

Sherleen Chand is the Principal Lawyer of Criminal Lawyers Sydney and is widely recognised as a highly sought-after criminal defence lawyer with an exceptional track record in serious and complex criminal matters.

Ms Chand has successfully defended clients facing allegations including murder, intent to murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault, large-scale fraud, and commercial drug importation, supply, and manufacture offences. She is known for her strategic thinking, meticulous preparation, and fearless courtroom advocacy.

Respected by Judges, Magistrates, police, and DPP prosecutors alike, Ms Chand is frequently able to persuade prosecutors to withdraw criminal proceedings entirely or accept significantly reduced charges, even in cases where the prosecution evidence initially appears strong.

Ms Chand’s extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure has been demonstrated in numerous high-profile matters. In one particularly complex murder investigation involving multiple co-accused, she worked closely with the NSW Homicide Squad and successfully negotiated an induced statement arrangement, ultimately resulting in her client not being charged.

She has also appeared in serious jury trials involving aggravated sexual assault allegations, including matters concerning children, where her detailed preparation and advocacy contributed to her client being acquitted on all counts.

In another notable matter, Ms Chand represented a client charged with stabbing a police officer in the execution of duty. Through careful preparation, expert psychiatric evidence, and a strategic mental illness defence in a judge-alone trial, she secured a verdict of not guilty by reason of mental illness.

Ms Chand has also achieved exceptional outcomes in serious drug matters. In one commercial drug supply case, she negotiated extensively with the Director’s office through detailed written representations, successfully reducing the matter to a drug possession charge finalised in the Local Court, where no criminal conviction was ultimately recorded.

She is highly experienced in interlocutory proceedings, including bail applications and committal hearings, and has achieved favourable outcomes in cases where clients were previously advised that success was unlikely. This includes obtaining bail in commercial drug importation matters involving quantities exceeding 300 kilograms, as well as securing Supreme Court bail for a client extradited from Thailand facing serious and highly publicised sexual assault allegations.

Ms Chand also has significant experience representing young people in Children’s Court proceedings, including serious robbery and co-accused matters. Through detailed preparation and strategic advocacy, she has successfully helped clients avoid criminal convictions and minimise long-term consequences.

Known for her ability to analyse extensive evidence, identify weaknesses in prosecution cases, and develop effective defence strategies, Ms Chand consistently achieves strong outcomes across a broad range of criminal matters.

In addition to complex indictable matters, she regularly represents clients in Local Court proceedings involving assaults, drug offences, fraud, larceny, Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), drink and drug driving matters, driving whilst disqualified, negligent driving, and licence appeals.

Ms Chand’s clients benefit from her professionalism, dedication, strategic advocacy, and unwavering determination. She is regarded as a formidable courtroom lawyer and an integral member of Sydney’s leading criminal defence community.